Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC - Zenato

Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC - ZenatoThe Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore from Zenato is an excellent, characterful and harmonious red wine cuvée from the Italian DOC Valpolicella Ripasso wine-growing region. This wine appears dark and deep ruby red in the glass and unfolds its elegant and intense bouquet, which consists of aromas of black cherries and plums. Spicy nuances and hints of rum pot, the result of the Apassimento process, complement the nose. On the palate, this red wine from Veneto is juicy and supple and its compact fruit is complemented by subtle notes of coffee, licorice and almond and carried into a long, elegant finish. Vinification of the Zenato Ripassa Superiore Valpolicella The grape varieties for this cuvée are Corvina, Rondinella and Oseleta. The grapes come from vineyards with dry, loamy and calcareous soils. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. After alcoholic fermentation, a second fermentation takes place for around 20 days on the still-warm Amarone marc. In this ripasso process, the young wine extracts further aromas from the marc. The wine is aged for 24 months in French barrique barrels, followed by 6 months in the bottle. Dining recommendation for the Ripassa Valpolicella Zenato Superiore Enjoy this dry red wine from Italy with hearty pasta dishes, braised meat or cheese. Awards for the Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore from Zenato Falstaff: 90 points for 2015 Deep, rich ruby red. Slightly restrained on the nose, with notes of blackberries and wood spices. Full and rich on the palate, expansive, grippy tannins and good pressure on the finish. James Suckling: 94 points for 2015 Falstaff: 90 points for 2015 Decanter Asia Wine Awards: 90 points for 2015 Mundus Vini: Gold for 2014 Falstaff: 92 points for 2014 Wine Spectator: 90 points for 2013