Santanova Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC

About the product

Santanova Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2023 is produced from classic Valpolicella grapes and combines the fresh fruit of the region with extra concentration and complexity from the traditional Ripasso method.

With Ripasso, the young Valpolicella wine undergoes an extra fermentation together with the grape skins from the production of Amarone. These skins still contain aroma, color, tannin, and concentrated fruit, which are transferred to the wine, providing it with more body, structure, and depth.

In terms of taste, the result sits between a classic Valpolicella and the much more concentrated Amarone. Santanova Ripasso has plenty of ripe fruit and warmth, but at the same time retains a freshness that makes it versatile and very well-suited for food.

The Superiore designation requires, among other things, a longer maturation and a higher alcohol level than standard Valpolicella, which contributes to the wine's more structured and complex character.

About Valpolicella

Valpolicella is located in Veneto in northeastern Italy, north of Verona and with Lake Garda to the west. The area is particularly known for local grape varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, and for the special vinification methods behind both Amarone and Ripasso.

Corvina is one of the area's most important grapes and typically contributes cherries, freshness, and aroma, while the other local grapes help provide color, structure, and complexity.

Ripasso gets its name from the Italian ripassare – to pass again. It refers to the fact that the Valpolicella wine receives extra contact and fermentation with the remains from Amarone production. The method creates a wine with more concentration than standard Valpolicella, but typically with greater freshness and less alcoholic weight than Amarone.

Taste

Nose: Inviting and intense with ripe cherries, plums, and dark berries followed by warm spices and subtle nuances of dried fruit.

Palate: Full-bodied and round with juicy cherries, dark berries, and plum. The Ripasso method provides extra depth and concentration, while the tannins are ripe and pleasant. The freshness from the Valpolicella grapes creates a fine balance to the ripe fruit.

Finish: Long and harmonious with cherries, dark fruit, and spicy nuances. The finish has good body without being heavy.

Serving and storage

Serve 2023 Santanova Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore at approximately 16-18°C in a spacious red wine glass. Feel free to open the bottle 30 minutes before serving so that the fruit and spicy aromas have the opportunity to unfold.

The wine can be enjoyed young for its juicy fruit, but the Ripasso style and the Superiore classification also provide the structure for a few years of further storage under good conditions.

What does it pair with?

Santanova Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC pairs particularly well with:

• Pasta with ragù and other rich sauces
• Grilled or roasted beef
• Lamb and veal
• Risotto with mushrooms or parmesan
• Aged Italian cheeses and charcuterie

FAQ

What is Valpolicella Ripasso?
Valpolicella Ripasso is a red wine that undergoes an extra fermentation with grape skins from Amarone production. This provides more body, concentration, and complexity than a standard Valpolicella.

How does Santanova Ripasso taste?
The wine is full-bodied and fruity with ripe cherries, plums, and dark berries, as well as spicy nuances. It has a round structure and more depth than regular Valpolicella.

What is the difference between Ripasso and Amarone?
Amarone is made from grapes that are dried after harvest before they are vinified. Ripasso is made as Valpolicella and then receives an extra fermentation with the skins from Amarone production. Therefore, Ripasso is typically fresher and lighter than Amarone, but fuller and more concentrated than regular Valpolicella.

What does Superiore mean on a Valpolicella Ripasso?
Superiore denotes a wine that, among other things, must meet stricter requirements for maturation and alcohol than a standard Valpolicella.

What does Santanova Ripasso pair with?
It goes well with pasta with ragù, beef, lamb, veal, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, and aged cheeses.

Should Ripasso be decanted?
It is usually not necessary, but the wine benefits from being opened approximately 30 minutes before serving. This allows the aromas and fruit to develop.

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