L'Arco is the passion project of Luca Fedrigo, a top-notch winemaker from the Valpolicella region in Italy's Veneto. He's no fly-by-nighter; Luca spent a decade learning the ropes from the absolute master of Amarone, Giuseppe Quintarelli.

Taking all that wisdom on board, he started L'Arco to make small-batch, high-quality wines that properly reflect his homeland. He's a real stickler for tradition and hard yakka, doing everything from the vineyard to the bottling himself with just a small crew. He even practices organic farming, which shows his commitment to getting the best out of the land without mucking about. The name 'L'Arco' comes from an old stone arch near his place, a nod to the history he’s so dedicated to carrying on.

First off, when you get your nose in the glass, L'Arco Pario presents a complex and alluring bouquet. It's a bit of a ripper, with classic notes of dried red fruits like cherry and raspberry, which is a tell-tale sign of those partially dried grapes. You'll also pick up some darker, more savoury characters, like tobacco and a hint of forest floor, as well as a nice waft of baking spices like cinnamon and cloves. It’s got a bit of that rustic, old-world charm that makes you feel like you're sipping a wine with a genuine story.

On the palate, this wine is a real cracker. It's got a velvety, full-bodied feel that's surprisingly elegant and not heavy-handed. The rich dark fruit flavours from the nose follow through, with notes of black cherry, fig, and a touch of liquorice. The blend of traditional grape varieties—Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara—really shines through, giving it a balanced profile. The 'ripasso' method, where a portion of the wine is passed over Amarone skins, adds an extra layer of richness and complexity without making it a big, boozy beast.

The finish is where it all comes together beautifully. It’s long, smooth, and carries on with those fruit and spice notes. The tannins are well-integrated and supple, giving the wine a lovely structure that’s not at all drying. It leaves a satisfying warmth and a subtle, lingering taste of something earthy and spicy, making it a bloody good drop to savour. It’s a perfect bridge between a fresh Valpolicella and a rich Amarone, making it both approachable and seriously interesting.