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 hand selection of grapes for Amarone began in the first weeks of September. Breezy conditions throughout the growing season resulted in a natural thinning of vegetation and reduced yields. The clusters were sparse, a good size and the grapes had a thick skin, ideal for ‘appassimento’ (drying process). “The wind and summer breeze gave us grapes with a very wide aromatic range,” comments Giancarlo Tommasi, “while maintaining the harmonic structure of wines, where the ratio of acidity and of minerality is balanced. The Valpolicella classica region will remember the 2011 vintage among one of the best in recent years.
Deep ruby red colour with garnet shades. Good persistence on the palate with elegant tannins and pleasant sweet balsamic velvety tones. Balanced after taste with great pleasure and enveloping. Ruby red colour purple with good intensity and density. Spicy scent of dried figs, cherries, herbs.
Braised red meats, game and mature cheese.
Serve at 18-20°C.
Natalie McLean: 95 Points
James Suckling: 92 Points
Parker: 92 Points
Wine Spectator: 91 Points
Wine Advocate: 92 Points
“The warmth of the 2011 vintage shows clearly with darkened aromas of blackberry preserves and candied charry. Bold layers of spice, leather and tobacco stand at the back. The wine boasts smooth, velveteen tannins. Drink this Amarone within the next 5-8 years” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Valpolicella Classico, Veneto
50% Corvina Veronese
30% Rondinella
15% Corvinone
5% Oseleta
Natural cork
15%
8
5.79
