The Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo is one of the greatest Super Tuscan values in the world. Rated 93 points by James Suckling and 90 points by Wine Spectator, this single vineyard blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon drinks way above its price point.
How often do you come across 93 point-rated Super Tuscans for less than $20? Rarely, hardly ever, never! Trust me folks, this is one of my top finds of 2020, and it’s more than worthy of the press. 10 cases just landed, and once those are gone, the deal is over. Don’t wait too long to order yours.
2016 Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo
93 points James Suckling, 90 points Wine Spectator
This vintage is sold out. To order the new vintage, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
The Tommasi family name is synonymous with world-class Italian wine. One of the great names of Amarone, the family purchased the Poggio al Tufo Estate in 1997. Located in Maremma, along Tuscany’s southwestern coast, this region is renowned for it’s powerful and often costly red wines. The grapes for this blend are sourced from Tomassi’s Rompicollo Vineyard, a site that benefits from its southern exposure and its volcanic soils rich in tufo, a particular type of volcanic rock.
These rocky, hard-to-work soils stress the vines and yield wines with full, assertive flavors. And the warmer temperatures of Maremma allows for richer and riper Sangiovese as well a ideal ripening for Cabernet Sauvignon. When you blend these grapes together, you get complex, balanced, and symphonic wines that combine the earthy, red fruit notes of Sangiovese with darker fruit and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s no surprise this region has become known as “Super Tuscan Central.”
When the Tommasi family set up shop in the zone in 1997, one of their first creations was Rompicollo, a term that roughly translates as “neck-breaking” in English. This is a direct reference to these hard, rocky soils. But trust me, there’s nothing “hard” about drinking this wine, and the critics agree. James Suckling said is possessed “aromas of blueberries, blackberries, and flowers following through to a full body with firm and chewy tannins.” And Wine Spectator voiced similar sentiments. “The black cherry and blackberry fruit in this red makes an immediate impact, ushered along by lively acidity. Harmonious and enjoyable for the lush, ripe flavors.”
This won’t make old bones, but it will offer wonderful drinking over the next 2-3 years. Versatile at the table, this is one that loves grilled meats, but it’s plush enough to enjoy with a big plate of pasta with red sauce.
This vintage is sold out. To order the new vintage, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville