Fabiano Rosso Veronese 'Negraro' 2022

From just east of Lake Garda, a region famed for Amarone - those big, plush reds with equally plush price tags - here's a wine that captures that style without costing the earth. Made with partially dried grapes (that's Leggero Appassimento if you’re studying the label), it packs in more richness and concentration than you might expect at this price. The nose gives refined aromas of ripe cherries and a touch of sweet spice, while the palate has an impressive depth. It's rich and intense, but there's a nice brightness to it too, rounded off with smooth, soft tannins.

A lovely match for a wild mushroom risotto or a slow-cooked beef brasato, with its rich cherry and plum notes adding just the right touch to the earthy, savoury flavours.

Vini Fabiano's story starts in Venice just before the First World War when Francesco Fabiano first set up shop. He must have been onto something, as he found success selling wines around town and slowly expanded across Veneto and northwest Italy. By the late ‘60s, they'd made quite a move, establishing a sizeable estate in Sona, nestled between Verona and Lake Garda. Today, it's Alessandro Fabiano at the helm, following in his father Nicola's footsteps. Their range now includes Veronese specialities, prosecco, and regional varietals, but their prized Amarones and Valpolicellas remain the real jewels in the family crown.