Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
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 family run winery is situated minutes north of Verona in the heart of Valpolicella's Valpantena Valley. It's here where the winemaking team of Mauro (father) and Sofia (daughter) produce their impressive Brolo (wall) del Figaretto Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Valpantena. This wine caught my attention a few years ago with its super approachable, ripe, balanced, and complex profile. Each vintage I've tasted since has impressed so when I visited Verona this winter it was first winery I visited, and as expected, it impressed.
2019 Secondo Marco Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (barrel sample) – While winemaker Marco Speri plans to let this wine rest for another three years in barrel before bottling, it is already showing beautifully and is expected to gain further integration and complexity leading up to its release in 2027. This is a wine worthy of investment, one that will show beautifully upon release and over the next three decades. Anticipated optimal drinking window: 2027-2050. Score: 96+ points.
2019 Zýmē Amarone showcases the excellence of the 2019 vintage and demonstrates what is possible with this iconic winery. Celestino Gaspari, the winemaker behind Zýmē, is now one of the most renowned names in Valpolicella winemaking. His journey began alongside the iconic Giuseppe Quintarelli, arguably the most revered producer in Valpolicella history. These formative years working with Quintarelli laid the foundation for Gaspari's progressive and curious approach, which has led Zýmē to become one of the most respected ultra-premium wineries in Valpolicella.
This is an outstanding Cru-quality wine that showcases the the pedigree of the terroir and vision of the winemaker in crafting such well integrated and elegant age-worthy wines. Highly recommend acquiring and cellaring wines from Rubinelli Vajol, as they showcase the greatness in premium Valpolicella wines. Tasted February 2024. 97+ points.
An impressive single vineyard Riserva Amarone with decades of age ahead of it.
La Fabriseria Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva (and the associated single vineyard Valpolicella Classico Superiore) is a fantastic example of the world-class wines being produced in Valpolicella and the potential its wines have for decades of cellaring. Highly recommend La Fabriseria vineyard wines and enjoying them over decades.
Impressive 94 point wine coming to LCBO on February 3, 2024
Today on CTV Morning Live, Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some of his top recommended Scotch Whiskies and Scotch cocktails to celebrate Robbie Burns on January 25.
After tasting hundreds of wines, here's my short list of most memorable wines tasted in 2023. Put these on your must-try list for 2024!
Quercus Vino 