Tasting Notes:

Tommaso’s first goal every year is to make the best Amarone Classico possible. Because of Bussola’s demanding standards, production of each cuvée varies dramatically from vintage to vintage.

Blend: 65% Corvina and Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 5% Other varieties

When Veneto legend Giuseppe Quintarelli was asked years ago to name the region’s next superstar, he didn’t hesitate: Tommaso Bussola.

Quintarelli’s prediction began to be realized in 1999, when Tommaso’s 1995s were released. Among the countless accolades he received, Gambero Rosso gave him the first of many Tre Bicchieris for his majestic Recioto TB.

Learning on the Job

Originally trained as a stone mason, Tommaso took over over his uncle’s Valpolicella estate—with its prized old vineyards in the heart of the Classico zone—in the mid-1980s. While vineyard work came naturally to him, he experimented relentlessly, and absorbed information and ideas from every source available. With each passing vintage, his wines came to show more polish, finesse, intensity, and personality.

By the late nineties, his style had matured, and his wines had become world-famous for their incredible intensity of fruit. Like other top Veneto winemakers, he uses new barrels, but any hint of new wood is hidden by cascades of lush, opulent fruit.

Ancient Clones

The key, we think, is not only the age of his vines but the fact that they are nearly all naturally low-yielding ancient clones: Corvinone (40%), Corvina Grossa (25%) and Rondinella (20%).

Corvinone, in particular, is quite rare today 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 cépage, along with new experiments like Teroldego and Merlot.

Ca’ del Laito

Despite being the estate’s standard wines, the Ca’ del Laito selections are near the summit of the Valpolicella pyramid. Only estate fruit is used, including declassified wine from top sites like Alto, Soto el Barbi, Casali and Ca’ del Laito.

Valpolicella Ripasso

The Ca’ del Laito Valpolicella is made in a bold, Ripasso style that highlights the quality of Tommaso’s raw materials.

L’Errante

An Amarone-styled wine made from Bordelais varietals, the “Wanderer” results from Tommaso’s boundless curiosity. Unique.

Amarone Classico

Tommaso’s first goal every year is to make the best Amarone Classico possible. An incredible Amarone value.

Recioto Classico

Tommaso is the master of Recioto, and even his normale can challenge the region’s elite.