What kind of wine is Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC “I Progni” 2021 - Le Salette?

The Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC “I Progni” 2021 - Le Salette is a red wine of great personality, an authentic expression of the Valpolicella Classica hills, north of Verona. It is primarily made from Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, native varietals that impart body, softness, and a rich, harmonious aromatic profile.

The Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC denomination indicates a wine produced by passing Valpolicella over the pomace of Amarone, a technique that intensifies color, structure, and complexity. The result is an enveloping and velvety red, characterized by elegance and depth, one of the best interpretations of the territory according to the unmistakable style of the Le Salette winery.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was balanced, with an excellent alternation of warm days and cool nights, ideal conditions for the complete ripening of the grapes. The grapes, hand-picked from the hillside vineyards of Fumane, showed perfect sugar levels and an ideal balance between acidity and body, giving this Ripasso a solid structure and a pleasing aromatic elegance.

Winemaking and Aging

Winemaking follows the traditional ripasso method: the base Valpolicella wine is re-fermented on the pomace of Amarone and Recioto, a process that enriches its body, aromas, and extractive content. After re-fermentation, the wine ages for approximately twelve months in wooden barrels, where it develops complexity and softness, before being bottled and further aged in the bottle for several months.

Tasting Notes

The Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC “I Progni” 2021 - Le Salette is a wine that seduces with its balance of intensity and finesse. It is perfect for those seeking a structured yet not overly heavy red.

Color

Deep ruby red with delicate garnet reflections, indicating good concentration and proper ripeness.

Nose

On the nose, it opens with aromas of ripe cherry, plum, and small red berries, with warm notes of sweet spices, tobacco, and a hint of cocoa. It is an intense yet well-balanced bouquet, typical of the ripasso technique.

Palate

On the palate, it is soft and enveloping, with silky tannins and a pleasant freshness that balances the aromatic richness. The structure is full, with a long and harmonious finish, where the fruity and slightly spicy notes perceived on the nose return.

Food Pairings for Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC “I Progni” 2021 - Le Salette

This wine lends itself to numerous food pairings thanks to its versatility and the right balance between body and softness. Ideal for flavorful but not overly structured dishes, it pairs perfectly with:

• Pasta with meat ragu or porcini mushrooms
• Grilled or roasted red meats
• Beef stews and braises
• Aged cheeses such as Monte Veronese or old Asiago

It can also be enjoyed on its own, as a meditation wine, to fully appreciate its elegance and aromatic complexity.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC “I Progni” 2021 - Le Salette Wine

To best preserve the characteristics of Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC “I Progni” 2021 - Le Salette, it is advisable to store it in a cool place, with a constant temperature between 14 and 16°C and controlled humidity. Avoid direct exposure to light and vibrations, keeping the bottles lying down to keep the cork moist.

Thanks to its structure and aging in wood, this wine has excellent evolutionary potential: it can be consumed immediately to appreciate its vibrancy, but also stored for 5-8 years from the harvest, during which it will develop further spicy notes and greater roundness on the palate.