Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
- Country: Italy
- Region: Veneto
- District: Valpolicella
- Varietals: 70% Corvina with 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara
- Varietals: Single vineyard and vintage
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- Aging: Minimum 12 months in French allier barriques and refined minimum 6 months in bottle
- Bottle: 750ml
Winemaker: Cantine De Valier
Wine Notes:
The world renowned red wine of Veneto and the region of Lake Garda, Valpolicella Ripasso is made by fermenting young, fresh wine with the skins and lees left over from making Amarone.
The term "ripasso" means to "re-pass" or to "pass over again".
The Romans applied the term "Rhetic" to the wine coming from the area around and to the south of Lake Garda and the beverage highly praised by Pliny the Elder, Virgil, Martial and Suetonius; which was quite clearly the wine known today as Valpolicella Ripasso.
The first contemporary Ripasso wine was produced in 1964 by applying the technique of a second fermentation of fresh Valpolicella grapes (Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella) on the skins and lees of the Amarone; transforming young fresh wine into rich full bodied wine suitable for aging in barrel and bottle.
Winemaker Notes:
The color is a brilliant deep ruby red. The nose is floral and full with fruity scents of golden apple, white peach, and scents of cherry and blackberry, with hints of vanilla. The taste is medium bodied, fresh, well structured and balanced, harmonic with sweet tannins, and an elegant, pleasant, fulfilling finish. This wine is an excellent example of the renowned Italian classic from Veneto.
This wine can be enjoyed young and becomes more refined for 4 to 5 years.
At its best when opened 45 minutes or longer prior to serving.
Pairing:
The perfect surf & turf wine, it pairs well with roasted or grilled meats and fresh fish, deep fried shellfish, and savory pasta dishes.
