Tommasi Pinot Grigio Le Rosse 750ML

This Valpolicella Pinot Grigio can be described as sitting between the richer, more concentrated Pinot Grigio from Friuli to the north, and racier styles from the Veneto at large. The nose is spicy with hints of tropical fruit, the flavors clean and crisp, and the body round and soft with a crisp finish.

Tommasi has always been a standard bearer of the Amarone appellation, and one of the most important quality producers in the Veneto. Established in 1902 around the family home in Pedemonte in Valpolicella, the winery has grown and expanded into the choicest areas of the region under the guidance of the many generations of the Tommasi family. The winery is known above all for its classic approach to winemaking in Valpolicella, favoring elegance and balance, and paying homage to the winemaking tradition of their home region. The family owns 284 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 other regions, and now own a total of 1,400 acres under vine between the Veneto, Tuscany, Puglia, Basilicata and Oltrepo Pavese. 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. Tommasi is now run by the fourth generation of the family, six siblings and cousins who share different responsibilities at the winery. Giancarlo Tommasi is the principal winemaker, and studied winemaking the University of Udine in Friuli. Strict in his philosophy to respect the integrity of the terroir and the traditional ways of winemaking in Valpolicella, he dries all grapes for his Amarone in the traditional fruttaio room for at least three months, and prefers to age his wines in large oak casks over small barriques. Tommasi is known for this classic approach that favors elegance and balance, with deep fruit complimented by spicy, earthy flavors. Giancarlo’s uncle, Sergio Tommasi, manages the viticulture at the estate. The five valleys of San Ambrogio, San Pietro in Cariano, Fumane, Marano and Negrar dominate the western, best and Classico-designated part of the region, and are often said to resemble the fingers of a hand. Tommasi’s vineyards are located in two of these valleys: Sant’ Ambrogio and San Pietro in Cariano. While they have a very traditional approach in the cellar, Tommasi is considered an innovator in the way they manage their vineyards. Tommasi was one of the first wineries to introduce the guyot method over the more traditional pergola system of vine-training, and their vineyards are planted at very high density, with resulting lower yields and fruit of increased complexity and concentration.

Proof/ABV: 13