One of the exciting things about wine is the almost endless variety you can find in types of wine. I think too often we gravitate toward something we know well, like a cabernet sauvignon or merlot and don’t explore enough. If you’re looking to branch out from the everyday wines and taste something unique, you may want to try a Ripasso, like this one from Zonin.
Ripasso is a wine made using a technique where the dried grape skins leftover from a batch of Amarone are added to a new batch of juice to go through a second fermentation. In case you’re not familiar with Amarone, it’s a really rich Italian wine made using exceptionally ripe grapes that are partially dried out prior to winemaking. This results in a wine that is extremely concentrated, high in alcohol and has flavors of dried fruits (e.g. raisins) and chocolate. It’s a really tasty wine, but it also tends to be a rather pricey wine. You can think of Ripasso as a “baby Amarone.” It has some of the same flavor characteristics, but it’s lower in alcohol, a little bit lighter-bodied and more affordable.
The Zonin Ripasso is made with 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara grapes. So, in addition to the style of winemaking being unique, these may also be some new types of grapes for you. The wine is aged in Slavonian oak barrels for 1 year and in the bottle for another 6 months before distribution.
The nose is really enjoyable on this wine, with aromas like raisins, spicecake, black cherry and black pepper. The palate is nicely balanced with flavors like plum and black cherry up front and a touch of chocolate coming in on the mid palate. The acidity is sufficient, although a touch more wouldn’t hurt. I’d say the same thing about the tannins. The finish is decent, although a tad bit short. I like just a slight chill on this wine, serving it just below room temperature.
Those comparing this wine to an Amarone may find it a bit thin. Although there’s plenty enough structure to the body to make this an enjoyable wine, it’s just not as big as it’s bigger brother.
Wine: Zonin Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso
Variety: Ripasso
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 13%
Rating: 86
Price: $18.00
Find Zonin Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.