February 2024

Renowned Valpolicella producer, Tommasi, launched an ultra-premium label after two decades in the making. It’s called De Buris (shown as DE BVRIS on the label), and they produce one single vineyard riserva Amarone from the La Groletta vineyard in Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella. This small 1.9 hectare cru-quality vineyard is on the most western limit of Valpolicella, situated at 250 meters above sea level with a south-west aspect overlooking Lake Garda. If you’ve visited Tedeschi’s La Fabriseria vineyard at 500m and driven by the Pieve di San Giorgio, if you stop at the Piazza della Pieve to look westwards towards Lake Garda that’s where La Groletta is, just below on that west-facing slope. The first vintage of De Buris Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG was 2008, now they’re on the fourth vintage (2011), which is in market following more than a decade in the cellar.

2011 is considered among the best vintages for finesse and balance in Valpolicella. Tommasi’s Oenologist, Giancarlo Tommasi, blended 65% Corvina, 24% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, and 6% Oseleta creating what I would describe as a benchmark for elegance, harmony, and structure in Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG. The nose reveals a beautiful complex aromatic profile showing dried cherry, plum, sweet tobacco, dark chocolate, and spice. The palate repeats with a seductive harmonious texture and long finish. This is a masterpiece. 8,400 bottles and 107 magnums produced. De Buris Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva offers a unique tasting experience characterized by elegance, harmony, and longevity. Enjoy 2024 – 2050+ Tasted February 2024. 97 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca