Rafaèl Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2020

93 points, “Pleasant nose of thick raspberry and cherry jam with savoury notes of black olives and light herbs. Relaxed feel to the medium-bodied but layered palate with very fine tannins that are coated with creamy fruit. Surprisingly good length, pushed along by the more savoury elements. Delicious.” – James Suckling

Rafaèl comes from a single vineyard on Monte Masua hill, which was the first to be bought by the Tommasi family. The Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara vines are trained in the ‘Pergola Veronese’ style – an overhead training where the grapes hang below the leaves protected from the strong sunlight. This Valpolicella Classico Superiore is matured in Slavonian oak barrels for 15 months, creating a wine that sings of cherry chocolate liqueurs, hedgerow fruit, tapenade, raspberry yoghurt, baking spices, herbs and pepper. Polished and dangerously easy to drink, this is a fine match for almost all tomato-based pasta dishes, pizzas topped with salami, red wine risottos, roasts, spicy Chinese dishes, crispy duck pancakes and rich fish soups.

Over four generations and well over a century, the glamorous Tommasi estate has earned a reputation that has elevated them to become one of the ambassadors for Amarone and Valpolicella.