Villa Erbice Valpolicella Ripasso 2020

Ripasso is the halfway house between cherry-red Valpolicella and deep, rich Amarone. After pressing the dried grapes for Amarone, the rich grape skins that remain are used in a second fermentation of Valpolicella — adding depth, colour, and complexity to the lighter wine. The word Ripasso means "re-pass" or "go over again", and the style was awarded its own DOC in 2007. The Villa Erbice Ripasso is repassed over the Amarone skins of the same vintage for one week in January, then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels and six months in bottle before release.

About This Wine

A sustainably farmed Valpolicella Ripasso from Villa Erbice — a rich wine that almost matches its big brother the Amarone. Toasted oak, prune, and tobacco with Marasca cherry and dark fruit overlaying a luscious, fruit-driven finish. A wine of real depth and complexity at a fraction of the price of Amarone.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep ruby with garnet hints
Nose: Toasted oak, prune, tobacco, and Marasca cherry
Palate: Rich and full with dark fruit, dried fruit character, and excellent structure
Finish: Long and luscious with lingering dark fruit and oak

Food Pairing

Excellent with red meats, aged cheeses, and hearty pasta dishes. A natural partner for braised meats and rich risotto.

Details

Grape: Corvina, Rondinella & Molinara
Region: Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
Farming: Sustainable
Style: Fuller Flavour Red
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottle: 75cl
Drink: In the next 7 years