The Tommasi Estate & Vinyards

The Company:

“TOMMASI Viticoltori” ( Tommasi vintners ) is a family viticultural firm founded in 1902 by Giacomo Tommasi. It is situated in Pedemonte, in the heart of the historic Valpolicella Classico region which extends to the northwest of Verona, Italy.  From grandfather Giacomo’s tiny vineyard, the Tommasi estate has grown steadily over the course of years and today extends over 135 hectares of hillside vineyard blessed by mother nature not only by a magnificent landscape, but more importantly by its perfect suitability for grapes.  The estate is run by the 4th generation of family operation, 6 members working together in complete harmony, each with his well defined area of responsibility.

The family owns exceptionally well situated estates for the production of high quality white wine in the D.O.C. regions of Soave and near Lake Garda for Lugana, Custoza and Bardolino ( red wine ). In addition, it has vineyards in Valdadige ( a valley created by the Adige river in the mountains north of the province of Verona).

But above all else, TOMMASI is principally acclaimed for its incomparable red wines of the Valpolicella Classico region (Amarone Classico, Valpolicella Classico Superiore - Recioto della Valpolicella ) whose characteristics make them unique in the world.

The TOMMASI wines tell the story of a family that believes in honest labor and love of the land; a family that lives in harmony and has made the attainment of excellence a moral imperative.

The Vineyards:

From grandfather’s tiny vineyard, the Tommasi estate has grown steadily over the course of years and today extends over 135 hectares of vineyard 40 hectares for the production of high quality white & red wines in the D.O.C. regions of Verona (Soave, Lugana, Bianco di Custoza, Pinot Grigio, Bardolino)

95 hectares in the Valpolicella Classica area, for the production of the traditional red wines of this region, such as Amarone, Valpolicella Classico Superiore, “Ripasso”, Recioto della Valpolicella.

“Project 1997” for “TOMMASI Viticultori” refers to the fact that since 1997 it has conducted a major investment program dedicated to the acquisition of lands best suited for wine grapes, particularly in the zone most representative of historic Valpolicella. 

The Wines:

The Tommasi Viticoltori produce some high quality white wines in the D.O.C. regions of Soave, Lugana, Custoza and Pinot Grigio. But above all else, TOMMASI is principally acclaimed for its incomparable red wines of the Valpolicella Classico region (Amarone Classico, Valpolicella Classico Superiore - Recioto della Valpolicella ) whose characteristics make them unique in the world.

The most important and prestigious wine of Valpolicella is the stately "Amarone", without doubt one of the great wines of the world.  Tommasi has specialized in the production of Amarone for decades, and has become one of its principle ambassadors to the world.  Only selected grapes are placed onto small open racks inside an specially vented, open building where they allowed to dry.  During the period after harvest, in the fall and early winter, the room is humidity controlled with automatic windows and fans.  As the grapes dry and shrivel up 40-45% of the product is lost.  This drying process (the "appassimento") concentrates the grape juice and finishes in January.  Only then are the grapes pressed and the "must" is fermented at a constant controlled temperature for another month.  

Amarone is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 3 years before being bottled.  Bottle aging is another 6 months or more.  A typical year produces about 80-85,000 bottles.

Tommasi also produces world class Valpolicella Classico, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Soave Classico,  and a desert wine called Recioto.  A special product of note is a Valpolicella Classico named "Ripasso".  This exceptional value has most of the taste of Amarone at a true value price.  The process of making Ripasso adds another step by passing the juice over skins a second time.  The result is a very full bodied wine nicknamed "baby Amarone".  All of us at WineNews.com highly recommend this wine.

For more details about Tommasi you can visit their website at www.tommasiwine.it.  Tommasi wines are imported in the US by Rolar Imports.  They supply most of the retail outlets and local distributors with the full variety of Tommasi wines.

 

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