Wine Details

Tenuta Santa Maria Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC

The "Ripasso" (passed again) method was first introduced in the 1850's and involves a secondary extended maceration and fermentation over Amarone grape skins. The process gives the wine greater complexity, a superior structure, bolder and softer body and an intense ruby red color. Though reminiscent of the more concentrated, dense Amarone wine, Valpolicella Ripasso is a younger, fresher expression. Tenuta Santa Maria continues the family tradition, producing a wine that is a true expression of the region's indigenous Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone grapes - elegant yet complex with warm, structured tannins, balanced acidity and rich fruit.

Region:

VENETO

Producer:

Tenuta Santa Maria

Classification:

Valpolicella Superiore DOC

Variety:

75% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, 15% Corvinone

Number of bottles produced:

40,000 bottles

Production area:

Abrizzano di Negrar (Verona)

Altitude:

150-200 (492-656 feet) a.s.l.

Age of vines:

27 years

Yield:

8,000 kg/ha

Training:

Guyot

Vinification:

Grapes are crushed, cold-pressured then undergo temperature-controlled fermentation for 25-30 days with daily punch downs. After fermentation, wine rests in stainless steel tanks. In late January to mid-February, the wine is “re-passed” (Ripasso) over the marc produced by Amarone. This produces a 2nd fermentation. Once complete, the wine is transferred to oak barrels for malolactic fermentation.

Refining:

Aged in various sized oak barrels for no less than 24 months, then bottled and rested for an additional 6 months

Alcohol content:

14.5%

pH level:

3.5

Acidity:

5.45 g/L

Soil:

Primarily clay with deeper calcareous layers

Time of harvest:

End of September

Harvest:

Manual

Recent press reviews

92

Tenuta Santa Maria Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 2019

James Suckling (92)- "Nice nose of plums and damsons with dried flowers, spice and clay-like minerals. Medium- to full-bodied with an intense bead of spicy plum fruit and fine, lightly abrasive tannins. Fruity and structured. Drinkable now, but will continue to improve in the bottle."

93

Tenuta Santa Maria Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 2018

James Suckling (93)- "Creamy wild strawberries and raspberries on the nose, held tight by a light, oaky note. Medium-to full-bodied with some tight, firm tannin that exerts the same kind of restraint on the juicy fruit. This is quite a complex wine that’s delicious now, but will continue to improve. Drink or hold."

96

Tenuta Santa Maria Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 2017

Italian Wine Guy (96)- "Extremely ripe on the nose with notes of red plums, rose petals, Williams pears and pressed white flowers. Full body, slightly dry tannins and a broad and voluminous finish. Drink now."

See all press

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