One of the largest and strongest wines produced in Europe is amarone, which frequently has an alcohol content of 16% or higher. It has a long history and is from the Valpolicella region of Italy, which is between Verona to the west and Venice to the east.

Even before the Romans arrived, the Greeks were making wine in Valpolicella, and the name itself is believed to be a combination of Latin and Greek that means "Valley of Cellars." The Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella native grapes used to make the region's light, aromatic red wines have traditionally been in high demand locally. And even now, the vast majority of the wine produced here is still in a light, approachable type that is best enjoyed young and informally.