Tommasi ‘Ripasso’ Valpolicella Classico Superiore 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 Ripasso come from hillside vineyards in the Valpolicella Classico area; Conca d’Oro, La Groletta and De Buris 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 Guyot trained at a density of 6,500 vines per hectare.

Winemaking

The grapes are fermented at 26-28°C in stainless steel tanks for nine days. The juice is then refermented on the Amarone grape skins using the “Ripasso” method. After fermentation, the wine is matured for 15 months in 65 hectolitre Slavonian oak casks before bottling. The wine is aged for a further six months in bottle before release.

Vintage Information

2012 was characterised by warm weather and extremely dry conditions. The lack of rain which resulted in clean, healthy fruit that was concentrated and ripe. In the Veneto, harvest began approximately a week earlier than normal at the end of September, with yields down 5% on the previous year.

Tasting Note

Deep ruby red in colour. Rich spicy perfumes and black pepper notes with a hint of raisins. Full bodied and balanced, very intense and spicy with sweet cherry flavours.

Food Pairing

Excellent with pasta, pork, red meats and game. Also serve with cheese.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 16-18°C.

Press

Wine Spectator: 90 Points

Valpolicella Classico, Veneto
70% Corvina Veronese
25% Rondinella
5% Corvinone

Natural cork
13%

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