# Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso (2021)

- **Producer:** Novaia
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
- **Region:** Veneto, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €21
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red plum, black cherry, red cherry, cloves, biscuit, vanilla, spice, earth, dried fruit, leather

## About this wine

Novaia Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso is a red wine from the Valpolicella Classica region in Veneto, Italy. Produced by Novaia Azienda Agricola, a family-run estate with a winemaking history dating back to the 19th century, the wine is made from Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes. Its unique character is derived from the 'Ripasso' technique, where the wine undergoes a second fermentation on the lees of Amarone and Recioto wines. The estate is committed to organic and sustainable farming practices, cultivating grapes on hilly vineyards with a mix of volcanic and limestone soils.

## Interesting facts

- The 'Ripasso' method means 're-passed', referring to the wine being re-passed over Amarone grape skins.
- Novaia practices certified organic farming.
- The vineyards are situated at altitudes between 250-400 meters.
- The Vaona family's winemaking legacy spans generations.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and savory profile make it a versatile partner for rich, flavorful dishes. Its structure can stand up to proteins, while its subtle spice notes can complement earthy ingredients.

## Wine making process

Novaia Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso is produced using a combination of traditional and specific regional techniques. The grapes are destemmed and gently crushed before undergoing fermentation in oak truncated-cone vats with indigenous yeasts. The defining step is the 'Ripasso' method, where the wine undergoes a second fermentation on the lees of Amarone and Recioto wines. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in wooden barrels and then for 4 months in the bottle. The winery adheres to certified organic farming practices.