Tommasi

Rafaèl Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2020

Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC

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This Valpolicella comes from the historical Tommasi family vineyard of the same name. Perfectly situated on one of the region’s most famous hills, Monte Masua, it produces what may be the best grapes for the production of Valpolicella Classico Superiore. Careful cultivation of the vineyard, a rigorous selection of grapes and meticulous vinification all contribute to the production of this fresh, elegant Valpolicella.

A blend of 60% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 15% Molinara, it sees 15 months of aging in large Slavonian oak casks of 65 hl. The aromas recall dried spices, leather and cherry and the flavors are intense, with spicy, sweet cherry flavors. Beautifully balanced and very expressive, Rafael pairs wonderfully with a platter of cured meats and cheeses.

Vineyard

This Valpolicella comes from the historical Tommasi family vineyard, Rafaèl. Perfectly situated on one of the region’s most famous hills, Monte Masua, it produces what may be the best grapes for the production of Valpolicella Classico Superiore.

Winemaking

Careful cultivation of the vineyard, a rigorous selection of grapes and meticulous vinification all contribute to the production of this fresh, elegant Valpolicella. It sees 12 months of aging in large Slavonian oak casks of 65 hl.

Tasting Note

This wine balances red and black fruit flavors with notes of sage, mint and marjoram. Carried by velvety tannins and mouthwatering acidity, the wine turns savory with exposure to air.

-Stephanie Johnson, Wine & Spirits Magazine

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Corvina, Corvinone, Oseleta, Rondinella

Appellation

Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC

Alcohol

12.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$23.00

Reviews

"Berry and Plummy Fruit"

James Suckling - September 13, 2022 “Hint of coffee candy to the baked cherries, dried strawberries and chili chocolate. Quite juicy and round, with a positive sweet-sour character to the berry and plummy fruit. Medium to full body with firm but fine tannins and a medium-long finish. Very drinkable but will hold, too.”- J.S 8/22

"Juicy acidity"

Vinous (91+) - March 27, 2023 “The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore Classico Rafael is perfumed with a gorgeous mix of crushed cherries, sweet herbs and cloves. This coasts along the palate with a cooling combination of mineral-tinged red fruits and sweet spice, all accelerated by juicy acidity. The 2020 finishes with unexpected concentration and length, yet energetic, as a mix of sour berries and licorice slowly fades.”- E.G 3/23

"Dried tobacco leaf, turned earth and violet"

Wine Enthusiast - June 27, 2023 “Raspberry coulis and fresh soil with grass popping through on the nose turns to an almost cake-like raspberry and dark chocolate palate that nonetheless maintains the freshness of the nose with more soil and grass on the back, unchallenged by relaxed tannins and low acidity”-  J.P 6/23

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