Best Price in the World on Gorgeous Italian Red!
After 25 years, Marco Speri left his family winery, one of the region's foundational producers, to create his own vision for the apogee of Amarone.
Looking to produce a wine more stylistically friendly, more food compatible, and more directly in competition to the greats of Barolo and Brunello, he founded Secondo Marco.
Today, at a price that beats every listing on the planet, including those in Italy, we bring you his current release. From the great 2016 vintage, it is the most gorgeous Amarone we have tasted in years!
Read on for the full story, including a 95-Point review from Falstaff Magazine, and for details on a mineral-drenched Pinot Blanc from the legendary Elena Walch, then smack the Green Button to get in on the action.
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2016 Secondo Marco
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Veneto, Italy
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This harmonious, bodacious, big-bodied bruiser is like Richard Dent in a bottle. Unlike most wineries, Marco makes just a single bottling of Amarone. There is no Riserva siphoning off the best juice, this is it!
With gorgeous, intertwined notes of steeped black cherry, milk chocolate, sandalwood, walnut, black plum, sundried tomato and thyme, the length and complexity of this wine are standout. The creamy texture is SO easy to love.
It is our favorite Amarone in years, and we’re not alone in our full-throated praise. Swiss publication Falstaff has more exposure to this wine than most US critics, and they go a point higher than our conservative assessment...
“Dark, rich ruby red colour with a subtly brightening rim. Delicately savoury nose of crunchy walnut, ripe cherry, milk chocolate, pepper and violet. Great savouriness and fine aromas on the palate, embedded in creamy tannins, savoury fruit, very tense, slightly salty, beautifully harmonious.”
- 95 Points, Falstaff (11/2025)
Serve with traditional dishes like osso buco, polenta with herb-roasted mushrooms and Risotto all'Amarone, or use it as you would a fine Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This will be just fantastic with cheeses. Grab your favorite hard cheese, walnut jam and rosemary crackers and you'll be good for most of the night!
While Marco's wine is getting tremendous respect in Europe, it is not widely distributed in the U.S. We found just four listings for this beauty stateside, with an $89 median. Not only does today's price blow them all away, it handily beats every single listing on the planet! A totally crazy opportunity here.
Vin Chicago Price: 57.99
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Elena Walch’s Gorgeous, Mineral-Driven,
94-Point Alto Adige Pinot Bianco!
2022 Elena Walch ”Kristallberg” Pinot Bianco
Alto Adige, Italy
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Showcasing the minerality and salinity of a top Albariño with the weight and texture of a classic Pessac-Léognac white, the 2022 “Kristallberg” Pinot Bianco from Elena Walch is absolutely gorgeous.
Sourced from a high elevation vineyard in Northern Italy’s mountainous Alto Adige, it is hauntingly complex, elegant, and mouthwateringly delicious. Aromas and flavors of white peach, golden apple, and preserved lemon are matched with slivered almonds, fresh wild Alpine herbs, and crushed stones. The palate is beautifully balanced with bright, racy acidity and a rich, round mouthfeel.
We are a strong 93 Points. Check out this compelling trio of reviews leading with Wine Enthusiast’s 94-Point notes...
“Mineral aromas lift out of the glass first with notes of flint and smoke that give way to pure aromas of white peach and lemon blossom as the moon yielding to the sun. As you sip, flavors of apricot unfolds from tart skin to lush flesh, mingling with candied pear and preserved lemon peel. With a salty finish and layers of depth, this wine offers an immersive journey that promises to age beautifully. Drink Now - 2040.”
- 94 Points, Wine Enthusiast (12/31/2024)
“A firm spine of sleek acidity structures this linear-driven version, with aromas and flavors of plumped white cherry, poached pear, tangerine peel, salted Marcona almond and dried mint revealing themselves gradually as they expand on the palate and through the minerally finish. Sip this slowly, pair it with food or cellar it in the short term to experience this complex and layered white. Best after 2025. 700 cases made.”
- 92 Points, Wine Spectator (11/15/2024)
“Almonds, apricots, cream and some cedar on the nose. Crushed stones, too. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a creamy texture and an elegant, chalky and mineral finish. Drink now or hold.”
- 93 Points, James Suckling (7/3/2024)
Median online retail for this artisanal Alpine white is $52. Blowing away every listing, our price is 30% less! Only five cases available.
Vin Chicago Price: 35.99
