Crushed stones and dusty violet florals entice alongside blackberries and hints of candied orange in this Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2019, an elegant expression from the prestigious La Groletta and Conca d’Oro crus in Valpolicella’s hilly Classica zone. Crafted using the ancient appassimento method where grapes are dried for months to concentrate their sugars and flavours, this dark ruby beauty scored 95 points from Vinous, 93 from James Suckling and 90 from Wine Spectator.

Sleek and racy with lifted textures and polished red and blue fruits flowing across lively acidity, the palate delivers intense black cherry, wild berries and spicy tones. Full-bodied yet remarkably fresh, this Amarone shows excellent balance between acidity and tannins before tapering off with a confectionary air, leaving violet pastille and crunchy tannins lingering on. Matured three years in large Slavonian oak casks, it’s elegant and never overpowering.

Red meats, game and aged cheeses pair beautifully where the velvety tannins and concentrated fruit complement rich proteins perfectly. Try it with braised osso buco, wild boar or mature Parmigiano-Reggiano served at 18°C.