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.

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Tinazzi 2008 Tenuta Valleselle Rovertondo Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)

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This is an oak-influenced Ripasso that opens with sweet aromas of vanilla, dark chocolate and espresso bean. Beyond those tones are more traditional elements of cherry, mesquite, Spanish cedar and cinnamon. Sweet fruit nuances run smoothly over the palate and the wine is clean and lively on the close. — M.L. (2/1/2011)

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Tinazzi 2009 Ca' de' Rocchi Monterè Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)

Editors' Choice
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Price $15

This is a delicious Ripasso with soft oak renderings and sophisticated spice tones layered between bright cherry and blackberry. A lingering note of barbecue spice brings up the rear. — M.L. (12/1/2011)

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Tommasi 2004 Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)

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Price $27

Here is a very successful ripasso that shows excellent integrity of fruit and deep aromatic layers of sweet blueberry, allspice, plum, cola and natural rubber. The wine delivers a playful dollop of sweet spice on the close. Imported by Rolar. — M.L. (10/1/2009)

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Tommasi 2006 Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)

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Price $27

Tommasi’s ripasso opens with ripe fruit tones, inky concentration and thick aromas of spice and smoke. The wine tastes round and soft on the palate and ends with tight, gripping firmness. Imported by Rolar. — M.L. (10/1/2009)

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Tommaso Bussola 2004 Ca' del Laito Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)

Price $22

You’ll love the thickness and concentration of this wine; it renders a soft and filling texture in the mouth. In terms of its aromas, this ripasso offers mature notes of ripe cherry and blackberry with loads of exotic spice at the back. Imported by Vieux Vins, Inc. — M.L. (10/1/2009)

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Vaona 2006 Pegrandi Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)

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Price $15

Here’s a thick, dense ripasso with a dusty, aristocratic quality that makes the wine taste older than it really is. The wine is accented by notes of smoked bacon and beef jerky and shows very good depth and complexity overall. It’s good value too. Imported by Premium Brands. — M.L. (10/1/2009)

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Vigna '800 2006 El Campanar Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)

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The nose here is dusty and austere with a noble quality that straddles a fine line between intensity and elegance. This is a unique wine made by vintner Gianfranco Elampini with a dusty, nutty disposition, smooth tannins and medium persistency on the finish. —M.L. — M.L. (10/1/2009)

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Vogadori 2004 Red (Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso)

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Price $16

This is a little-known producer who has recently emerged on the scene. The 2004 ripasso shows elegance and harmony (also achieved through careful bottle aging) with aromas of black licorice, pepper, dried currants and cola. Imported by Olio e Vino. — M.L. (10/1/2009)

Most Reviewed Varietals

Italian Red Red Blend

Most Reviewed Wineries

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