This is one of the Veneto region’s most successful wines. Technically it comes under the classification ‘Valpolicella Superiore DOC’ and the term ‘Ripassa’ denotes the particular process used to make this wine, where dried and concentrated Valpolicella grapes are added to Valpolicella wine to induce a secondary reaction. This reblending results in an increase in colour, flavour, aroma and alcohol. The Ripassa is then aged in French oak for between 12 and 18 months, depending on the characteristics of the particular vintage, with another 6 months ageing in bottle prior to release.

So what’s the wine actually like?

Well, in a word it’s fantastic. It’s bigger and heavier than standard Valpolicella with big fruit flavours and a concentrated depth of flavour. It has comparatively high alcohol at 14% abv but this is well balanced by the tannin and wood. It’s supremely smooth and lingers on the palate for some time. It’s a great food wine for dishes from game to red meats or tomato pastas through to strong cheese, but it’s also delicious just to while away an evening as a leisurely glass of wine. Zenato are one of the region’s premier producers with a very impressive collection of awards and their Ripassa is widely regarded as the best available. Other producers make Ripassa wines and some from winemakers like Cesari are very good indeed, but it’s the Zenato version which has set the benchmark for this wine. Many wine officianados claim it’s better than many co-operative produced Amarones!

Where can I buy it and how much should I pay?

Well it’s fairly widely available ranging from £15 to £20 per bottle but the cheapest place to buy Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa Zenato 2006 is from www.goodwineonline.co.uk at £14.95.

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