Founded by Giacomo Tommasi in 1902, Tommasi has grown to be the largest family-owned vineyard estate in the Valpolicella Classica, owning 105 hectares and an additional 15 hectares in the Lugana DOC. Tommasi is located in Pedemonte in the heart of the historic ‘Classico’ region, from which the best quality wines are produced. The estate is owned and managed by the fourth generation of the Tommasi family, with six family members working together in harmony. Pierangelo manages the UK market, while winemaker, Giancarlo prefers to stay close the vineyards and winery.
The grapes for the Amarone come from hillside vineyards in the Valpolicella Classico area; Conca d’Oro and La Groletta vineyards. The vineyards are situated at 290-330m with south/south west exposure. The soils are clay and loam of volcanic origin. The vines are trained using the traditional pergola system (3,500 vines/ha) and also Guyot at a density of 6,500 vines per hectare.
The very best grape bunches were carefully selected and hand-picked. The grapes were then laid out in boxes of 5-6 kg and naturally dried in the fruttaio (a large room with natural air circulation) for four months. After the ‘appasimento’ or drying process, the grapes were gently pressed the following January. A skin maceration and alcoholic fermentation took place in wooden vats at 26-28°C lasting 40 days . After fermentation, the wine was matured for 30 months in 35 hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels before bottling. The wines is aged for a further year in bottle before release.
The anomalous climatic trend saw a dry and harsh winter, with little rainfall only in February. In Spring, temperatures below average were recorded and production, especially in the hills, underwent a decrease. Thanks to the temperature changes of the second decade of August and the rains of September, the grapes arrived in the winery perfectly ripe. The grapes went through another careful selection once in the winery to make sure only the very best bunches were used for Amarone.
Deep ruby in colour. The wine has complex aromas of ripe cherry, black fruit, wild berries and warm spices. The palate is concentrated with excellent structure and flavours of ripe black and red fruits, leather and dark chocolate. A perstisting and prefumed, velvety finish.
Beef, game, lamb and blue cheeses
James Suckling 93/100
Wine Advocate 91/100
Wine Spectator 91/100
Vinous 92/100
Valpolicella Classico, Veneto
Corvina 50%
Corvinone 30%
Rondinella 15%
Oseleta 5%
Natural Cork
15%
Yes
Yes
