# Graticcio Appassionato (2021)

- **Producer:** Tommasi Viticoltori
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Corvina, Rondinella, Merlot
- **Region:** Veneto, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Passed
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** dried fruit, black cherry, red plum, cloves, vanilla, chocolate, leather, earth

## About this wine

The Tommasi Graticcio Appassionato is a red wine from the Veneto region of Italy, produced by Tommasi Viticoltori. Its distinctive character comes from the use of the 'appassimento' method, where grapes are partially dried on traditional bamboo racks called 'graticcio' for about a month before fermentation. This process is inspired by techniques used for Amarone wines, concentrating the fruit and enhancing the wine's body. Tommasi Viticoltori is a family winery established in 1902, now managed by the fourth generation of the family, who are dedicated to producing authentic wines from regional grape varieties.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Graticcio' refers to the traditional bamboo racks used for drying grapes.
- This wine employs a partial 'appassimento' method, similar to Amarone production.
- Tommasi Viticoltori has been a family winery for over a century.
- It's recognized for offering excellent value for money.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and balanced tannins are well-suited to complement the protein in red meats, while the concentrated fruit notes can echo savory and herbaceous elements in dishes. The wine's structure can stand up to richer flavors without overpowering them.

## Wine making process

The production of Tommasi Graticcio Appassionato involves a distinctive partial drying of the grapes, known as 'appassimento,' for about a month on traditional bamboo racks ('graticcio'). This process concentrates the grape must before fermentation. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes an aging period of six months in Slavonian oak casks, which contributes to its development and texture.