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Tommasi - Arele Appassimento 2011
Estate
Tommasi is historically and today 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 234 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 now own a total of 370 acres. 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.
Tasting notes
An intense deep ruby red in color, the wine has a very fruity, rich, spicy black pepper nose and is full-bodied with very intense flavors. It pairs wonderfully with red meats, game, and fresh and aged cheeses.
Vineyard
Most of the grapes are sourced from two top Tommasi’s hillside vineyards in the Valpolicella Classico area, La Groletta and Conca d’Oro, which have an altitude of about 900-1,000 feet and loamy clay soils with south/south-west exposure.
Vinification
About 35 percent of the grapes are dried for 25 days. After fermentation, the wine sees one year of aging in Slavonian oak casks.
Wine
Arele is made up mostly of Corvina grapes, but also includes Oseleta, Rondinella and a bit of Merlot. It is made from partially dried grapes and takes its name from the traditional wooden trays used to dry the grapes prior to pressing. This drying process, known as "Appassimento", is an ancient method, and the same used for Amarone.
