Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2012

Producer Information

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.

Vineyards

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.

Winemaking

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.

Vintage Information

The 2012 Vintage enjoyed relatively mild weather with very little rain. However, cold temperatures in Spring postponed blossoming for a week and the Summer season was very warm with low rainfall. Lower temperatures in August restored the equilibrium of the vintage, however, leading 2012 to be exceptionally promising, especially for Amarone.

Tasting Note

Deep and intense on the nose with aromas of dried cherries, plums and spiced fruit compote. The palate is powerful with an excellent balance of ripe tannins, spice and savoury fruit character.

Food Pairing

Braised red meats, game and mature cheese.

Press

James Suckling: 93 Points

Wine Enthusiast: 91 Points

Valpolicella Classico, Veneto
Corvina Veronese - 50%
Corvinone - 15%
Rondinella - 30%
Oseleta - 5%

Natural Cork
15.5%
7.9 g/l
5.25 g/l

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