Tinazzi Ca' de' Rocchi Monterè Valpolicella Ripasso DOP Superiore 2023 is a powerful red wine from Valpolicella, made from 90% Corvina and Corvinone and 10% Rondinella. The Ripasso method gives the wine extra depth, as the Valpolicella Superiore is refermented over the Amarone pomace at the end of December. This provides more color, body, and spicy richness, without losing the juicy cherry fruit of Veneto.
The grapes come from hilly vineyards in Valpolicella, a classic red wine region in Veneto.
• Location / Origin: The vineyards are located at an altitude of 150–300 m in Valpolicella. This location gives the grapes sufficient ripeness, while the altitude helps to maintain freshness and tension in the wine.
• Classification: This wine has the Valpolicella Ripasso DOP Superiore status. DOP refers to a protected designation of origin, while Superiore indicates that the wine meets stricter requirements than a basic Valpolicella.
• Region: Valpolicella is located in Veneto, east of Lake Garda and near Verona. The region is primarily known for Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, the grapes behind Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone.
• Ripasso style: What does ripasso mean? In ripasso, the wine is re-fermented with the pomace of Amarone, giving it more structure, aroma, and depth than a regular Valpolicella.
The vinification combines classic Valpolicella technique with extra concentration through the ripasso method.
• Grape processing: The grapes are gently crushed and destemmed. This is followed by fermentation with skin maceration, allowing color, fruit, and tannins to build up carefully.
• Fermentation: Fermentation takes place at 20–24 °C. This controlled temperature helps to keep ripe red fruit, soft tannins, and spicy aromas in balance.
• Ripasso method: The Valpolicella Superiore is refermented over Amarone pomace at the end of December. This gives Monterè more power, extra fruit depth, and a subtle Amarone-like intensity.
• Aging / Oak aging: The wine ages for approximately 8–12 months in French and American oak barrels of 5 to 20 hl. This aging provides notes of spices, light toast, balsamic, and extra roundness.
• Technical balance: With 14% alcohol, 5.80 g/l acidity, and 4.5 g/l residual sugar, this Ripasso remains powerful and full-bodied, yet balanced.
This Valpolicella Ripasso is made from the classic grape varieties of Veneto.
• 90% Corvina and Corvinone – Valpolicella: Corvina and Corvinone give this wine its cherry fruit, plum, spiciness, structure, and recognizable Valpolicella character.
• 10% Rondinella – Valpolicella: Rondinella complements the blend with softness, color, and extra smoothness on the finish.
