Tezza

Valpolicella, Italy

Tezza is a family-run winery located in the heart of Valpantena, a sub-region of Valpolicella in the Veneto region of Italy. Founded by three cousins—Vanio, Federico, and Flavio Tezza—the estate has deep roots in the region, with a winemaking tradition that spans three generations. Specializing in the production of classic Valpolicella wines, including Amarone and Ripasso, Tezza is dedicated to crafting high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of their vineyards while adhering to sustainable farming practices.

Read More
    • EU Organic Certification

The Tezza vineyards are located on the rolling hills of Valpantena, where the cool breezes from the nearby Lessini Mountains and the diverse, mineral-rich soils create ideal conditions for growing the native grape varieties of Valpolicella. These include Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, which are the foundation of the estate’s wines. The combination of careful vineyard management and the region’s natural advantages results in grapes that are rich in flavor, balanced by freshness and acidity.

Tezza is committed to sustainability, and the estate is certified organic, a reflection of the family’s respect for the environment and dedication to preserving the land for future generations. In the vineyard, natural methods are used to promote biodiversity and maintain soil health, while synthetic chemicals are avoided. This organic approach not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality and purity of the grapes, leading to wines that are a true reflection of their terroir.

The winery is best known for its Amarone della Valpolicella, a prestigious wine made using the traditional appassimento method, where the grapes are dried for several months to concentrate their sugars and flavors before fermentation. Tezza’s Amarone is a bold and opulent wine, with intense notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and spices, balanced by velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish. It is a wine that showcases the richness and complexity for which Amarone is renowned.

Tezza also produces Valpolicella Ripasso, a style that involves re-fermenting Valpolicella wine on the lees of Amarone, giving it additional body, structure, and depth of flavor. The result is a wine with dark cherry and plum notes, along with hints of spice and a well-rounded mouthfeel. Their Valpolicella Classico, on the other hand, is a fresher, lighter red, perfect for everyday drinking, with bright fruit flavors and a lively acidity.

In addition to their classic Valpolicella wines, Tezza crafts several other distinctive wines, including a rosé and a white wine made from Garganega, a traditional grape variety of the Veneto. Each wine is crafted with the same attention to detail and respect for tradition that defines the estate’s philosophy.

Tezza’s commitment to quality extends to their winemaking process, where modern technology is used in conjunction with time-honored techniques. The wines are fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels, depending on the style, to achieve the perfect balance between fruit expression and complexity. The result is a range of wines that are both expressive and elegant, with a clear sense of place.

Today, Tezza is recognized as one of the leading producers in Valpolicella, known for its artisanal approach and dedication to sustainability. Their wines are celebrated for their balance, depth, and ability to reflect the unique characteristics of Valpantena. As the Tezza family continues to innovate while honoring their winemaking heritage, they remain committed to producing wines that represent the best of the Valpolicella region.