What kind of wine is Valpolicella Ripasso Valpantena DOC 2021 - Bertani?

The Valpolicella Ripasso Valpantena DOC 2021 - Bertani is a red wine with a harmonious and enveloping character, an authentic expression of Veronese winemaking tradition. It originates in Valpantena, one of Valpolicella's most renowned valleys, where Corvina Veronese and Rondinella grapes achieve a perfect balance between elegance and structure. The DOC Valpolicella Ripasso designation guarantees quality and adherence to traditional practices, resulting in a full-bodied wine with a persistent taste, ideal for those seeking an intense yet velvety red.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was distinguished by balanced climatic conditions, with warm but not excessive summers and good temperature variations between day and night. The grapes were harvested at full ripeness, enhancing aromatic freshness and sugar concentration. This allowed for a Ripasso with a balanced profile, rich in fruity notes, and excellent aging potential.

Winemaking and Aging

After the first fermentation, the wine undergoes a "re-passing" process over Amarone pomace—a traditional procedure called ripasso technique—which amplifies its body, aromatic depth, and gustatory-olfactory complexity. This is followed by a period of maturation in oak barrels for approximately 12 months, during which the wine refines, acquiring softness and roundness, before further aging in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

Color

Visually, it presents an intense ruby red, with subtle garnet hues that hint at its structure and personality. The clarity and brilliance of the color immediately invite tasting.

Nose

The bouquet is complex and refined: aromas of ripe cherry, morello cherry, and blackcurrant are perceived, accompanied by elegant notes of sweet spices and a hint of cocoa and dark chocolate. The aroma is balanced and persistent, with a finish that recalls the softness of Valpantena grapes and the intensity of those from the Classica zone.

Palate

On the palate, it is enveloping and velvety, with silky and well-integrated tannins. The sip is balanced between freshness and softness, with a full yet harmonious body. The persistence is long and pleasantly fruity, with echoes of small red fruits and subtle toasted notes that make each taste enjoyable and engaging.

Food Pairings for Valpolicella Ripasso Valpantena DOC 2021 - Bertani

This versatile wine pairs perfectly with a wide range of dishes, thanks to its balance of structure and softness. It is ideal with:

• Savory pasta dishes with meat ragù or porcini mushrooms
• Grilled or braised red meats
• Aged cheeses such as Monte Veronese or Parmigiano Reggiano
• Typical Venetian dishes, such as pastissada de caval

A perfect wine also for accompanying conversations and relaxing moments, enjoyed alone or with a platter of cured meats.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Valpolicella Ripasso Valpantena DOC 2021 - Bertani

To preserve the quality and evolutionary potential of Valpolicella Ripasso Valpantena DOC 2021 - Bertani, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature between 14 and 16°C. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork perfectly moist and ensure proper oxygenation.

This Ripasso can be enjoyed immediately to appreciate its lively fruity expression, but it also offers excellent aging potential: under ideal conditions, it can evolve positively for 5-7 years, gaining complexity and softness.