Amarone Colonna Ducale is made from dried grapes. After harvesting, the hand-picked grapes are stored for about 3 months in spacious, well-ventilated halls, called fruttaie, to be dried by the cold autumn and winter breezes. During this time, the grapes lose about 30-35% of their original weight. The loss of liquid causes sugars and aromas to concentrate in the pulp, giving Amarone its incomparable character. After vinification, the Amarone is aged for at least three years in large oak barrels and then refined again for at least six months in the bottle.