2004

Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella Blend

Valpolicella Classico

Valpolicella Classico - Villa Chiara - Italy

Ripassatore Winemaking Style

Price: $17.99

Rating: 3 – Toss up

Ripasso is a winemaking process that strengthens the wine by adding partially dried grape skins to a just-fermented red wine.  The result is a restarting of the fermentation process so the wine gains in alcohol, color and body.  Valpolicella is usually a light red wine with common character and not much complexity.  By using the Ripasso process, then the wine takes on a nutty flavor, becomes heavier and gives the mouth a fuller feel to it.  Sometimes the wine will take on flavors and other times will make the fruit flavors more obvious.  Ripasso wines usually go well with lamb, pork and cheese.  Finally, if the ripasso process is used, it must be designated on the label.

The Villa Chiara we tasted was a deep ruby color with very lively aromas of fresh cherry and other berries.  We picked up the cherry in the taste as well and also detected a bit of nut which VinoMan thought was similar to the oaky taste of wines aged in French Oak.  The wine was very drinkable with good structure and tannin, but in the end it was nothing special, especially for the price.

As a result we gave it a 3… a toss up.