Tommaso Bussola

Tommaso Bussola When Veneto legend Giuseppe Quintarelli was wines had become world-famous for their incredi- asked years ago to name the region’s next superstar, he ble intensity of fruit. Over time, his usage of new didn’t hesitate: Tommaso Bussola. barrels has diminished, but any hint of new wood is hidden by cascades Quintarelli’s predic- of lush, opulent fruit. tion began to be Tommaso Bussola’s wines have received a good realized in 1999, “ Ancient Clones when Tommaso’s '95’s deal of critical acclaim over the last few years, The key, we think, is were released. Among and with good reason. These are remarkable not only the age of his the countless acco- wines of the highest level. vines but the fact that lades he received, they are nearly all nat- Gambero Rosso gave Antonio Galloni in The Wine Advocate urally low-yielding him the first of ancient clones: R A R E W I N E C O. many Tre Bicchieris for his majestic Recioto TB. Corvinone (40%), Corvina Grossa (25%) and Learning on the Job Rondinella (20%). Originally trained as a stone mason, Tommaso Corvinone, in particular, is quite rare today took over over his uncle’s Valpolicella estate—with because of its low yields and finicky growing its prized old vineyards in the heart of the Classico habits. Yet, Tommaso claims it is the Corvinone T H E zone—in the mid-1980’s. While vineyard work that gives his wines their depth. He calls it the came naturally to him, he experimented relentless- “Super Corvina,” saying that it produces stronger, ly, and absorbed information and ideas from every denser, richer, more perfumed wines. source available.With each passing vintage, his Small percentages of old-vine Cabernet Franc, wines came to show more polish, finesse, intensity, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dindarella and Pindara round and personality. out the cépage, along with newer experiments like By the late nineties, his style had matured, and his Teroldego and Merlot. Linea “Ca’ del Laito” Linea “TB” Despite being the estate’s standard wines, the The “TB” selections are Tommaso’s finest, Ca’ del Laito selections are near the summit of the made from a ruthless selection only when Valpolicella pyramid. Only estate fruit is used, nature allows. including declassified wine from top sites like Alto, Valpolicella Classico Superiore TB Soto el Barbi, Casali and Ca’ del Laito. — While the Amarone and Recioto enjoy greater renown, Valpolicella Ripasso — The Ca’ del Laito Valpo- this 100% Ripasso wine may be Tommaso’s great- licella is made in a bold, Ripasso style that highest achievement. lights the quality of Tommaso’s raw materials. L’Errante — An Amarone-styled wine made from Amarone Classico TB — Fantastically hedonis- Bordelais varietals, the “Wanderer” results from tic, offering great velvety richness on the palate Tommaso’s boundless curiosity. Unique. and exotic notes of black cherry, cocoa and ash. Amarone Classico — Tommaso’s first goal every Amarone Classico TB “Vigneto Alto” — A lim- year is to make the best Amarone Classico possi- ited selection made only when certain barrels dis- ble. An incredible Amarone value. play a little extra “magic.” Recioto Classico — Tommaso is the master of Recioto Classico TB — Bussola’s wines are the Recioto, and even his normale can challenge the reference standards for Recioto. Lofty scores and region’s elite. awards have been legion.

HISTORY THE WINES Established: 1985 Valpolicella Ripasso “Ca’ del Laito” Winemaker / Viticulture: Tommaso Bussola Grapes: 40% Corvina and Corvinone, 40% Marketing: Daniela Bussola Rondinella, 10% Molinara, 10% Others History: The self-taught Bussola took over his Avg. Production: 1,200 cases

uncle’s domaine in 1985. He aims to make the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico best normale wines possible in each vintage. Grapes: 65% Corvina and Corvinone, 30% In many years, he is also able to make limited Rondinella, 5% Other varieties quantities of his elite TB line, selected from Production: 2,500 cases the best grapes at harvest.

Recioto della Valpolicella Classico VINEYARD INFORMATION Grapes: 50% Corvina and Corvinone, 30% Soils: Toar (basalt) & chalky gravel. Terraced Rondinella, 20% Other steep hillside vineyards Avg. Production: 800 cases (6x500mL)

Fruit Source: 9 hA in Valpolicella Classico. L’Errante IGT Estate Plantings: 40% Corvinone, 25% Corvina Grapes: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet (both) Grossa, 20% Rondinella Note: 75% is partially dried, and 25% is done 5% Molinara, Cabernet Franc, Pelara in the ripasso style before assemblage. Cabernet Sauvignon, Dindarella. Tommaso Avg. Production: 1,000 cases specializes in finicky, heirloom varieties. Corvinone, in particular, is difficult to grow, TB Valpolicella Classico Superiore but is largely responsible for the depth of fruit Grapes: 50% Corvina and Corvinone, 40% in Bussola’s wines. Rondinella, 10% Other varieties Vine Age: 35% 14+ years old, 40% 30+ years Note: 100% ripasso Avg. Production: 2,500 cases old, 20% 60+ years old, 5% New plantings TB Amarone RECENT VINTAGES 2006 – Early indications are for a strong, Grapes: 75% Corvina and Corvinone, 20% classic, structured vintage. Rondinella, 5% Other varieties Avg. Production: from 0 to 700 cases 2005 – A mildly challenging vintage, with some spotty rain around harvest. TB Amarone “Vigneto Alto” 2004 – A classic vintage, with beautifully Grapes: Alto is selected from the best barrels of balanced wines. Similar to 2001. TB Amarone 2003 – Atypical heat and drought led to Avg. Production: from 0 to 500 case

abnormally high grape sugars, and less need TB Recioto della Valpolicella than usual for raisining. Grapes: 60% Corvina and Corvinone, 10% 2002 – Difficult year, with rain at harvest. No Rondinella, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Other TB wines made. Avg. Production: 0 to 300 cases (6x500mL) ADDITIONAL WINEMAKING NOTES Bussola uses different barrel sizes, woods (oak, cherry, chestnut, acacia) and aging for each wine, and is always experimenting. Because of Bussola’s demanding standards, production of each cuvée varies dramatically from vintage to vintage.

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