Tommasi: two terrific classics. Amarone and Ripasso

Paul Howard Articles, Blog, Italy, Sustainability

Tommasi Cantina

Tommasi: two terrific classics. Amarone and Ripasso Back in July 2021, I wrote about Le Fornaci. a Lugana DOC white wine made by Tommasi. Tommasi is famous for two outstanding red wines from Valpolicella Classico, benchmarks of their contrasting styles. Their Amarone originated in 1959, while their Valpolicella Ripasso started in 1995. These red wines rely on drying the fresh grapes, …

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Tedeschi and climate change – the future is at stake

Paul Howard Articles, Blog, Climate Emergency, Organic, Sustainability, Wine Business

Tedeschi and climate change – the future is at stake. For any Amarone lover, the name Tedeschi needs no introduction. One of the famous great Valpolicella families, with vineyards owned there since 1630.  Today, Antonietta, Sabrina and Riccardo now run the Tedeschi business. They are the children of Renzo and Bruna Tedeschi. That’s some job, as there are currently 46 …

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Diversity discovery in Valpolicella, Part 1

Paul Howard Articles, Blog, Italy, Travel

The Diversity of Valpolicella

Diversity discovery in Valpolicella, Part 1 Part 1 of this article explores the diversity of Valpolicella; concerning grapes, styles, laws, terroirs, and winegrowing philosophies. Then Part 2  features twelve recommended Valpolicella wines illustrating these features. So, what do we think of when we think of Valpolicella? Is it: A: A cheap red quaffing wine without merit produced in vast quantity for supermarkets? or B: …

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Valpolicella – Discovering Diversity Part 2

Paul Howard Articles, Blog, Italy, Travel

Valpolicella Marogne, aka Terraces

Valpolicella – Discovering Diversity Part 2 Part 1 of this article was about the diversity found in Valpolicella; in grapes, styles, designations, terroirs, wine growing, and philosophies. This Part 2 features a dozen great examples of Valpolicella wines designed to illustrate these points. They are also arranged in pairs to compare and contrast. Such is the strength-in-depth within Valpolicella that this article …

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Visiting Villa Monteleone in Valpolicella

Paul Howard Articles, Blog, Italy

Villa Monteleone Valpolicella

Visiting Villa Monteleone in Valpolicella I visited Villa Monteleone on a hot spring day infused with the smell of Jasmine. We sat in the shade of an ancient Cherry tree tasting the wines with owner Lucia Duran Raimondi. Magic was in the air. Villa Monteleone is in the most western part of the Valpolicella Classico zone in northern Italy, found …

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The Anteprima Amarone in Verona

Paul Howard Articles, Blog, Italy

FIJEV and Anteprima Amarone 2012 Exhibition

The Anteprima Amarone, February 2016 In February 2016, FIJEV participated in the Anteprima Amarone for the first time. This event occurs annually, arranged by the Consorzio di Tutela Vini Valpolicella.  Held for the thirteenth time in beautiful Verona, this featured the new 2012 Amarone vintage. However, there was an opportunity to discover the Valpolicella region and its various wine styles. There …

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Fasoli Gino – doing the right thing right

Paul Howard Articles, Biodynamic, Blog, Italy, Organic

Fasoli Gino

Fasoli Gino – doing the right thing right I love discovering less well-known producers that make exciting wines. Excitement for me is about wines that express terroir and the personality of the winemaker. Fasoli Gino is one. Amarone is an elegant and powerful dry red wine made with dried grapes. Now famous, its success has driven the resurgence of the Valpolicella …

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