TOMMASO BUSSOLA

Some time ago Giuseppe Quintarelli was asked who he thought would be Valpolicella's next star. He didn't hesitate: Tommaso Bussola. Tomasso's wines differ from those of his two more famous neighbors in that they are marked by incredibly density of fruit. New oak is present in all his top wines, but fabulous fruit dominates their character. He has a high percentage of old vines and relies on ancient clones of Rondinella (20%) and Corvina (Grossa 25%/ Corvinone 40%). This last variety has become quite rare because of its low yields and finicky growing habits. Yet, Tommaso claims it is the Corvinone that gives his wines their depth. He calls it the "Super Corvina," saying that it produces stronger, denser, richer, more perfumed wines. Small percentages of old vine Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dindarella and Pindara round out the grape varieties, along with new experiments like Teroldego.
The wines that wear the prestigious "TB" label are Tommaso's finest, made from a ruthless selection from his best sites. Incredible in nearly every vintage, in 1995 and 1997 his Recioto Classico TB earned Gambero Rosso's coveted Tre Bicchieri award. The BG line, named for Tommaso's uncle is the "standard lineup" of this estate. Yet, quality still rates near the summit of the Valpolicella pyramid. All of the production comes from estate fruit - including declassified wine from top vineyards like Alto, Soto el Barbi, Casali and Quarer Longhe. Valpolicella Classico, Amarone Classico and Recioto Classico are made under this label.

"Readers who have not yet discovered the wines of Tommaso Bussola need to move! Tommaso Bussola has moved into the superstar ranks in Valpolicella. " Robert Parker

Valpolicella TB
2000 $29.99
"Tommaso Bussola has moved into the superstar ranks in Valpolicella. What this producer is capable of in a more favorable year is shown by his 2000 TB, warm and lightly jammy in aroma, full, round and sustained on the palate, a Valpolicella with, unusually, 7-8 years of life ahead of it." 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #154

Valpolicella BG
2000 sold out

Amarone Vigneto Alto TB
2000 $124.99
1999 $119.99 very limited
"Big and densely packed, with loads of crushed currants, together with clods of wet earth and slightly bitter spice. Big and full bodied, but well poised, with a silky palate and a long, long finish with off dry fruit. Opulent red. Try this with your cheese. Drink now. 500 cases made." 94 The Wine Spectator 9/15/04
"Equally powerful in aroma, but riper, sweeter and more complex, offers plum jam, grilled black cherries, chocolate and sweet herbs in its flavor range. Dense, muscular, but warmly alcoholic and enveloping, it is built to last until 2020." 93 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #154

Amarone TB
2000 $84.99

Amarone BG
2000 $43.99
"Lots of cardamom, tea and mineral on the nose, with bright black fruit and a hint of raisin. Full bodied, with a solid core of crushed blackberry, firm tannins and a hint of black licorice coming through on the long finish. needs a bit of time." Best after 2005. 715 cases made." 91 The Wine Spectator 9/15/04

Recioto della Valpolicella BG
1997 sold out

Recioto della Valpolicella TB
2000 $94.99
1996 $49.99 very limited