La Giaretta Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2021 is a red wine from the heart of Valpolicella, made using the traditional ripasso technique. Through a second fermentation on the Amarone grape skins, the wine gains more color, structure, and depth than a regular Valpolicella. This 2021 combines ripe cherry, dried fruit, sweet spices, and round tannins with La Giaretta's recognizable Italian suppleness.
This Ripasso comes from Valpolicella Classico, the historical part of Valpolicella north of Verona.
• Location / Origin: La Giaretta is located in Valgatara, in the municipality of Marano di Valpolicella. This places the winery in the middle of the classic zone where grapes such as Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella form the basis for Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone.
• Region: Valpolicella Classico is known for red wines with cherry fruit, fresh acidity, and soft spiciness. With Ripasso, this base gains extra depth through the second fermentation on Amarone skins.
• Estate: The family behind La Giaretta cultivates their own vineyards in Valpolicella. This direct connection to the region fits well with the estate's style, which focuses on local grapes and traditional winemaking techniques.
La Giaretta Valpolicella Ripasso 2021 is made from classic red grape varieties from Valpolicella.
• Corvina – Valpolicella: Corvina gives the wine its cherry fruit, fresh acidity, and elegant structure. This grape forms the recognizable base of many red wines from Valpolicella.
• Corvinone – Valpolicella: Corvinone adds more body, darker fruit, and spicy depth. This gives the Ripasso extra fullness and a more powerful mouthfeel.
• Rondinella – Valpolicella: Rondinella brings color, juiciness, and round fruitiness. This grape supports the soft, accessible side of the blend.
The strength of this wine lies in the ripasso technique and the long aging thereafter.
• Ripasso method: What is ripasso? Ripasso means that the young Valpolicella undergoes a second fermentation on the Amarone grape skins. This gives the wine more color, body, tannin, and aromatic depth.
• Aging: The wine ages for 2 years and then undergoes at least another 5 to 6 months of bottle aging. This long aging provides roundness, softer tannins, and tertiary notes such as dried fruit, spices, and subtle aging nuances.
• Aging potential: This 2021 has enough structure to develop further for several years. With additional bottle aging, the cherry, plum, and spicy notes will become softer and more integrated.
