At a glance

Producer

Tommasi Viticoltori

Region

Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy

Grape variety

Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, Molinara

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Off-Dry

Typical price

$120-$180 USD per 750ml

Tasting profile

Dried cherry, plum, fig, balsamic, dark chocolate, spices, leather, tobacco, with pronounced tertiary notes; the palate is velvety, harmonious, showing dried fruit and earthy complexity.

Evolution: Fruit has gradually faded, now overtaken by spice, savory, and earthy/umami characters. Texture mellower, finish long but less vibrant.

At peak: At peak from 2013-2020; now in gentle decline, best for lovers of aged Amarone’s savory, tertiary qualities.

Structure

Acidity

Medium, supporting the remaining structure.

Tannins

Medium to medium-plus, now well-integrated and softened.

Alcohol

High (typically 15-16% ABV).

Aging potential

Limited further upside; should be drunk over the next 1-2 years.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2013 to 2020

Optimal window

2011 to 2022

Current status

Mature, at or slightly past peak; should be consumed soon for optimal enjoyment.

Current condition

Fully developed. Fruit fading, tertiary flavors dominating.

Due to the oxidative, high-alcohol style of Amarone and the vintage’s age, the wine has surpassed its primary fruit-driven peak and now exhibits developed, complex flavors characteristic of mature Amarone. Immediate consumption is advised for maximum enjoyment, as structural components may soon decline.

Food pairing

Aged hard cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano), braised beef, game (venison, duck), mature Pecorino, or rich mushroom risotto.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has aged for 20 years, allowing its tannins to soften and integrate. Decanting will help to aerate the wine further, enhancing its aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Integrated pest management, water-conserving irrigation (drip), limited chemical inputs; energy-efficient winery upgrades in recent years, but none specifically declared for 2005 vintage. Packaging is conventional (glass bottle, natural cork, standard carton).

For the 2005 vintage, Tommasi was not yet implementing extensive organic or regenerative practices, but was aligned with sustainable guidelines typical of Veneto DOC consortia. Improvements in energy and water use came later, as did higher certification standards, so this wine is average for the era in terms of sustainability. Carbon footprint is typical for premium Amarone: glass-heavy packaging and international transport offset some farm-level efficiencies.