Lenotti Ripasso Le Crosare 2021

Lenotti Ripasso Le Crosare 2021 is a rich, characterful red from the rolling hills of Veneto, crafted in the traditional Ripasso style. Often described as a “baby Amarone”, it delivers impressive depth and complexity while remaining wonderfully approachable. This is a classic example of how the Ripasso method can transform Valpolicella fruit into a wine of real substance and charm.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Lenotti Ripasso Le Crosare 2021 shows a deep ruby-red hue with garnet reflections toward the rim, hinting at its concentration. The nose is generous and inviting, with ripe red cherry and plum layered over dried figs, crushed violets, and subtle notes of cocoa, sweet spices and a touch of tobacco. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, smooth and velvety, with polished tannins and a vibrant, food-friendly acidity. Flavours of juicy morello cherry, blackberry and baked red fruits are interwoven with hints of raisins, dark chocolate, licorice, and a gentle savoury note reminiscent of dried herbs. The finish is long and warming, with a pleasant, slightly spicy aftertaste. While already drinking beautifully in its youth, this Ripasso has the structure to evolve gracefully for 5–7 years from the vintage, gaining further complexity and softness over time.

Production
Le Crosare is produced from classic Valpolicella varieties—primarily Corvina, with Rondinella and Molinara—sourced from hillside vineyards in Veneto, where well-drained, stony and calcareous soils, together with wide diurnal temperature swings, help preserve aromatic intensity and freshness. Grapes are carefully harvested, typically by hand, to ensure only the healthiest, ripest bunches are used. After an initial fermentation as a traditional Valpolicella, the wine undergoes the traditional Ripasso process, being re-fermented on the dried grape skins (pomace) used for Amarone. This technique naturally enriches the wine with additional colour, body, alcohol and complex flavours. The wine is then matured—often in a combination of large traditional casks and/or barrels—to integrate tannins and build texture before bottling.

Food & Serving
Lenotti Ripasso Le Crosare 2021 is a natural partner for hearty dishes such as braised beef, roast lamb, ossobuco, rich pasta with ragù, and mushroom risottos. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano, as well as charcuterie and savoury, herb-roasted vegetables. Serve at 16–18°C to showcase its layered aromas and supple texture. A brief decant of 30–45 minutes is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the wine to open up fully and reveal its underlying spice and dried-fruit nuances.

Producer
Cantine Lenotti is a family-owned estate based in Bardolino, on the eastern shores of Lake Garda, with roots in winemaking dating back to the early 20th century. Over the decades, the Lenotti family has become known for crafting wines that faithfully express the terroir of Verona’s classic appellations—Bardolino, Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone—while maintaining a strong focus on quality and consistency. Combining modern cellar technology with deep regional know-how, Lenotti has earned a solid reputation among enthusiasts seeking authentic, well-made Venetian wines that offer excellent value and a true sense of place.

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