Valpolicella Classico - Ripasso - Antolini

Antolini's Valpolicella Classico Ripasso DOC is the middle wine in a range that rises from the basic Classico to the two great Amarone wines - and like all the wines from this historic family of Marano di Valpolicella, it brings to the glass all the seriousness and respect for the terroir that have distinguished Antolini's production for generations.

The Ripasso method is one of Valpolicella's most authentic traditions: the base Valpolicella Classico wine is refermented on the still-fresh pomace, rich in yeast, from freshly racked Amarone - in this case, the precious pomace from Antolini's Amarone Moròpio and Ca' Coato, the two great appassimento wines - acquiring structure, body, additional tannins, and an aromatic complexity that brings Ripasso closer to great appassimento wines without reaching Amarone's concentrated power. The result is often called "little Amarone" - and it is difficult to find a more fitting definition.

The Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes from the Classica zone are first vinified in Valpolicella, then the wine is transferred into tanks containing the Amarone pomace for a second fermentation lasting several days - a delicate stage requiring experience and precise control. The wine is aged in oak barrels for as long as necessary to integrate the acquired structure with its original varietal freshness.

On the nose, it is richer and more complex than the basic Classico: ripe and syrupy cherry, blackberry, plum, sweet spices, light tobacco, cocoa, aromatic herbs from the Verona area, and a delicate balsamic hint recalling the great Amarone wines whose traces it carries in the pomace. On the palate, it is full and enveloping - tannins more pronounced than in the Classico but already well integrated, a glyceric sweetness that rounds out the structure, an acidic freshness that provides balance, and a longer, more persistent finish with notes of concentrated red fruit and spices. Antolini's Ripasso from the Classica zone: a rare privilege.