2021 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore

The 2021 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore is a benchmark example of the beloved Ripasso style from the hills surrounding Lake Garda in northeastern Italy. Often described as a “baby Amarone,” this wine delivers much of the depth, richness, and complexity of Amarone at a more approachable price and with remarkable versatility at the table. Zenato was one of the key pioneers of the Ripasso technique, and Ripassa has become a modern classic for those seeking a full-bodied yet polished Italian red.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 Ripassa shows a deep, vibrant ruby red color with garnet highlights at the rim, hinting at its concentration and structure. The nose is generous and layered: ripe black cherry, morello cherry, and plum are wrapped in notes of dried fig, cocoa, sweet spices (clove, cinnamon), and a touch of vanilla and toasted oak, with subtle hints of dried herbs and tobacco. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet remarkably smooth, with velvety tannins and a rich, mouth-filling texture. Flavors of dark cherry, blackberry compote, and dried red fruits are lifted by notes of chocolate, licorice, and a faint balsamic nuance, all balanced by fresh acidity that keeps the wine lively rather than heavy. The finish is long, warming, and slightly savory, with lingering spice and dark fruit. Enjoyable now after a short aeration, this 2021 vintage has the structure to evolve gracefully for 8–10 years from vintage, gaining further complexity and tertiary notes with time in the bottle.

Production
Zenato’s Ripassa comes from select vineyards in the Valpolicella area near Lake Garda, in Veneto, a zone known for its limestone- and clay-rich soils, good drainage, and breezy conditions that favor healthy, slowly ripened grapes. The blend is predominantly Corvina, supported by Rondinella and other traditional local varieties, harvested by hand to ensure careful bunch selection. The defining feature of Ripasso is its vinification: after an initial fermentation of the fresh Valpolicella grapes, the young wine is “re-passed” (ripassato) over the still-warm pomace of Amarone della Valpolicella, triggering a second fermentation that increases alcohol, body, and complexity while absorbing additional color and flavor from the Amarone skins. The wine then matures in oak barrels to integrate tannins and develop its characteristic depth and spice before bottling.

Food & Serving
The 2021 Zenato Ripassa is a versatile partner for rich, savory dishes. It pairs beautifully with braised beef, slow-cooked lamb shanks, osso buco, roasted game, and grilled steaks, as well as hearty pastas with ragù, wild mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, or mature Pecorino. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to show both its fruit and structure. Decanting for 30–60 minutes before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to open up the aromatics and soften the tannins.

Producer
Founded in 1960 by Sergio Zenato on the shores of Lake Garda, Zenato has grown from a small family estate into one of the most respected names in Veneto, with a special reputation for Amarone and Ripasso wines. The family’s commitment to meticulous vineyard work and careful, quality-driven winemaking has helped elevate the profile of Valpolicella and surrounding appellations on the world stage. Ripassa, in particular, has become one of Zenato’s flagship wines and a reference point for the Ripasso category, regularly earning strong acclaim from international critics and wine lovers alike for its combination of richness, balance, and consistency vintage after vintage.

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