Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2018, red (pack of 6); Bottle price €22.50

This Ripasso wine is obtained by mixing the wine - before it enters the wooden barrels - for 4 days with the (dried) grape pulp that remains after making Amarone wine. This gives a Ripasso wine more body and flavor than a regular Valpolicella. At least 14 months of barrel aging and 8 months of bottle aging before the wine ends up in the store. But then you also have this result:

Dark red color in the glass. One immediately smells signals of the refermentation with the Amarone peels, sensations of ripe red fruit, sweet cherry, coffee, cocoa and vanilla. What follows is a small flavor explosion in the mouth and it fully unleashes its power with very light, soft and balanced tannins, reminiscent of the often quoted angel. Needless to say, this mini volcanic eruption lingers for a long time, not only in the mouth but also in the memory.

Alcohol percentage 14% and very easy to store.

Excellent wine with stews, small game and firm cheeses.

Price per bottle €22.50 and packed in boxes of 6

Below more about the winemaker and his background:

Villa Verità, Azienda Agricola Domenico Fraccaroli.

A family business in Verona that makes special wines. Not a large range, but very typical for the subsurface of limestone and volcanic rock. Domenico Fraccaroli was founded in 1958 by grandfather Domenico Fraccaroli in Paradiso di Pocenia, the company in a “little piece of paradise” in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Since 2002, the family business has been expanded with the domain “Grotta del Ninfeo” in Lavagno, Verona, where his son Tiziano started making beautiful Valpolicella wines and Amarone. In addition to quality and passion, Fraccaroli's philosophy includes sincerity and enthusiasm with respect for nature and tradition. The wines are made in a classic style.

They therefore become strong wines because they mature for a long time. For example, the Ripasso Superiore is matured on the pulp of the Amarone and the Amarone in turn is made from dried grapes. The rules for making these wines are quite strict. Various red grape varieties are used for Valpolicella DOC wine. The most important are the Corvina (45–95%) and the Rondinella (5–30%). The use of the Molinara variety is no longer required, but is still permitted. In addition, local grape varieties, such as Negrara, Forselina and Oseleta, may be used
(joint maximum 25%, individually maximum 10%). The Corvina may be replaced by Corvinone grapes for a maximum of 50%. Well, rules are rules...