Tedeschi Capitel Monte Olmi Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva 2012

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

Recognised for its strenght and elegance, year after year, the Monte Olmi was one of the first Cru of Valpolicella, born out of Lorenzo’s happy intuition to vinify separately the grapes from the namesake vineyard.

The Monte Olmi vineyard is located at Pedemonte di Valpolicella in the heart of Valpolicella Classica. The vineyard has a south-western exposure and is 2.5 hectares in size. It is laid out on terraces in order to ensure efficient draining in case of abundant rainfall. At the same time, the depth and the clay structure of the terrain serve to retain water during dry period.

Since the early 60s, Renzo Tedeschi had the fortunate idea of vinifying the grapes from the Monte Olmi vineyard separately, thus creating one of the very first single-vineyard wines in Valpolicella. Today Monte Olmi is the symbol of the estate and its territory.

About Tedeschi

In the Vineyard

Tedeschi wines have become synonymous with Valpolicella terroir as a result of their constant and meticulous labor in the vineyard over the years. Nothing is ever left to chance. The profound attention to the vineyard includes research to uncover a perfect interaction between the characteristics of the soil, the microclimate, the sun exposure, the choice of the most appropriate varietals, and the cultivation system.

A great wine – authentic and rich in character – can only emerge from perfect grapes. For this reason, Tedeschi has prioritised considered and sustainable viticulture and certified according to the standards of Biodiversity Friend and Equalitas.

As producers of Valpolicella, Amarone, and Recioto in Valpolicella for centuries, along with the native varities – Corvina, Corvione and Rondinella – in our own vineyards, we also cultivate a small percentage of lesser-known varietals that are nevertheless traditionally used in Valpolicella, including Oseleta, Dindarella, Negrara, Rossignola, and Forselina.

In the Winery

The Tedeschi winery is located in the center of Pedemonte in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica. Over the years, the family have renovated and enlarged the vinification area to optimize the work of fermentation during the harvest based on the accurate selection of grape variety from the various plots. They have also enlarged the aging cellar to ensure the appropriate maturation time for the wines.

The wines are aged in Slavonian oak barrels with a variable capacity of between 1000 and 5000 liters. After the appropriate length of time in the barrels, the wine undergoes a further aging period before being marketed.

During 1995 and 2005, we launched a study on the control of grapes during their drying phase. The results from this study led to the construction of a modern drying room that maintains the integrity of the grape during the entire drying process thanks to careful control of ambient humidity and regular ventilation.

For Amarone:

The grapes are carefully selected exclusively from hillside vineyards. The hillside terrain is shallow and rich in limestone, and the ventilation and temperature range permit optimal maturation of the grapes, which translates into a richer aroma and color that yield wines that are both more typical and complex.

The grapes dry inside of a large drying room that is humidity controlled and allows for the ideal preservation of the grape bunch while avoiding the emergence of mold. Climate control permits temperatures that are analogous to traditional processes. There is never any forcing, only careful control of the natural process.

The grapes stay in the drying room for three to four months during which they are constantly checked. During this delicate phase, the grapes undergo a series of complex transformations from a decrease in acidity to modifications in the balance between glucose and fructose that favor the concentration of polyphenols as well as a considerable increase of glycerine and other substances.

Once drying is complete, in January the grapes are checked once again and then are pressed. The must is left in contact with the skin for a long period of time, and this phase can be prolonged for some months. The wine then requires a long aging phase both in the barrel and in the bottle. The final result is a wine with inimitable characteristics and a unique taste that is a direct expresssion of the territory. The wine can continue to age and surprise for decades.

The 2012 Vintage at Tedeschi

Ian D’Agata on the 2012 Vintage

The general consensus is that 2011, especially, and 2013 are above-average to outstanding vintages for Amarone, with 2012 a notch below those two on the quality scale. My own impression is that 2011 is in fact the best of that trio of vintages, with 2013 just a step behind, but many very good and even outstanding 2012 Amarones can also be found.

Initially, the 2012 vintage looked to be a potentially memorable one as it was very hot from the start. But although the grapes had time to adapt to the unusually warm conditions, most ripened too quickly and had to be harvested when sugar levels were high but polyphenols were not yet fully ripe. Consequently, some 2012 Amarones are marred by green streaks and overt herbal qualities, but the best ’12s are powerful, luscious wines that also show good balance.

Where in the World is Tedeschi?

Tedeschi is located in Veneto in Valpolicella.