2010 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vigneto Alto

While Tommaso Bussola is still firmly in the mix, today it’s his sons Giuseppe and Paolo who are the driving force behind the brand. The vineyards are located in the higher-elevation hills of San Peretto and Montecchio within Negrar, the Valpolicella Classico zone, ranging from 250 to 500 meters above sea level. It’s here, in the 1980s, that Tommaso Bussola took over his uncle's old vine vineyards and began experimenting to create the rich, fruit-intense and sweetly spiced style he has since become known for. At one time, the name Bussola was also associated with a deft use of new barriques, and while many of the top wines will still see this as part of their élevage, it’s more common to find tonneaux (part new) and large casks spread throughout the bulk of the portfolio. While the majority of fruit used to create the Bussola portfolio are older clones of the traditional varieties, there are also other grapes in much smaller quantities found within their vineyards, including Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. All of that said, there are many changes coming up in the near future. For one thing, Paolo Bussola explained that the family recently acquired a new vineyard named Trapola, which was planted over 70 years ago and will be first used to create a cru Amarone from the 2019 vintage. Unfortunately, with this news also came the saddening fact that they will be uprooting the famed Vigneto Alto vineyard in 2022 and replanting it. This was especially hard to hear after tasting the remarkable 2010 Vigneto Alto. These original old vines were the pride and joy of Tommaso Bussola, and they were used to create many great vintages of Amarone for the family. However, the vines have been dying over the years. The family believes it will be about 15 years before they begin producing from the vineyard again. Keep in mind that winemaking is a long game. This brings to mind another famous producer who once explained to me that he plants new vineyards for his children, not himself. Stylistically, expect the Bussola wines to be fruit-forward yet balanced, packed with richness; and while they are easy to enjoy in their youth, they also stand the test of time.