# Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore (2023)

- **Producer:** Casteloro Vini
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
- **Region:** Veneto, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €10
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, black cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, liquorice, vanilla, chocolate, cloves

## About this wine

Casteloro Vini presents their Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore, a classic expression from the renowned Veneto region of Italy. This 2023 vintage showcases the unique Ripasso method, which elevates the traditional Valpolicella blend of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes. The wine hails from the picturesque Valpolicella area, nestled in the hills north of Verona, a region celebrated for its distinctive red wines. While specific details about Casteloro Vini's history for this particular vintage are not available, the producer is known for crafting wines that reflect the authentic character of their terroir and winemaking traditions.

## Interesting facts

- The 'Ripasso' method literally means 'repassed' or 're-fermented' in Italian, referring to the wine's second fermentation.
- Valpolicella Ripasso is often affectionately called 'baby Amarone' due to its concentrated flavors and richer body, achieved through the Amarone lees.
- Corvina, the primary grape in this blend, is crucial for providing the wine's structure and signature sour cherry notes.
- The Valpolicella region in Veneto is one of Italy's most historically significant red wine-producing areas.

## Food pairing

The Casteloro Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore, with its medium-plus body, pronounced fruit, savory undertones, and firm tannins, is an excellent match for rich and flavorful dishes. Its good acidity helps to cut through the richness of meats and creamy sauces, while its concentrated fruit and savory notes complement earthy ingredients like mushrooms and aged cheeses. The wine's structure allows it to stand up to hearty red meats, game, and robust pasta dishes, creating a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience.

## Wine making process

The Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore by Casteloro Vini is crafted using the traditional 'Ripasso' method, a technique unique to the Valpolicella region. After the initial fermentation of the fresh Valpolicella grapes (Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella), the wine is 'repassed' over the lees (spent grape skins and sediment) from the production of Amarone della Valpolicella. This secondary fermentation, typically lasting for several days, enriches the wine, imparting greater body, depth of flavor, and a more complex aromatic profile. The wine then undergoes a period of aging, often in oak, to further integrate its components and develop its characteristic smoothness and savory notes, before being bottled.