2019 Tommasi Vigneto Rafael Valpolicella Classico Superiore 750 ml

This is the bottle that launched 600 acres of the most prized vineyards in Verona.

The Rafaèl cuvée is the keystone of Italy’s legendary Tommasi empire. They're the largest landholder in the prestigious Valpolicella Classico zone, and the most authoritative producer of the delicately tannic, whirlingly elegant style that defines the region.

These days, you’ll see Tommasi’s A-list $150 Amarone at MICHELIN-star establishments—and it all began with the Rafaèl Vineyard. It’s the very first property the Tommasis cultivated, and the source of this 93-point stunner. 

Some of the greatest grapes in Valpolicella Classico hail from this historic vineyard, which was the first one planted by Giacomo Tommasi, who founded the winery in 1902. Here, stone terraces trace the slopes of the famous Monte Masua hill, where the wine’s main grape, Corvina, develops a freshness and delicacy that have inspired comparisons to Pinot Noir.

In the Rafaèl bottling, the Corvina shows firm structure, with satiny tannins bracketing a strong spine of acidity. Rondinella adds a touch of fleshy body, while Corvinone and Oseleta lend intensity and spice notes.

The exquisite care that’s taken in every vintage to capture the essence of this landmark site results in a remarkably high level of quality that continues to make Tommasi perhaps the best-known name in Valpolicella Classico. Their traditional approach to aging, with the wine spending 15 months in large oak casks, detracts not a whit from the natural purity of the wine.

It’s a shockingly affordable education in the heights of Valpolicella Classico, and one you shouldn’t miss.