Frequently Asked Questions
Crafted with precision and tradition, **Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico** is a masterpiece from the heart of Italy's Valpolicella Classica region. This opulent red wine, made from meticulously hand-selected Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta grapes, undergoes the ancient *appassimento* drying process to concentrate its rich flavors and natural sugar. Aged for three years in Slavonian oak barrels and an additional year in the bottle, this Amarone boasts a deep ruby hue with garnet reflections and a complex bouquet of ripe cherry, plum, and fig, accented by whispers of tobacco and espresso. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with a balanced interplay of acidity, silky tannins, and a lingering spicy finish. Perfectly suited for pairing with red meats, game, or aged cheeses, this wine is equally delightful when savored on its own, embodying the essence of Italian winemaking excellence.
Process & Profile
Tommasi Amarone is made using the traditional *appassimento* method, setting it apart as one of the most unique wines in the world. After handpicking the grapes, the finest bunches are carefully dried for about three months in well-ventilated drying lofts, during which they lose up to 50% of their weight, concentrating flavors and sugars. The process continues with slow fermentation lasting nearly 25 days, followed by an extensive aging period of three years in large Slavonian oak barrels. This meticulous production method creates a wine with elevated alcohol levels (15%) and unparalleled complexity. The grape blend consists of Corvina (50%), Corvinone (30%), Rondinella (15%), and Oseleta (5%), sourced from the iconic La Groletta and Conca d'Oro vineyards. These chosen plots, with their limestone and clay soils and proximity to Lake Garda, lend the wine its unique balance of freshness and structure.Tasting Notes
Tommasi Amarone exudes sophistication with its deep ruby red color and garnet reflections. The nose is vibrant with ripe cherry, black cherry, and wild berries, layered with subtle hints of tobacco, leather, and spice. On the palate, it balances a luscious texture with firm tannins and refreshing acidity, offering flavors of dried plum, fig, and a touch of dark chocolate. The velvety tannic structure leads to a lingering, persistent finish with light accents of red fruit and a savory touch.What Makes It Special
- Tradition Meets Expertise: Rooted in traditional winemaking techniques, the *appassimento* process and long aging in Slavonian oak create a wine of unparalleled refinement.
- Prestigious Origins: Sourced from the top vineyards of Valpolicella Classica—La Groletta and Conca d'Oro—enhancing its geographical and sustainable pedigree.
- Versatility: Despite its richness, Tommasi Amarone is balanced enough to be enjoyed during meals without overwhelming the palate.
How to Enjoy
- Food Pairings: Pair this wine with hearty dishes such as game, roasted red meats, or mature cheeses. Its complexity also makes it an excellent companion for more adventurous pairings, like wild boar or duck.
- Serving Tips: Serve at a temperature of 18°C (64°F) to fully appreciate its aromatic and textural nuances. Decanting the wine for at least an hour is recommended to unlock its full bouquet.
- Special Occasions: Sip it alongside meaningful conversations or save it for a celebratory meal; its rich character makes every moment memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?
Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a premium red wine produced in the Valpolicella Classica region of northern Italy. It is made from carefully selected grapes that undergo a traditional drying process, resulting in a complex, full-bodied wine with flavors of cherries, plums, and chocolate, complemented by a smooth, velvety texture.
What makes this wine unique?
This Amarone is crafted using the *appassimento* method, where grapes are dried for several months to concentrate their sugars and flavors. The wine is then aged for at least three years in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by additional bottle aging. This meticulous process produces a wine that is both powerful and elegant, with a rich depth of flavor and a high alcohol content of around 15%.
What types of grapes are used in the production?
The wine is made from a blend of traditional Valpolicella grape varieties, including Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and a small percentage of Oseleta. Corvina is the primary grape, known for its high acidity and cherry flavors.
How should Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico be served?
This wine is best served at a temperature of 16–18°C (60–65°F) to fully appreciate its complex aromas and flavors. Decanting for at least an hour prior to serving is recommended to allow the wine to breathe and open up.
What foods pair well with this wine?
Tommasi Amarone pairs excellently with rich dishes such as roasted red meats, game, and aged cheeses. It's also an excellent sipping wine to enjoy with lively conversation or on special occasions.
How long can this wine be aged?
Thanks to its robust structure and high alcohol content, Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico can be aged for 10–20 years or more under proper storage conditions. Over time, it develops more complex flavors such as tobacco, leather, and dried fruits.
What is the alcohol content of Tommasi Amarone?
The wine typically has an alcohol content of 15%, reflecting its rich, concentrated style.
What is the production process for this wine?
After harvest, the grapes are dried on racks in a drying loft for up to 120 days, losing about 50% of their weight, which concentrates their flavors. They are then slowly fermented for about 20–50 days and aged for three years in large Slavonian oak barrels, followed by a year of bottle aging.
What does the term “Classico” mean in the name?
"Classico" refers to the historic and traditional winemaking area within Valpolicella. Wines labeled "Classico" are made from grapes grown in this original region, which is known for its superior quality vineyards.
What does Amarone mean?
The name "Amarone" translates to "the big bitter one" in Italian, a reference to its dry, slightly bitter finish that sets it apart from its sweeter cousin, Recioto della Valpolicella.
What tasting notes can I expect?
Expect a deep ruby red wine with garnet reflections. On the nose, it offers warm and intense aromas of ripe cherries, plums, and cocoa, along with hints of dried herbs, tobacco, and spices. The palate is smooth and full-bodied, with a long-lasting finish of rich fruit and a touch of spice.
What is the price of Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?
The suggested retail price for Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is approximately $83–$84 per bottle, reflecting its premium quality and meticulous production process.
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