Amarone Tommasi is a classic and highly regarded wine produced by the Tommasi family in the Veneto region of Italy. It is made using a blend of grape varieties, with 50% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella, and 5% Oseleta. These grapes are carefully selected from the Le Groletta and Conca d'Oro vineyards, which are known for their medium-rich limestone soils and abundance of fossils.
The process of making Amarone Tommasi is unique and requires great attention to detail. The grapes are harvested by hand and left to dry for a period of time, typically around 120 days. This process, known as appassimento, allows the grapes to partially dry out, concentrating their flavors and sugars.
After the drying process, the grapes are gently pressed and the juice is fermented. The fermentation is carried out slowly and carefully, allowing the wine to develop its rich and complex flavors. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for a period of time, typically around 3 to 4 years, further enhancing its depth and character.
One of the key characteristics of Amarone Tommasi is its intense and concentrated flavors. The appassimento process results in a wine with a high alcohol content and rich, ripe fruit flavors. It often exhibits notes of black cherry, plum, dried fig, and raisin, along with hints of spice, tobacco, and dark chocolate.
Amarone Tommasi is known for its full-bodied and velvety texture, with well-integrated tannins and a long, lingering finish. It is a wine that can age gracefully for many years, developing even more complexity and depth over time.
I have had the pleasure of tasting Amarone Tommasi on several occasions, and each time it has been a truly memorable experience. The wine's bold and robust nature makes it a perfect companion for hearty dishes such as roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses. Its richness and complexity also make it a great wine to savor on its own, allowing you to fully appreciate its depth of flavors.
Amarone Tommasi is a world-class wine that showcases the unique and distinctive characteristics of the Veneto region. It is a wine that exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of the Tommasi family, and it is sure to delight any wine enthusiast with its bold flavors, velvety texture, and long-lasting finish.