What kind of wine is Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 2021 - Aldrighetti?

The Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 2021 - Aldrighetti is a Veneto red wine originating from the most characteristic hills of Valpolicella Classica, a historic area in the province of Verona. It is primarily made from Corvina Veronese grapes, complemented by Rondinella and small percentages of other indigenous varieties. This selection gives the wine balance and character, with a profile that combines the freshness and elegance of Valpolicella with the structure and complexity of Amarone. The designation Classico Superiore indicates that the grapes come from the traditional area and that the wine has undergone a minimum aging period of one year, offering a medium-full body that is round and exceptionally harmonious.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was characterized by a balanced season, with good day-night temperature variations that favored the aromatic maturation of the grapes. The climatic conditions yielded healthy and concentrated clusters, resulting in a wine with a fragrant yet profound profile, featuring clean and well-defined aromas.

Winemaking and Aging

After traditional red fermentation, the wine undergoes the ancient “ripasso” technique, which involves re-fermenting it on the pomace, or skins, of freshly racked Amarone. This step enriches the wine with structure, color, and aromatic intensity, making it more complex and full-bodied. This is followed by long aging in large oak barrels for about two years, where the wine softens and develops its spicy and ripe fruit notes, before completing its maturation in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

The Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 2021 - Aldrighetti presents itself as a balanced and harmonious wine, capable of combining softness and vibrancy.

Color

Visually, it displays an intense ruby red with garnet reflections, clear and brilliant, a sign of good preservation and careful winemaking.

Nose

On the nose, it opens with complex aromas of ripe cherry, red berries, and plum, followed by elegant nuances of sweet spices, black pepper, and subtle notes of vanilla. The overall aroma is broad and enveloping, an authentic expression of the Veronese territory.

Palate

On the palate, it is soft, with a good balance between freshness and alcoholic warmth. The tannins – the natural substances in grape skins responsible for the astringent sensation – are present but velvety, providing a fine and persistent structure. The finish is long and fruity, with a pleasant trail of spices.

Food Pairings for Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 2021 - Aldrighetti

A perfect table companion, this Ripasso pairs well with typical Venetian cuisine and beyond. It is ideal with:

• flavorful pasta dishes such as lasagna or risottos with sausage and radicchio,
• grilled red meats or braised dishes,
• roasted game or aged cheeses.

Its versatility also makes it suitable for accompanying a simple tagliata or a platter of artisanal cured meats.

Storage and Aging

How to store Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 2021 - Aldrighetti wine

To maintain the characteristics of this wine, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature between 14 and 16°C, and good humidity to prevent the cork from drying out. The bottle should be kept horizontally. Thanks to its structure and good balance between tannin and acidity, the Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 2021 - Aldrighetti can evolve positively for 5-7 years, developing more complex aromas and even more enveloping soft notes over time. Perfect to drink today, but also to keep to discover how it matures with the passing of seasons.