332612 Mon Oct 09 16:43:52 -0700 2006 10 34 Wine 0 1932779 My husband and I have relatively recently discovered Amarone, and love it, but it generally seems quite expensive, especially in restaurants. Any suggestions on bottles that are more reasonable - say under $35? And is possible to find ones say under $20? TIA Mon Oct 09 16:43:52 -0700 2006 10985 MMRuth 1 1932876 Trader Joe's sells an Amarone for less than $20, but it is not very good. There is a producer, Cesari, that has pretty good Amarone that can be found at around $32 retail. For a VERY special occasion, try the 1997 Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone - it will blow you away... Mon Oct 09 17:25:17 -0700 2006 1932779 15835 Husky 2 1932882 Thanks - as a followup - why are they so expensive - simple supply and demand? Mon Oct 09 17:26:36 -0700 2006 1932876 10985 MMRuth 3 1932943 Amarone is very difficult and expensive to make. Here is a good explanation: http://www.wineloverspage.com/italwineguide/amarone.phtml Mon Oct 09 17:55:32 -0700 2006 1932882 15835 Husky 4 1932957 Thanks for the link - should have done a google but went straight to CH! Mon Oct 09 17:59:37 -0700 2006 1932943 10985 MMRuth 1 1933249 You might try Zenato Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa. Not a real amarone but it is a real mini-Amarone. A deep, red-purple hue. On the nose there are smoke-tinged fruits, with liquorice and cough candy. A rich, full smooth finish derived from the ripasso process. Less than $20 in this market. One of my favorite wines. Mon Oct 09 19:43:59 -0700 2006 1932779 12473 Wineman 1 1933634 ripassas are a good way to get that amarone nose and some of the mouthfeel without sacrificing the wallet. zenato's is pretty good, and readily available. one that is better, imho, and a little less readily available is la giaretta super ripassa... should retail for around 17 bucks or so. Mon Oct 09 21:43:27 -0700 2006 1932779 14280 HeelsSoxHound 2 1933869 I'll look for it. Mon Oct 09 23:03:40 -0700 2006 1933634 12473 Wineman 1 1937979 I'm glad to see this post. The first time I tasted amarone it was at the home of friends and we all really liked it. On my own dime I bought a relatively inexpensive bottle and completely disliked it. Thought it was syrupy and dirty tasting, pretty awful. I'm glad to learn that I ought to try again, only this time hold out until I can afford a good bottle. thanks. Wed Oct 11 15:30:42 -0700 2006 1932779 41270 ellaj 1 2345346 I too would like to experiment with amarone. I don't want to break the bank but also, don't want to waste my money on a substandard bottle. Is there a certain pricepoint that I should look for in either the amarone or the ripassa? I'm writing down all the names I saw here, but just wanted a bit more guidance before I venture to my wine store - on a Friday, no less! thanks Fri Mar 02 09:40:04 -0800 2007 1932779 49086 amyvc 1 2345560 As other posters suggested, Valpolicella Ripasso Superiores are excellent "cousins" of Amarone, very drinkable and great value for the money. Fri Mar 02 10:29:09 -0800 2007 1932779 42549 Chicago Mike