Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

Wine Enthusiast, Apr/2026

2021 -

"Fresh cherries dance with their dried cousins, while coffee beans and turned leaves add quiet sophistication. The palate shows off years of experience, with fine tannins and bright acidity creating perfect tension. Like watching someone turn craftsmanship into art without breaking a sweat. Drink now–2045." - Jeff Porter

Falstaff, Oct/2025

2021 -

"Rich, deep ruby red with brownish edges. Playful nose of red rose, liquorice, blackberry and chocolate. Subtly medicinal on the finish. Full-bodied on the palate, flavours of ripe plums and dates. Noticeable tannin..." - Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Sept/2025

2020 -

"The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico wafts up with a rich blend of cherry sauce and dusty sage, elevated by nuances of cocoa and split pine. It is soothingly round yet lifted in feel, with crisp red berry fruits offset by a bitter tinge of dark chocolate. The finish is structured and long yet fresh, leaving a tart wild berry saturation that adds a chewy sensation as a resonance of clove fades slowly." - Eric Guido

Natalie MacLean, Oct/2025

2020 -

"Tommasi Amarone layers licorice and red-pepper spice over ripe black-cherry and plum, finishing with cedar and dried-tobacco complexity and firm, age worthy tannins. Fabulous alongside Bistecca Fiorentina or aged pecorino. Food pairings: meaty stews, roasts, blue cheese, hamburger, osso buco."

James Suckling, Sep/2024

2020 -

"Lots of licorice, bark, pine cones and red peppers. Full- bodied and juicy, with a subtle yet firm tannin structure, delineated fruit and a dry, cedary finish that should expand with some time. It would be wise to wait a few years. Drink or hold." - Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas

Falstaff, Oct/2024

2020 -

"Rich, shimmering ruby with hints of garnet red. Dark, hearty bouquet, black cherry and blackberry jelly, plus leather and liquorice. Opulent and powerful on the palate, but also elegant, velvety tannins, harmonious and with great length." - Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler

Natalie MacLean, Dec/2025

2019 -

"Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella from Italy is a profound, luxurious red and perhaps the ultimate winter warmer. It opens with intense aromas of black cherry, blackberry compote, and dried plum, layered with notes of baking spice, cocoa, and hints of leather and tobacco. The palate is full-bodied, dry, and opulent, with rich, concentrated fruit framed by velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and 15% alcohol that gives it depth and resonance. Serve it at room temperature to fully appreciate its layered complexity. It’s crafted using the ancient appassimento method, where grapes are partially dried for several months, concentrating their sugars and flavours into a rich, velvety elixir. The Tommasi is intensely concentrated with notes of dried cherry, fig, mocha, chocolate, and warming baking spices that evoke Christmas pudding and holiday indulgence. The grapes basically go through their own spa retreat before becoming wine. Very luxurious. It’s like the ghost of Christmas desserts past, present, and future all showed up in your glass at once. Fascinating fact: Amarone is made using the traditional appassimento method, and Tommasi’s family has been perfecting this technique for generations in Valpolicella’s Classico zone. This wine has outstanding aging potential and will evolve beautifully over 10–15 years, gaining deeper tobacco, leather, and savoury nuances."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Dec/2023

2019 -

"The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico entices with a darkly alluring bouquet of crushed stones and dusty violet florals, accentuating notes of blackberries and hints of candied orange. This is sleek and racy in style, with lifted textures and polished red and blue fruits that flow across a stream of lively acidity. Remaining remarkably fresh through the finish, it tapers off with a confectionary air, leaving a resonance of violet pastille and crunchy tannins to linger on."

James Suckling, Apr/2023

2019 -

"The quest is for fresher and drier here, as with many contemporary producers. Kirsch, leather, pine and a waft of dried mushroom to tatami straw. This has a mid-weighted feel and is refreshingly savory, yet without, perhaps, the density, sap and prerequisite freshness of top examples. Some oseleta here, serving as a bulwark against the encroaching heat. I'd like to see this in a few more years when my score may come up a notch. Drink or hold."

Falstaff, Jan/2023

2019 -

"Dark ruby with purple highlights. Inviting nose with aromas of pickled blackberry, violet, black pepper and tobacco. Full-bodied on the palate, with a nice interplay between sweet fruit and firm tannin, finishing with punchy tannin." - Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler

Decanter World Wine Awards 2024

2019 -

"Intense red berries, green leaf and spicy notes, lovely elegant style with complementary oaky and leathery nuances."

Gismondi on Wine, Jan/2025

2019 -

"The colour is opaque purple, and the nose is a mix of black cherry and wild strawberry balanced by a freshness of acidity, medium-weight drying tannins, and spicy but subtle oak. The wine ages effortlessly... The Tommasi flagship Amarone is a trip back in time but with an updated engine. The handpicked grapes undergo extensive drying for up to 90 days to intensify flavours, followed by a month of stainless steel fermentation using wild yeast before aging for 36 months in full and half size Slavonian oak barrels. The grape mix is corvina veronese 50%, rondinella 30%, corvinone 15% and oseleta 5%. The fruit comes from two areas in the Classico zone: one is mostly limestone; the other is a mix of clay and limestone. Both are subjected to cool breezes off Lake Garda." - Anthony Gismondi

Wine Spectator, Jul/2024

2019 -

"Subtle and savory on the nose, offering flavors of plump cherry and medicinal herbs underscored by loamy earth and smoke notes on the palate. This is medium- to full-bodied and chewy, with a fresh, lightly spiced finish. Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone and Oseleta. Drink now through 2029." - Alison Napjus

Natalie MacLean, Oct/2023

2018 -

"...juicy, rich and fruity Amarone from the Veneto wine region. Dry, full-bodied and concentrated with ripe dark cherry, blackberry, savoury and spicy on the palate, it is an absolutely stunning Amarone ready to drink now and over the holidays."

James Suckling, Aug/2022

2018 -

"Savory berries and dried blackberries on the nose, together with oranges, dark chocolate and dry earth. Full-bodied and fine-grained palate, with a tight structure and fantastic balance, which indicates good aging potential. Long and savory, yet reserved. A textbook Amarone with freshness, savoriness and concentration. Drinkable now, but better to give it some time. Try in 2024 or later."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Mar/2023

2018 -

"More like a spiced herbal tea than wine, the 2018 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico wafts up with exotic spices, sweet herbs, cedar shavings and dried black cherries. It washes across the palate with silky textures, taking on a more tactile feel as masses of intense wild berry fruits saturate. Notes of mocha and rum-soak black currant are left lingering as the 2018 finishes lightly structured and buzzing with residual tension. This young Amarone is geared up for a long and steady evolution. Nicely done. "

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Oct/2023

2018 -

"The Tommasi 2018 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico shows dark fruit, dried blackberry and a spicy note of clove or exotic cumin. This is a full-bodied red made with air-dried fruit that shows good power (with 15% alcohol) and intensity without going overboard. This is a nice surprise."

Falstaff, Oct/2022

2018 -

"Bright, radiant ruby red. Medium expression on the nose, ripe cherry, use of wood, echoes of cranberry confit. Fine juiciness and medium weight on the palate, slightly dusty tannins on the finish, pithy, juicy again on the finish." - Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler

Gismondi on Wine, Mar/2023

2018 -

"A warming Europe is aiding the maturation of Amarone grapes, in this case, a 50/30/15/5 mix of corvina, corvinone, rondinella, and oseleta grown in the La Groletta and Conca d’Oro crus in the hilly Valpolicella Classico zone. Expect a classic nose of super ripe cherries, raisins, figs and balsamic. The palate is warm with more intense sweet black fruit with coffee, pepper, earthy tobacco leaf, and a balsamic prune aftertaste. The finish is long, persistent, and warm, calling for mature cheese, lamb, or big rich game dishes. The grapes are manually harvested and selected, followed by drying for about three months in a well-ventilated loft. Fermentation took place in stainless steel for 25 days at 25°-30°C before 3 years maturation in 35 and 65 hl Slavonian oak casks."

Wine Enthusiast, Jul/2023

2018 -

"This classic Amarone hits all the bells and whistles for lovers of this wine. Aromas of cooked prunes, savory and sweet spices, roast coffee beans, dark cocoa and dried flowers shine on the nose. The palate shows more savory and earthy notes before dried figs and blackberries perk up the palate. It finishes with elegant and fine tannins."

James Suckling, Aug/2021

2017 -

"Needs air to bring out the intense, bright red berries with some dates and spicy, meaty notes. Full-bodied with a tight but forward-driven palate, spurred along by clean acidity and firm, fine tannins. It’s all there, but needs time to mellow out. Try from 2023."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Jan/2022

2017 -

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico opens with a minty freshness, as bright red berries and dusty dried flowers form in the glass. This is silky and saline in character, with depths of dark red fruits and spices all energized by saline-infused acidity, making for a highly drinkable expression as it develops inner rose tones toward the close. It's structured and staining with a bitter twang of dark fruits and savory herbs. While you can still drink this today, the best is yet to come. A strapping and deep Amarone."

Wine Spectator, Oct/2021

2017 -

"A lively, medium- to full-bodied red, round and well-balanced, offering an enticing range of steeped cherry and fig cake flavors with accents of dried thyme, pomegranate and espresso. Creamy, lightly spiced finish. Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone and Oseleta. Drink now through 2026."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Dec/2021

2017 -

"From a very hot and dry vintage, the Tommasi 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is supple and round with plenty of soft fruit at its core. The vintage is less complex, with less depth, but it does deliver sweet tones of cherry, ripe plum and crème de cassis. Light shadings of spice and tobacco help to flesh it out. Tommasi's classic Amarone is a blend of 50% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella and 5% Oseleta. The grapes are sourced from the Le Groletta and Conca d'Oro vineyards, which have medium-rich limestone soils and lots of fossils."

Falstaff, Feb/2022

2017 -

"Bright ruby red. Very savoury nose, peppery, leathery, undergrowth, rum steeped fruit and pickled cherry. Medium-bodied on the palate, dark fruit mingles with grippy tannins, becoming slightly bitter on the finish." - Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler

James Suckling, Dec/2020

2016 -

"A rich, layered Amarone with lots of fruit. Bright, sliced dried citrus to the ripe and juicy fruit. It's full-bodied and compact with a beautiful finish and transparency. Drink or hold."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Feb/2021

2016 -

"The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is quite reserved and understated, but in a way that keeps you at the edge of the glass. Roses, blackberries, savory herbs and a hint of spiced citrus make for an alluring bouquet. It’s velvety in texture, ushering in a creamy wave of ripe red and black fruits, laced with salty minerals, as dark inner florals amass toward the close. There’s a lot of power here that is currently restrained, as this finishes youthfully structured and tense, with a saturating layer of dried black cherries to tempt the imagination with what's to come with a few years of cellaring. Also of note is the 2016's 15% abv, making this a great option both on and away from the dinner table."

Meiningers ProWein Sample 2020

2016 -

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Dec/2021

2016 -

"The Tommasi 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (with 300,000 bottles made) reveals a dark and savory side that we did not see in the hotter and sweeter 2017 vintage. This wine is angular and strong with dried fruit, black cherry, leather, toasted spice and tarry smoke. The house blend is 50% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella and 5% Oseleta, and the wine ages in Slavonian oak casks for three years..."

Wine and Spirits, Feb/2021

2016 -

"Slatey undertones combine with moderate alcohol and lively acidity to create an elegant, understated wine that will appeal to people who think they don’t like Amarone. The flavors include both fresh and dried cherries, laced with subtle spice and framed by polished tannins."

Wine Spectator, Oct/2021

2016 -

"A compact Amarone with an overtone of cured tobacco, defined by crisp tannins tightly meshed to flavors of steeped cherry, dried raspberry and minerally hints of smoke and loamy earth. Corvina, Corvinone, Oseleta and Rondinella. Drink now through 2026."

Decanter, May/2020

2016 -

"Giancarlo Tommasi waits until January to crush the drying grapes in order to maximise aroma and glycerol development, which he attributes to cooler conditions. As of the 2016 vintage, he has also decreased the percentage of Rondinella in favour of Corvinone. Not yet released, the 2016 is still shy in its expression but with coaxing, macerated strawberry, mint and cocoa emerge. Framed by stern tannins, Tommasi's Amarone is quite linear and austere through the mid-palate. A couple of years in bottle may help elicit its charms."

Wine Enthusiast, Mar/2021

2016 -

"This has a shy nose that eventually reveals whiffs of stewed prune, leather and tilled earth. The solid palate offers baked plum, candied raisin and a dollop of vanilla alongside polished, rather relaxed tannins before a bitter almond finish. Drink through 2026."

Falstaff, Nov/2020

2016 -

"Clear ruby with a pronounced garnet rim. Shows matured nose with notes of cooked plums, some tobacco, molasses. Well worked out fruit, plums and cranberries, much grippy tannin, becomes quite coarse-meshed on the finish." - Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler

Natalie MacLean, Nov/2019

2015 -

"Made in the apassimento style of drying the grapes on mats before fermentation to concentrate flavour and body, this Amarone is a classic with crushed violets, cherry liqueur and smoky on the nose. Full-bodied with concentrate flavours of juicy blackberries, spiced plum, underbrush, mocha and baking spice flavours on the palate. Finishes long and luxurious. Pair with mature cheeses or dark chocolate."

James Suckling, Nov/2019

2015 -

"Extremely attractive aromas of dried fruit, prunes and sweet almonds follow through to a medium to full body, soft, juicy fruit and a flavorful finish. Shows depth and beauty on the finish. Balanced and lovely now. Drink now."

Wine & Spirits, Feb/2020

2015 -

"This Amarone, aged for three years in large Slavonian casks, weaves together flavors of red and black berries, roasted mushroom and tobacco in a velvety texture. Notes of peppery spice bring it to a balanced, dry finish."

Wine Align, Nov/2019

2015 -

"Amarone is always a wine of the vintage and with 2015 in pocket Tommasi extends the arm of generosity though not without great grip and structure. A classic in all its modernity this is exactly what the Amarone drinker wants, demands and pays for. It’s bang on. I’d like to and prefer to drink this in 12 years. Drink 2021-2029. Tasted October 2019."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Feb/2021

2015 -

"The 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico wafts up a seductive display of dried black cherries in a cloud of white smoke with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and notes of cinnamon, spiced orange and dusty florals. The textures are velvety-smooth, cast across a medium-bodied frame yet perfectly lifted by energizing acidity, as a mix of tart red and black currants saturates the senses under an air of sage and hints of tobacco. There’s plenty of richness here, but this still remains remarkably balanced and fresh, even coming across as savory at times. Balsamic-tinged dark fruits linger throughout the long, dramatic finish." - Eric Guido

Natalie MacLean, Nov/2017

2013 -

"Juicy with racy acidity for tangy meat sauces. Made using the traditional apassimento method of drying the grapes on mats before fermentation to concentrate flavour and body. Classic Amarone with some nuances of wild violets and black cherry liqueur on the finish. Smoky and dark yet elegant in a muscular way. This brooding Italian red wine offers black fruit aromas and smoke on the nose. Underneath and on the palate there's a sensual layer of black fleshy ripe fruit and dark spices. Best consumed with hearty meat dishes and robust conversation."

James Suckling, Oct/2017

2013 -

Falstaff, Oct/2018

2013 -

"Intense, bright ruby red. Rum-steeped fruit, dark cherries and pickled plums on the nose. Very juicy on the palate with delicate texture, spreads, is taut and brisk, finishes long and polished." - Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler

Wine Spectator, Nov/2017

2013 -

Decanter Magazine, Apr/2018

2013 -

"Summer was warm - rather than hot - with cool nights, particularly in September. While some producers were affected by hail and late-season rain, Giancarlo reports bringing in healthy grapes with good aromatic intensity and balanced phenolic and sugar ripeness. Certainly the wine is clean and inviting, with aromas of exotic spice, cocoa, plum and blackberry. Dark chocolate notes currently dominate the round, voluptuous palate, and the finish is warming, with some sweetness which should integrate as the savoury notes develop with time. Give it another year or so to knit together."

Wine Spectator, Mar/2016

2012 -

"Elegant and balanced, with supple tannins framing the flavors of juicy black cherry, singed orange peel, wild herb and Christmas spice." - Alison Napjus

James Suckling, Nov/2015

2011 -

"Aromas of walnuts, blackberries, and rosewood follow through to a full body with round, velvety tannins and a fresh finish."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Feb/2015

2011 -

"The 2011 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a dark and extra-ripe expression with broad shoulders and a heavy frame. The warmth of the 2011 vintage shows clearly with darkened aromas of blackberry preserves and candied cherry. Bold layers of spice, leather and tobacco stand at the back. The wine boasts smooth, velveteen tannins." - Monica Larner

Wine Spectator, Feb/2015

2011 -

"An elegant red, well-knit and fresh, offering a subtle, silky palate of sun-dried cherry, plum tart, forest floor and black licorice drop, with hints of mocha and dried herb. Supple tannins frame the flavor range and emerge on the finish." - Alison Napjus

James Suckling, Apr/2015

2010 -

"A beautifully refined wine with integrated tannins and juicy fruit. Mineral undertones. Full body and a long finish. Intense wine."

Falstaff, Oct/2015

2010 -

Wine Spectator, Dec/2013

2010 -

"Open-knit and accessible, with a ripe edge to the flavors of black cherry coulis, fruit cake, licorice and graphite-tinged mineral. Well-balanced, showing fine tannins throughout." - Alison Napjus

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Oct/2013

2010 -

"The 2010 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is one of the nicest yet from this historic estate at the heart of Valpolicella. The Tommasi family has crafted a balanced expression with dark fruit, prune and loads of moist chewing tobacco. It is overtly sweet in the mouth and will appeal to those who enjoy the power and opulence of this unique Italian wine." - Monica Larner

James Suckling, Jun/2013

2009 -

"Very beautiful aromas of dried fruits, with hints of flowers and spices such as closes and dried lavender. Full body, with very fine tannins and a long and beautiful finish. It goes on and on."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Oct/2013

2009 -

"From a warmer vintage, the 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is showing beautifully right now. Like all of Tommasi’s top wines, the signature style shows loads of dark fruit intensity and a brooding, textured mouthfeel. It also boasts the overt, chewy sweetness that Amarone is known for. Prune, plum cake and baking spice appear on the finish." - Monica Larner

Wine Enthusiast, Nov/2013

2009 -

"This classic Amarone has a fragrance of blackberry and spice. The palate delivers succulent but restrained black cherry flavor, with accents of white pepper, nutmeg and almond. It's structured, but also has just enough freshness." - Kerin O'Keefe

Wine Spectator, Sep/2013

2009 -

"Lightly juicy overall, with high-toned notes of plum brandy, kirsch, red licorice, tea rose and pekoe tea. Grainy tannins lend texture to the finish." - Alison Napjus

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, May/2017

2013 -

"Bright dark red with a pale amber tinge at the rim. Ripe aromas and flavors of red cherry and aromatic spices. Offers a decadent, luscious mouthfeel with soft tannins, but also a touch of alcohol-derived warmth. The finish is long and savory. Though not the most complex Amarone Tommasi has ever made, it has a lovely easy to drink quality for such a big wine and is very hard to resist in its candied, opulent personality."

Wine Enthusiast, Dec/2015

2012 -

"Structured and savory, this opens with aromas of prune, baked plum and cake spice. The full-bodied palate doles out ripe black cherry, raisin, white pepper and mocha accompanied by round, chewy tannins. It closes on a licorice note."

James Suckling, Oct/2015

2012 -

"A red with dried fruits such as raisins and sultanas. Full-bodied, round and fruity. Soft, velvety tannins and a flavourful finish. Very classic style of Amarone. Drink now."

Natalie MacLean, Aug/2016

2012 -

"Classic Amarone with some nuances of wild violets and black cherry liqueur on the finish. Smoky and dark yet elegant in a muscular way. This brooding Italian red wine offers black fruit aromas and smoke on the nose. Underneath and on the palate there's a sensual layer of black fleshy ripe fruit and dark spices. Best consumed with hearty meat dishes and robust conversation. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: borscht, beef, osso buco. Best Beef Wine"