Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Looking for the flavours of the corvina grape with some of the heft of Amarone, but without unburdening the wallet too much? The wine to try is Valpolicella Ripasso, another testament to the range and uniqueness of the wines of this region.
The method used to make it is truly singular: after the appassimento process is complete, and the juice crushed out of the dried grapes for turning into Amarone, the pomace – the stems and most importantly the dried grapeskins – is removed and added to vats of selected Valpolicella wine while it’s fermenting, before any barrel ageing. The effect is to beef up the wine – the extra phenolic compounds leeched out of the pomace help to boost the wine’s body and structure, and add an extra boost of concentration and fruit flavours.
As the base wines chosen for this method (ripasso – ‘re-passed’) tend to be particularly good Valpolicella Classico, the result of this imaginative yet inexpensive process is a really exceptional bit of value for money. All the freshness of Valpolicella normale is retained, but with real added heft and seriousness. For a more accessible, more everyday alternative to Amarone, look no further!
Alcohol: 13-14.5/15%
Colour: dense plum-purple, with reddish hues, turning browner with age.
Aroma: blackberries and sour cherries; lifted spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Palate: thick, viscous mouthfeel, bright acidity; red and black cherries, damsons, smokiness; size and weight overall.
Food Pairing: braised meats; wild mushrooms; aged parmigiano.
Valpolicella DOC Ripasso Classico Superiore “Pojega” 2024
€26.00
Bottle: 750 ml
Vintage: 2024
Alcohol: 14,5 %
Grapes: Corvina 45%, Corvinone 37%, Merlot 10%, Rondinella 8%
Aromas: Dark cherry, ripe red berries, dried fruit, warm spice, subtle earthy notes
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico “Pruviniano” 2020 – MAGNUM
€53.00
Bottle: 750 ml
Alcohol: 13,5 %
Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella
Aromas: dried cherry, plum, chocolate, vanilla, light spice
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2021 Magnum 1.5L
€44.00Speri’s Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore is a classic blend of local grapes, mostly Corvina. From the glass dense aromas of withered roses, undergrowth, licorice and pepper arise, which prepare for an full taste, enriched by a vigorous tannic texture and a finish with toasted tones.
Bottle: 1500ml (Magnum)
Vintage: 2021
Grapes: Corvina 70%, Rondinella 20%, Molinara and other indigenous varieties 10%
Ageing: 12 months in 20 hl. Slavonian oak barrels. Maturation in bottle for 6 months
Aromas: Aromas of undergrowth, licorice and pepper, withered roses combined with balsamic sensations
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore “Ripassa” 2021 Magnum 1.5L
€64.00“Ripassa” by Zenato Winery is a Valpolicella produced with the Ripasso technique on the pomace of Amarone. It comes from Corvina, Rondinella and Oseleta grapes and is left to refine for 18 months in tonneau. Full-bodied and intense.
Bottle: 1500ml (Magnum)
Grapes: Corvina 85%, Rondinella 10%, Oseleta 5%
Ageing: 18 months in tonneaux and at least 6 in the bottle.
Aromas: Intense, rich and elegant, with notes of wild berries, forest spices, cocoa and balsamic herbs.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore “Costa Rossa” 2019
€22.00The grapes of “Costa Rossa” come from vineyards at 380 to 520 meters above sea level, which gives the wine freshness alongside its richness. Aged in French barrique, it offers ripe dark fruit, spice and smooth tannins, with a long, balanced finish. A dense, structured Valpolicella Ripasso that reflects Ca’Botta’s focus on high altitude vineyards and barrique aging across its range.
Bottle: 750ml
Style: Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore, dry red wine
Alcohol: 14.5%
Grapes: Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, Corvinone
Ageing: French barriques, with a second fermentation on the marc of Amarone DOCG “Tenuta Cajo” dried grapes.
Aromas: Ripe dried fruit, dark cherry, plum and spice. Full-bodied and dense, with smooth tannins, balanced acidity and a fresh, persistent finish.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2023
€26.00A Valpolicella Superiore re-fermented on Amarone skins for extra body and warmth, soft and balanced with morello cherry, blueberry, liquorice and a roasted coffee edge.
Bottle: 0.75 L
Vintage: 2023
Alcohol: 13.5% vol.
Grapes: Corvina 60%, Rondinella 20%, Corvinone 10% & Negrara 10%
Ageing: Steel fermentation with ripasso on Amarone pomace, then a short period in wood
Aromas: Morello cherry, blueberry, currant, liquorice and roasted coffee
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2023
€24.00Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2023 is produced using the traditional ripasso method, enriching the wine with depth and structure from Amarone skins while maintaining freshness and balance.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2023
Alcohol: 14.5%
Maturation: Tonneaux and oak casks.
Aromas: Sweet red fruit, spices and herbal notes.
Pairing: Braised meats, game, beef with porcini, lamb ribs and medium aged cheeses.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2019
€30.00From Clementi’s historic Valpolicella estate, this Ripasso gains depth from Amarone grape skins, aging three years in oak to develop rich cherry, dried fruit, and spice notes with a velvety texture.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol: 14,5%
Grapes: 65% Corvina and Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, and 5% Molinara
Ageing: In large French oak barrels for at least three years
Aromas: It opens with inviting aromas of cherry preserves, wild berries, and delicate floral hints. Subtle notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and spice emerge from the time spent in oak
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2020
Original price was: €30.00.€25.00Current price is: €25.00.This Ripasso balances fresh red fruit and rich spice, gaining depth from a second fermentation on Amarone and Recioto skins, resulting in a smooth, well-structured wine with refined tannins and a long finish.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 14,5%
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Croatina and other traditional indigenous varieties
Ageing: Aged in 5- to 25-hectoliter oak casks for 12 to 18 months, followed by an additional six months in the bottle for added refinement
Aromas: Rich notes of cherries in spirit, red fruits, and hints of spice with herbal undertones.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC “Ripaso” 2022
Original price was: €32.00.€27.00Current price is: €27.00.Crafted by Ca’ dei Conti in the hills of Tregnago, this rich and structured Valpolicella Ripasso gains depth from Amarone pomace, delivering vibrant red fruit, spice, and a velvety finish.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 14,5%
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Croatina
Ageing: Aged for a year in a mix of French and American oak barrels, followed by six months of bottle refinement
Aromas: Ripe cherry, wild strawberries, and hints of spice
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore “Le Cortesele” 2022
Original price was: €22.00.€18.00Current price is: €18.00.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
Ageing: Small to medium oak barrels, followed by at least 3 months bottle aging
Aromas: Ruby red, violet, cherry, strawberry and blackberry, with a balsamic touch and a subtle licorice finish.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore “Mosaico” 2021
€34.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2021
Alcohol: 14.5%
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
Ageing: Small to medium oak barrels, followed by at least 3 months bottle aging
Aromas: Bright red with light purple hues, violet and ripe cherry, elegant balsamic notes, soft and persistent with a pleasant acidity and a finely spicy black pepper finish.
Three questions, six bottles
Tell us what the wine is for. We pick six from the shelves in San Polo and say why each one made the list.
Answer the three questions and your six bottles appear here.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore “Maciòn” 2022
€27.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
Ageing: Approximately 12 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux, followed by 8 months of bottle aging
Aromas: Wild red berries, dried flowers, and refined balsamic nuances
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2019
€20.00Le Marognole’s Valpolicella Ripasso balances tradition and precision, blending rich cherry and spice notes with the depth gained from Amarone pomace, all crafted with the hands-on care of this family-run winery.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol: 14,5%
Grapes: 80% Corvina and Corvinone, 20% Rondinella
Ageing: For 24 months in 500-liter French oak barrels
Aromas: Subtle balsamic notes that wrap around the ripe cherry and spice
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore “Il Fornetto” 2020
€46.00A bold and refined Ripasso, crafted only in exceptional vintages, where Amarone pomace enriches its depth, and oak aging brings balance to its powerful structure.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 15%
Grapes: Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara
Ageing: Three years in oak barrels
Aromas: Notes of maraschino cherries, black pepper, and warm spices
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore “Cà del Laito” 2020
Original price was: €32.00.€29.00Current price is: €29.00.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 15,5%
Grapes: 35% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, and 5% Molinara
Ageing: Aging takes place over 24 months in a mix of different barrel sizes, with 30% in 500-liter tonneaux, 25% in 225-liter barriques, and 45% in large 25-hectoliter oak casks
Aromas: Ripe cherries, dried plums, and blackberries, layered with hints of spice, cocoa, and tobacco from its time in wood
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore “Le Poiane” 2020
Original price was: €26.00.€22.00Current price is: €22.00.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 13,5%
Grapes: Corvina and Corvinone and Rondinella
Ageing: In wooden barrels and larger for 12-18 months
Aromas: Deep ruby red, on the nose, it reveals cherry and plum aromas, enhanced by spicy and vanilla notes
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore
€28.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage:2021
Alcohol: 14.5%
Grapes:Corvina,Corvinone,Rondinella
Ageing: About 24 months split between stainless steel and oak barriques, using French oak (228 l) and American oak (225 l).
Aromas:Red rose and red berries, with notes of sour cherry jam and plum, followed by spicy hints of pepper and touches of leather.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC “La Corte del Pozzo” 2022
€26.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 14.5%
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
Ageing: Re-fermented on Amarone grape skins for 15 days, with dried grapes added for richness. Matured 16–24 months in oak and 6 months in bottle.
Aromas: Cherry in liqueur, forest fruit, and gentle vanilla; soft and velvety palate with structure and a long, elegant finish.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore “Sottolago” 2022
€34.00
Bottle: 0,75lt
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, Molinara
Ageing: Re-fermented on Amarone marcs (ripasso), then matured for about two years in the cellar of Villa Bellini
Aromas: Ripe red fruits, dark spices, and hints of undergrowth; full and elegant palate with a dry, refined finish
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2017
€118.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2017
Alcohol: 15%
Grapes: Corvina 60%, Corvinone 15%, Rondinella 15%, other red grapes 10%
Ageing: Refinement is done partly in tonneaux and partly in steel in varying proportions depending on the vintage.
Aromas: The nose is layered, where the notes of well-ripened berries are enriched with spicy sensations, acquired during the slow period of aging of the wine in wood.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2021
€104.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2021
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: Corvina 60%, Corvinone 15%, Rondinella 15%, other red grapes 10%
Ageing: Refinement is done partly in tonneaux and partly in steel in varying proportions depending on the vintage.
Aromas: The nose is layered, where the notes of well-ripened berries are enriched with spicy sensations, acquired during the slow period of aging of the wine in wood.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico 2021
€22.00
Bottle: 750 ml
Vintage: 2021
Alcohol: 14.5% vol
Grapes: Corvina Veronese 70%, Rondinella 25%, Corvinone 5%
Ageing: Ripasso over Amarone pomace, then 12 months in oak barrels
Aromas: Caramel, white flowers, cherry; full-bodied, velvety texture with a long finish
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore “Pa’ Riondo” 2022
€23.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella, and 10% Corvinone
Ageing: 48-month aging period in 18 hl oak barrels. After bottling, the wine rests for another 12 months before release
Aromas: Enticing bouquet of black currant, blackberry, and fresh plum, with delicate hints of vanilla
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2017
€42.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2017
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
Ageing: In oak barriques from the French Massif Central. The time spent in barriques varies depending on the vintage.
Aromas: Lively notes of violet, red flowers, ripe cherry, morello, juniper, and a light touch of almond.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore “Morandina” 2021
€32.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2021
Alcohol: 15%
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta
Ageing: Aged for 18 months in oak barrels
Aromas: Warm aromas of wild blackberry, black cherry, overripe plum, and candied orange, which are layered with earthy notes of wet stone, graphite, tobacco, black pepper, wilted rose, and a subtle menthol finish
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore “Arusnatico” 2019
Original price was: €23.00.€20.00Current price is: €20.00.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol: 13.5%
Grapes: Corvina 65%, Rondinella 25%, Molinara 10%
Ageing: Short refermentation on Amarone pomace for 3 days, followed by 12 months in used Tonneaux and a small portion in new French oak
Aromas: Cherry, violet, and a touch of spice; mineral and savory palate with lively red fruit and a fresh, elegant finish
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2020
Original price was: €24.00.€20.00Current price is: €20.00.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara
Ageing: Aged in 25 and 38-hectoliter oak barrels for a minimum of 18 months
Aromas: Complex bouquet of juicy, ripe red fruits and nuanced woody and spicy notes, especially black pepper
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2023
Original price was: €24.00.€22.00Current price is: €22.00.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2023
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara
Ageing: Ageing in tonneaux
Aromas: Clean, intense and complex aroma of plum and cherries, smooth tannins and long finish
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore “Collezione Pruviniano” 2020
€25.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
Ageing: Re-fermented on Amarone grape skins for about 15 days, matured 9 months in oak and steel, then 6 months in bottle
Aromas: Cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, plum, dried fruit, oriental spice, and soft toasted notes; smooth, full-bodied, and persistent finish
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2019
€34.00This Valpolicella Ripasso brings depth and character, combining rich fruit, spice, and smooth tannins with the intensity of the traditional “ripasso” method.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: Corvina 60%, Corvinone 25%, Rondinella 10%, other native grapes (Oseleta, Croatina, Pipiona) 5%
Ageing: aging takes place for 12 months in 50 hectolitre barrels, followed by further maturation in smaller barrels of only 7 hectolitres.
Aromas: pleasant combination of fruity notes, followed by more spicy touches.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore “Balt” 2022
€23.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2021
Alcohol: 13,5%
Grapes: 35 % Corvina, um 35 % textured soil Corvina Grossa, 20% Rondinella, 10% Molinara
Ageing: 18 months in 25 hl oak barrels completing the malolactic fermentation
Aromas: Notes of sour cherry, cherry, marasca, sweet spices, and light toasted nuances
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore “Marchesa Mariabella” 2022
Original price was: €26.00.€22.00Current price is: €22.00.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 14%
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
Ageing: Twelve months in French oak tonneaux, with an additional year of bottle refinement.
Aromas: Fresh red cherry, wild strawberries, and delicate spice
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore “Campi Magri” 2020
€32.00Valpolicella Ripasso “Campo Magri” is a wine with a rich, full-bodied character and an intense bouquet that evokes cherries and raspberries. Its finish is adorned with notes of lavender, cocoa, and spices, making it a wine with a complex and nuanced flavor profile. This wine is sinuous and powerful, with a well-balanced tannin structure and is left to age for 24 months in cherry barrels. This aging process adds depth and complexity to the wine, making it a truly unique and memorable drinking experience.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 13,5%
Grapes: 50% Corvinone, 30% Corvina, 20% Rondinella
Ageing: 24 months in cherry barrels.
Aromas: Raspberry jam, with hints of lavender, cocoa, and spices.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2021
Original price was: €23.00.€20.00Current price is: €20.00.
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2021
Alcohol: 14% vol
Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone
Ageing: Traditional Ripasso over Amarone pomace, then aged in Slavonian oak and tonneaux, followed by bottle refinement
Aromas: Cherry, bramble-berry, blueberry, plum, pepper and cinnamon; dry, structured and rich, with elegant spice and red-fruit finish
Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC “Il Vegro” 2024
€29.00
Bottle: 750ml
Vintage: 2024
Alcohol: 14,5%
Grapes: 55% Corvina, 25% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella
Ageing: aged for 1 year and a half in large wooden barrels
Aromas: red plum, marzipan, and exotic flowers, accompanied by a subtle hint of salinity.
Awards: James Suckling 90/100