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 45 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 Arele come from hillside vineyards in the Valpolicella Classico area. The vineyards are situated at 290-330m with south/south west exposure. The soils are clay and loam of volcanic origin. The vines are Guyot trained at a density of 6,500 vines per hectare.
30% of the grapes are partially dried on the wooden trays called Arele, for 30 days before fermentation. The grapes are fermented at 26-28°C in stainless steel tanks for eight days. After fermentation, the wine is matured for 12 months in 65 hectolitre Slavonian oak casks before bottling.
Ruby red in colour, this wine shows perfumes of crushed black raspberry, black cherry, plum compote, dried herbs and mulled spice, which follow on to the palate. It is concentrated and supple with black cherry and plum flavours and a long, refined finish.
Excellent with pasta, pork, red meats and game. Also serve with cheese.
Serve at 16-18°C.
60% Corvina
30% Rondinella
5% Oseleta
5% Merlot
Natural Cork
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