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 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.
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.
The 2013 harvest was exceptional following a long ripening season. August was cool and dry, followed by a sunny September with unusually cool nights. The wines from 2013 have notable fruit and rich aromatics.
Deep ruby red in colour. This wines has aromas of dark berry fruit with spice and black pepper notes and a hint of raisin. It is opulent and smooth, with lovely intensity of fruit and some spicy notes with sweet cherry flavours on the finish.
Excellent with pasta, pork, red meats and game. Also serve with cheese.
Serve at 16-18°C.
James Suckling: 90 Points
“A red with dried-berry, cedar, flower and almond aromas and flavours. Medium body, lovely fruit and a flavourful finish. Drink now.”
Valpolicella Classico, Veneto
70% Corvina Veronese
25% Rondinella
5% Corvinone
Natural cork
13%
8 g/l
5.6 g/l
3.35