Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Wines
Within the Veneto wine region lies the DOC of Valpolicella. While the majority of the wine that comes out of this region is made into a light and fruity style intended for early consumption, the ripasso method—a technique that re-ferments the wine using the unpressed skins and seeds from Amarone production—creates a deeper wine with noticeably more tannin, pigment and a mandatory minimal alcohol content of 13%. With its dark fruit, coffee and subtle raisinated qualities, these wines often resemble scaled-down versions of the more intense Amarones, but for a fraction of the cost. To help locate some of the top rated wines as well as the best buys from the area, simply reference our Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Wine Guide.
Stefano Accordini 2006 Acinatico Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)
- Editors' Choice
- $20
Acinatico is a thickly extracted ripasso with opulent tones of creamy milk chocolate back by smoked vanilla, black cherry and Indian curry powder. It is a modern, powerful wine that all but overpowers the palate thanks to its intensity and immediate impact.
— M.L.
(10/1/2009)
Tedeschi 2007 Capitel San Rocco Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)
- $20
Tedeschi’s opulent Capitel San Rocco ripasso boasts elements of red fruit, spice, coffee, cola and sandalwood. The wine is perfumed and intense and the mouthfeel is focused and sharp.
— M.L.
(10/1/2009)
Tenuta Sant'Antonio 2005 Monti Garbi Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)
- $21
Monti Garbi is a lovely ripasso with a nice balance of natural fruit and soft oak shadings. The fruit is definitely on the ripe side but the wine doesn’t taste jammy or flabby. Instead, it is tonic and fresh on the palate and would make a terrific companion to spicy pork ribs.
— M.L.
(10/1/2009)
Tenuta Sant'Antonio 2007 Monti Garbi Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)
- Online Exclusive
- $18
Monti Garbi is a beautiful expression of Ripasso with just the right touch of heft and intensity to pair with roast lamb or grilled steak. Aromas of sweet spice and red fruit fill the mouth and the wine ends with a soft, velvety texture.
— M.L.
(2/1/2011)
Venturini Massimino 2004 Semonte Alto Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)
- $25
Here’s an inky, thickly extracted wine with mineral tones of graphite and lead pencil backed by fruit marmalade, black cherry, pomegranate and Spanish cedar. The ripasso has drying, almost dusty tannins and a slightly sweet taste in the mouth.
— M.L.
(10/1/2009)
Venturini Massimino 2005 Semonte Alto Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)
- $25
Semonte Alto ripasso offers a pretty bouquet of mature fruit, cola, spice and earth. The wine is generous and round in the mouth with sweet accents on the close. It would pair with succulent roast pork.
— M.L.
(10/1/2009)
Villa Erbice 2007 Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)
- Online Exclusive
- $35
This is a compelling and rich Ripasso that opens with intense aromas of mature fruit, plum, prune, cassis, clove, cardamom and smoked spice or cured ham. There’s very nice complexity here the the wine hits the palate with determination and intensity.
— M.L.
(2/1/2011)
Zenato 2008 Ripassa Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $28
This edition of Ripassa (a Ripasso-style Valpolicella wine) shows impressive intensity and enduring richness that recalls top shelf Amarone. The wine is dark and inky with sweet barbecue aromas and a fresh blast of mature cherry and chocolate on the finish.
— M.L.
(12/1/2011)
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