Fumanelli “Octavius” is a profound Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Made by Marchesi Fumanelli, one of Verona’s oldest family estates, this DOCG Riserva is built from hand-selected dried grapes and long oak aging. It anchors our cellar list as a benchmark Italian collector’s wine, the kind of bottle made for a milestone evening.
About the Winery
Marchesi Fumanelli is one of the most historic family wineries in the Valpolicella region, with roots tracing back to 1470 and many generations of winemaking on the Squarano estate near Verona. The family farms its own estate vineyards within the walls of their ancient property, and Octavius is their flagship expression of Amarone.
Region & Grape
This is Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOCG, from the Squarano estate near Verona in the Veneto. It is built on the classic Valpolicella grapes, led by Corvina and Corvinone with Rondinella. The hand-selected grapes are dried on traditional wooden racks for around four months to concentrate them, then the wine is aged in French oak for 48 months before further time in bottle. The vintage we pour is 2010.
Tasting Notes
Expect heady aromas of macerated black cherry, plum, and baking spice. The palate is dense and deeply concentrated, with ripe and dried dark fruit, licorice, dark chocolate, and notes of coffee and dried herbs. Long oak aging gives it a silky, resolved texture and a remarkably long finish. It is dry, powerful, and beautifully mature.
What to Pair It With
A wine of this depth deserves the richest dishes on the menu. Pair it with our American Wagyu Steaks, Lasagna, or a Charcuterie Board. It is also superb as a slow, contemplative pour to close the night. Explore more on our full dine-in menu.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Fumanelli Octavius Amarone Riserva is offered by the bottle at Grappa for $470 as part of our cellar selection.
FAQ
Where is Fumanelli Octavius Amarone from?
It is from the Squarano estate near Verona in the Veneto, Italy, made by Marchesi Fumanelli, a family winery with roots dating to 1470. It is an Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOCG.
What does Fumanelli Octavius taste like?
It is deep and richly concentrated, with macerated black cherry, plum, baking spice, licorice, and dark chocolate. Long oak aging gives it a silky texture and a very long, mature finish.
Why is Octavius so expensive?
It is a Riserva made from hand-selected dried grapes and aged 48 months in French oak before release, a labor-intensive process that yields one of the region’s most concentrated and age-worthy Amarones.
Ready to enjoy a bottle with dinner? Book a table, browse our full wine list, and explore the dine-in menu.
