The Italian Collection from Tomatin consists of three releases finished in Italian wine casks. This release was distilled in 2010 and aged for ten years in ex-bourbon casks followed by a finishing period in barrels that formerly held Amarone.
Amarone is made in the Valpolicella region around Venice in Northern Italy. The grapes used, mainly corvina, corvinone, rondinella, are harvested very ripe and then dried in wooden racks so that they shrivel and raisin which concentrates the sugars. This is not dissimilar to how PX sherry is made except Amarone is fermented out, in a process that takes months, so that no sugar remains. The result is something utterly unique, a strong dry red wine with flavours of dried fruit, balsamic spicy notes and nuts.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
Nose Orchard fruit mixed with dried fruits, orange peel and marzipan.
Palate Sweet tawny Port-like notes, red cherries, toffee and cinnamon.
Finish Lingering baking spices, raisin and caramel.