What kind of wine is Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Solane' 2021 - Santi

The Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Solane' 2021 - Santi is a Venetian red of great personality, an authentic expression of the Valpolicella Classica territory. It is born from a skilful blend of traditional grapes — mainly Corvina Veronese and Rondinella — hand-picked to ensure the highest quality of the fruit. It stands out for the "ripasso" technique, which involves re-fermenting the Valpolicella wine on the Amarone pomace, giving it greater body, structure, and softness. The result is a wine of great harmony, balanced and enveloping, capable of surprising even the most demanding palates.

Vintage details

The 2021 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with warm but not scorching summers and ideal day-night temperature differences for obtaining healthy and aromatic grapes. This climatic balance contributed to giving the Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Solane' 2021 - Santi remarkable aromatic finesse and a well-defined structure, with soft and round tannins.

Winemaking and aging

The winemaking follows tradition with a touch of modernity. After fermentation on selected skins, the wine undergoes the "ripasso" technique on Amarone pomace, which gives it greater complexity and concentration. This is followed by an aging period of about 15 months, divided between small oak barriques and large barrels, to integrate the woody aromas with the fruity notes of the wine, while maintaining a pleasant freshness.

Tasting notes

The Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Solane' 2021 - Santi is a wine that captivates with its elegance and sensory intensity.

Color

To the eye, it presents an intense ruby red, with garnet reflections that anticipate the good evolution and structure of the wine.

Nose

On the nose, it releases complex and enveloping aromas: ripe red fruits like cherry and plum blend with notes of sweet spices, vanilla, and a slight hint of cocoa, the result of aging in wood.

Palate

On the palate, it is full, soft, and balanced. The tannins are silky and well-integrated, the structure is important but without losing elegance. The finish is long and pleasantly fruity, with a return of kirsch and spices.

What dishes to pair with Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Solane' 2021 - Santi

The Ripasso "Solane" pairs perfectly with structured dishes and flavorful main courses, but can also accompany rich traditional Italian first courses. Here are some suggested pairings:

• Roasted or grilled red meats
• Stewed meats and braises
• Mushroom or game dishes
• Aged or hard cheeses
• Pasta with meat sauce or lasagna

An ideal wine to enrich conviviality and special moments, also perfect as a gift for Veneto wine enthusiasts.

Storage and aging: how to store Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Solane' 2021 - Santi wine

To best enhance this wine, it is important to store it correctly. The Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Solane' 2021 - Santi should be kept in a cool place, away from light, with a stable temperature around 14-16°C and controlled humidity. Under these conditions, it can evolve positively for 5-7 years after the harvest, developing further aromatic nuances and softness on the palate. Before serving, it is advisable to let it breathe for a few minutes in the glass or a decanter to allow its aromas to fully open.