Amarone della Valpolicella among archives and “library”. As “Family Library” by Tommasi

Libraries, archives, collections: terms which immediately evoke the preservation of memory and treasured items over time. And among the Italian wines that best withstand the passing of the years is Amarone della Valpolicella, the focus of numerous projects dedicated to longevity. From the “Library” of Bertani, one of Valpolicella historic names (today part of Angelini Wines & Estates, which preserves vintages dating back as far as 1958), to the Tedeschi Archive of Tedeschi Winery, a heritage of more than 27,000 bottles spanning 50 years of history. Others interpret the concept of an “archive” as an ultra-limited special edition, such as Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Archivio Storico, produced only in the finest vintages, to name just a few examples. The great red wine of Veneto, another leading name in Amarone , adds further distinction to this remarkable line-up for lovers of, Tommasi Family Estates, which has been rooted in the heart of Valpolicella Classica for four generations. The winery is launching the “Family Library”, a small chest bringing together three vintages of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG (2012, 2017 and 2022), carefully preserved in the family cellar, alongside the Tommasi Amarone 2017 Special Edition, a limited release celebrating the first decade of a modern classic through the language of music.
“Amarone is the wine that represents Valpolicella around the world, and with that comes a responsibility: to demonstrate that its greatness is measured over time - declares Giancarlo Tommasi, technical director and chief winemaker of Tommasi Family Estates - opening our cellar and offering vintages that have had time to evolve means reaffirming a principle our family has believed in for more than a century: a great wine shouldn’t be judged only at the moment of release, but by its ability to transform while remaining true to itself. These bottles are the most authentic proof of the quality of our wines, the work carried out in the vineyard, and the dedication Amarone requires in the cellar. With the “Family Library” and the Special Edition, we want to share this heritage and introduce it to a new audience”.
While the “Family Library” tells a story through three vintages spaced five years apart, creating a vertical journey that spans an entire decade and reveals how the same wine, arisen from the same vineyards, evolves over time, the 2017 Special Edition also serves as the centerpiece of another project paying tribute to the first decade of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2017. The claim, “A classic, ten years in the making”, captures its spirit perfectly: just like great songs, great wines endure through the years, revealing new nuances with every encounter. The contemporary gift box, inspired by the aesthetics of music streaming platforms, includes a postcard recounting the vintage, suggesting food pairings, and preserving the winemaker tasting notes. It also features an original Spotify playlist, accessible via QR code and curated by Matilde Davoli for Sudestudio, containing tracks released from 2017 to the present and arranged in chronological order. According to Tommasi, the songs were chosen to reflect the key characteristics of this Amarone: warmth and elegance, a strong personality, and refinement. The playlist accompanies the tasting experience through four moments: Opening, Tasting, Sharing and Celebrating. It begins with “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers, released in 2017, and travels across a decade of influences spanning pop, electronic and indie music, featuring artists such as Jungle, Jessie Ware, Little Simz, David Byrne and The Strokes. Two further stops bear the signature of the studio itself: “Gallipoli” by Beirut and “Calma Cara” by Selton, both recorded at Sudestudio. “The 2017 vintage is now enjoying a moment of full expression - continues Giancarlo Tommasi - the fruit has evolved into deeper notes, the structure has become more elegant, and the tannins velvety. For this reason, we invite enthusiasts to rediscover it not only through the palate, but also with fresh eyes and ears”.
A fitting chapter in a “Library” capable of telling a story that is built over the years and ultimately poured into a glass. Such is the story of Tommasi Family Estates, founded in 1902, which has grown from its roots in Valpolicella Classica to encompass 800 hectares of vineyards across seven Italian regions. Its estate portfolio includes Tommasi Viticoltori in Veneto, Tenuta di Caseo in Oltrepò Pavese, Casisano in Montalcino, Poggio al Tufo in Tuscany Maremma, Masseria Surani in Puglia, Paternoster in the Vulture area of Basilicata, a project in Orvieto, Umbria, and Ammura, an Etna estate in Sicily acquired in 2022. These holdings are complemented by prestigious strategic partnerships with La Massa in Chianti Classico and Marco Felluga Russiz Superiore in Collio. The group is also behind the cultural and winegrowing project De Buris, dedicated to Valpolicella Classica and the restoration of a historic villa. Tommasi has also invested heavily in hospitality, with Villa Quaranta Wine Resort & Thermal Spa in Valpolicella, Albergo Mazzanti and Locanda al Pompiere in the heart of Verona, and Agriturismo Poggio al Tufo in Pitigliano, Tuscany Maremma. In recent years, Tommasi Family Estates has truly become one of the most important players in the Italian and international wine world.