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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
A comprehensive selection from Tedeschi reflecting "a sense of place in Valpolicella" according to Eric Guido of Vinous, these highly rated reds from Italy's pioneering producer of vineyard-driven Valpolicella and Amarone offer a full range of complexity from the easy drinking 90 pt. 2022 Tedeschi Lucchine to the inviting 97 pt. 2019 Tedeschi Marne 180 Amarone and the powerful single vineyard 95 pt. 2015 Tedeschi Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva Amarone, a terrific value priced opportunity for anyone looking to explore the wines of the region as well as Amarone lovers seeking a great deal for building a case.
Located in northern Italy’s Veneto region east of Lake Garda, Tedeschi produces red wines in a range of styles, from fresh and approachable Valpolicella to rich and age worthy Amarone and long-lived Riservas, crafted as different blends from the native grapes Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone along with a smaller percentage of lesser-known indigenous varietals. Inspired by the diverse range of terroirs across their 48 hectares of steep, hillside vineyards, the Tedeschi’s were the first in the region to build their portfolio to express the specific characteristics of the individual parcels, the estate now run by fifth generation family members Riccardo, Sabrina and Antonietta under the mentorship of their father Lorenzo. Crafted without the use of any oak, the fresh and lively 90 pt. 2022 Tedeschi Lucchine Valpolicella offers bright red fruit with notes of sour cherry and vibrant acidity, a refreshing and food friendly Valpolicella to enjoy slightly chilled over the next five years and summed up by James Suckling as “delicious.” Crafted as a harmonious blend from across their vineyards, the harvested grapes for the Marne 180 Amarone della Valpolicella are dried to half their original size during the appassimento process used to make Amarone, undergoing a complex transformation that decreases acidity and enhances flavors, the blend aged for around 30 months in large Slavonian casks followed by at least 6 months in bottle before release. Described as “delicious even now” by James Suckling, the richly textured 93 pt. 2017 Tedeschi Marne 180 Amarone is ready to enjoy with structure for cellaring, offering aromatic, succulent fruit hinting of spiced raisin with smooth acidity and a mineral-driven finish, while the lush 2019 97 pt. Tedeschi Marne 180 Amarone promises a decade of evolution, revealing ripe spiced fruit and saline-tinged minerality with well-integrated tannins on a long, juicy finish. Sourced from the steep terraced Monte Olmi parcel planted in limestone-rich soils at around 160 meters above sea level, Tedeschi’s Monte Olmi Riserva was among the region’s first single vineyard Amarones first released in the 1960’s, the blend aged in Slavonia oak for 48 months with a minimum of 6 months more in bottle. After spending 10 years maturing in bottle, the full-bodied 95 pt. 2013 Tedeschi Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva Amarone is described as offering “an unbelievable amount of vibrant, unbridled energy” by Eric Guido of Vinous, its enticing aromatic spiced fruit balanced with fine grained tannins on a silky finish while the opulent 95 pt. 2016 Tedeschi Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva Amarone is “is a sumptuous wine of both power and precision” according to James Suckling, promising to evolve for over a decade.
Described as “fabulous values” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, these appealing selections from Tedeschi reflect the family’s long legacy as expert growers in the region, a range of refined and balanced vineyard driven Valpolicella wines to enjoy now and over the next decade, bargain priced at a fraction of the region’s higher profile producers and over delivering value. |
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A smokey mix of crushed ashen stone, dried black cherries and exotic spice smolders up from the 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Capitel San Rocco. This is silky in feel with cooling acidity. Mineral-tinged red berries add a lovely inner tension, and a citrus hint adds beautiful contrast. It finishes long and lightly structured with nuances of strawberry and a salty flourish that lingers on.
92 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Mar 2023)
A tight nose of bright red and black berries here, with hints of violets and chocolate powder. Medium-bodied with fresh, citrus-like acidity injecting energy and focus. No tannin to speak of until right at the end, where there’s a bit of grip. Sustainable. This is fairly uncomplicated and delicious to drink now, but will gain more complexity with another year in bottle.
92 points, James Suckling (Oct 2022)
Always nice to revisit the elegance of Tedeschi's Ripasso, with its vibrant red fruit, acid lift, and alcohol in perfect balance. The tannins are angular, and pleasantly firm. Great width on the mid-palate and linear finish. Lingering cherry, strawberry jam and plum notes.
92 points, Ines Salpico, Decanter (Sep 2022)
Showing a slightly evolved and savory approach, the Tedeschi 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Capitel San Rocco (with 10,000 bottles made) takes the complexity and intensity of a Ripasso up a notch or two. The winemaking team at Tedeschi always does fantastic work. The effect here is smooth and silky with dried cherry and plum.
91 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Oct 2023)