What kind of wine is Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Monti Garbi' 2021 - Tenuta Sant’Antonio

The Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Monti Garbi' 2021 - Tenuta Sant’Antonio is a red wine with a strong yet harmonious character, the fruit of the Valpolicella tradition and the mastery of the Castagnedi family. It originates from a blend of typical local grapes – mainly Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Croatina – selected from the estate's hillside vineyards, where the calcareous soils and sun exposure lend elegance and depth to the wine.

This is a Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso, meaning a wine that, after its first fermentation, is "repassed" over the Amarone pomace, thereby absorbing aromas, body, and complexity from its more famous older brother. The result is an intense, enveloping, yet fresh red wine, ideal for everyday meals but also for special occasions.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was balanced, with regular weather conditions that favored healthy grape bunches and uniform ripening. The harvest, carried out towards the end of September, allowed for the collection of grapes with high aromatic concentration, perfect for creating a Ripasso of great harmony, in which the balance between fruit, acidity, and structure was carefully maintained.

Winemaking and Aging

After the initial fermentation in steel tanks, the wine is "repassed" over the Amarone pomace, a process that enriches its structure and intensifies its aromas. This is followed by an aging period of about 15-16 months in 500-liter oak tonneaux, which helps to smooth the tannins and develop spicy notes and ripe fruit flavors. The result is a balanced wine with a round and persistent taste.

Tasting Notes

The Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Monti Garbi' 2021 - Tenuta Sant’Antonio is a wine that captivates with its elegance and personality. Here's how it presents itself during tasting.

Color: Intense ruby red with garnet reflections, clear and bright, a sign of its maturity and careful winemaking.

Nose: On the nose, it expresses notes of ripe cherry, plum, and small red berries, followed by hints of sweet spices, cocoa, and tobacco. A complex but not excessive bouquet that evolves in the glass with great finesse.

Palate: On the palate, it is soft, velvety, with well-integrated tannins and a pleasant freshness that balances the structure. The finish is long and persistent, with a return of red fruit and light balsamic notes.

Food Pairings for Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Monti Garbi' 2021 - Tenuta Sant’Antonio

This wine pairs with a wide range of dishes thanks to its balance between structure and drinkability. It is perfect for accompanying:

• Flavorful first courses like baked lasagna or pasta with meat ragu;
• Grilled red meats and roasts;
• Medium-intensity aged cheeses;
• Traditional Venetian dishes like pastissada de caval.

Its versatility also makes it an excellent meditation wine, to be enjoyed alone in good conversation.

Storage and Aging: how to store Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Monti Garbi' 2021 - Tenuta Sant’Antonio wine

To maintain the quality of the Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Monti Garbi' 2021 - Tenuta Sant’Antonio, it is advisable to store it in a cool place, away from direct light and at a constant temperature around 16-18°C. The bottle should be kept lying down, so that the cork remains in contact with the wine.

Thanks to its structure and aging in wood, this Ripasso has excellent evolutionary potential: it can be stored in the cellar for 6-8 years, during which it will develop greater aromatic complexity and softness on the palate. It is a perfect choice for those who desire a wine capable of surprising over time.