Amarone della Valpolicella Classico wines are rich, red amarone wines from the traditional Classico viticultural zone of Valpolicella in Veneto, north-eastern Italy. As is the case outside the Classico boundaries, the principal grape variety is Corvina, backed up mainly by Corvinone, Rondinella and Oseleta. All Amarone wines are made using the appassimento technique. Grapes are partially dried, gently pressed and slowly fermented. They must spend at least two years maturing in wood. Amarone wines from the Classico zone tend to be the most elegant and aromatic. Those from Valpantena are generally lighter and fruitier. Bottlings from the extended Valpolicella region tend to be fuller bodied and more aromatic. The popularity of Amarone has led to much greater production of the style across the wider Valpolicella region. This has created some variation in quality levels of Amarone wines. Though great examples are made in other Valpolicella zones (Romano dal Forno to name but one), this has led to renewed emphasis on Amarone della Valpolicella Classico. Some of the stellar producers within the zone include Quintarelli, Allegrini and Masi. The finest Classico vineyards are found around Fumane, Marano, Negar and Sant'Ambroglio. The wines originating here rank among the best in Italy.