If a customer is looking for Amarone but wants to spend less than $30, what would you suggest?

When a customer is searching for Amarone but is looking for something under $30, suggesting a Valpolicella Ripasso is a fitting option. Valpolicella Ripasso is often referred to as "Baby Amarone" because it utilizes a unique winemaking technique where the wine is re-passed over the leftover grape skins after the production of Amarone. This method enriches the wine, imparting some of the same complexity and depth found in Amarone, while typically being more affordable.

The price point of Valpolicella Ripasso generally falls within a more accessible range, especially compared to Amarone, which can be quite expensive due to its labor-intensive production involving the drying of grapes before fermentation.

In contrast, Aglianico del Vulture, Chianti Classico, and Brunello di Montalcino, while excellent wines in their own right, may not provide the same flavor profile or depth that someone seeking an alternative to Amarone would expect. Notably, both Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino are likely to exceed the $30 budget, as they are known for their quality and often command higher prices. Aglianico del Vulture, while typically less expensive, offers a different