Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (2020)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied red wine with rich flavors of cherries, dried fruit, and spices.
About this wine
Tommasi's Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2020 is a deep ruby red wine with garnet hues. The aroma is rich, featuring notes of ripe cherries, dried fruit, and subtle spices. On the palate, it offers a full-bodied experience with flavors of black fruits, plums, and dried cherries, complemented by hints of licorice and cocoa. The wine has a velvety texture, balanced acidity, and soft tannins, leading to a long, harmonious finish. This Amarone is crafted using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are dried for several months to concentrate their flavors, resulting in a complex and elegant wine.
About the grape
In the Valpolicella region of Italy, the 2020 Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is crafted using a blend of traditional grape varieties, each contributing unique characteristics to the wine. Corvina Veronese, often considered the backbone of Valpolicella wines, provides structure and a light sour cherry flavor. Corvinone, once thought to be a clone of Corvina but now recognized as a distinct variety, adds complexity with its larger berries and suitability for drying, enhancing the wine's depth. Rondinella, a progeny of Corvina, is valued for its high yields and disease resistance, imparting bright ruby-red color and fruity notes. Oseleta, a rare grape that was nearly extinct until its revival in the 1980s, contributes deep color and tannic structure, enriching the wine's body and aging potential.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The name 'Amarone' means 'Great Bitter' in Italian, distinguishing it from the sweeter Recioto wine produced in the same region.
- 🍇 Tommasi's Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2020 is crafted from a blend of indigenous grape varieties: 50% Corvina Veronese, 30% Rondinella, 15% Corvinone, and 5% Oseleta.
- 🌞 The grapes undergo a traditional drying process called 'appassimento,' where they are dried for several months, concentrating their sugars and flavors.
- 🛢️ After fermentation, the wine is aged for three years in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by an additional year in the bottle, enhancing its complexity and depth.
- 🏆 The 2020 vintage of Tommasi's Amarone received a 93-point rating from James Suckling, highlighting its quality and excellence.
Palate profile
Producer
Tommasi Viticoltori, established in 1902 by Giacomo Tommasi, is a family-owned winery located in Pedemonte, in the heart of Italy's Valpolicella Classico region. Over four generations, the estate has expanded from a small vineyard to over 195 hectares, producing renowned wines like Amarone della Valpolicella Classico. The family has also invested in other Italian wine regions, including Lombardy, Tuscany, Puglia, and Sicily, reflecting their commitment to showcasing Italy's diverse terroirs. Notably, in 2022, Tommasi celebrated its 120th anniversary by collaborating with Italian design company Seletti to create a special porcelain label for their Amarone, highlighting their dedication to both tradition and innovation.
