Tommasi has always been a standard bearer of the Amarone appellation, and one of the most important quality producers in the Veneto. The family-run estate was founded in 1902 by Giacomo Tommasi in the village of Pedemonte, which lies in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico region that extends north-west of Verona. The family owns 284 acres in Valpolicella Classico, making them the single largest land owners in the area. Over the years they have steadily expanded their holdings in other areas of the Veneto and other regions, and now own a total of 1,400 acres under vine between the Veneto, Tuscany, Puglia, Basilicata and Oltrepo Pavese. As has been the case since the winery's establishment, the family works only with grapes they grow, an important quality decision and reflection of their deep connection to the Valpolicella soil.
Tommasi is now run by the fourth generation of the family, six siblings and cousins who share different responsibilities at the winery. Giancarlo Tommasi is the principal winemaker, and studied winemaking the University of Udine in Friuli. Strict in his philosophy to respect the integrity of the terroir and the traditional ways of winemaking in Valpolicella, he dries all grapes for his Amarone in the traditional fruttaio room for at least three months, and prefers to age his wines in large oak casks over small barriques. Tommasi is known for this classic approach that favors elegance and balance, with deep fruit complimented by spicy, earthy flavors.
Giancarlo's uncle, Sergio Tommasi, manages the viticulture at the estate. The five valleys of San Ambrogio, San Pietro in Cariano, Fumane, Marano and Negrar dominate the western, best and Classico-designated part of the region, and are often said to resemble the fingers of a hand. Tommasi's vineyards are located in two of these valleys: Sant' Ambrogio and San Pietro in Cariano. While they have a very traditional approach in the cellar, Tommasi is considered an innovator in the way they manage their vineyards. Tommasi was one of the first wineries to introduce the guyot method over the more traditional pergola system of vine-training, and their vineyards are planted at very high density, with resulting lower yields and fruit of increased complexity and concentration.
Wine Spectator 91 Dark and concentrated, with the vibrant structure imparting fluidity. Dill, blackberry, black currant and toasted spice flavors linger, with the dusty tannins sealing
17d
Italy » Valpolicella
Wine A blend of 60% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 15% Molinara. The aromas recall dried spices, leather and cherry and the flavors are intense, with
17dItaly » Valpolicella
Deep ruby red in color with rich spicy perfumes and black pepper notes with a hint of raisins. Full-body balanced taste, very intense and spicy
James Suckling 93 "Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and flowers following through to a full body with firm and chewy tannins. A long and flavorful finish. Structured
James Suckling 92 A linear and fresh red with plenty of dried berry and cherry and some spice, too. Medium body, long and flavorful. Wine This wine is
Vinous Media 90 Bright dark red with a pale amber tinge at the rim. Ripe aromas and flavors of red cherry and aromatic spices. Offers a
Tommasi's Ripasso is the unique result of refermenting Valpolicella on the grape skins left over from the Amarone fermentation. The wine is a blend of
"Color: Intense ruby red. Perfume: Rich and spicy with notes of black pepper and hints of raisins. Flavor: Full, intense, spicy, ripe cherry notes. Serving Suggestions: White
Vinous Media 93 "Dark bright red. Amarone-like opulence on the nose and in the mouth, with a raisiny nuance to the ripe, soft red cherry, sweet
Wine Spectator 90 " Elegant and well-meshed, with a pretty note of tea rose wafting through the flavors of dried strawberry, pekoe tea leaf, red licorice
Wine Spectator 92 "An aromatic Amarone, showing lots of violet and rose petal aromas and flavors, with hints of sandalwood and anise accenting the ripe black
Wine Spectator 92 WS TOP 100 2014 Rank 31 "Presents a whiff of blackberry, bacon and ink, followed by dark berry, black pepper and spice notes. Rich
"Color- Ruby Red. Very fresh and fruity with hints of cherry Flavor- Pleasant with hints of cherry and red fruits. Balanced and gentle. Serving Suggestions-
Wine Spectator 88 " Subtle black cherry, boysenberry, pekoe tea leaf and dried thyme are structured by tangy acidity and supple tannins, with aromatic ground spices
Wine Spectator 91 "Fleshy, with ripe cherry and plum flavors and creamy notes of red and black licorice and fig paste, joined by accents of pekoe
Wine Spectator 90 "A juicy red, offering lovely balance and a pretty mix of ripe cherry, boysenberry, vanilla, dried marjoram and espresso notes. Light tannins show
Wine Spectator 91 " Fragrant, with intense aromas and flavors of black currant, cherry and licorice, augmented by spice. Supple and balanced, delivering vibrant acidity and
James Suckling 90 A red with dried-berry, cedar, flower and almond aromas and flavors. Medium body, lovely fruit and a flavorful finish. Drink now.
This blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a single- vineyard site called Rompicollo, which benefits from a Southern exposure, ample sunlight,
James Suckling 93 "A red with dried fruits such as raisins and sultanas. Full-bodied, round and fruity. Soft, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Very classic
James Suckling 92 A rich red for the vintage with chocolate, berry and walnut character. Medium to full body, soft tannins and a flavorful finish. Sangiovese
James Suckling 91 A lovely valpo that is delicate and spicy with a lemon-rind and blueberry character. Medium body, vibrant fruit and wonderful acidity. Flavorful.
James Suckling 92 " The dark fruit and chocolate character is impressive. Orange peel undertones. Medium to full body. Very balanced, light tannins. A fresh finish.
