What kind of wine is Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Morandina' 2021 - Prà?

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Morandina' 2021 - Prà is a red wine of great typicality, born in the organic vineyards located in Mezzane, in the heart of Valpolicella, at about 450 meters above sea level. This territory, characterized by calcareous soils and a sunny south-east exposure, yields grapes of extraordinary quality and concentration. Produced from native grapes such as Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, this wine authentically expresses the Veronese soul, offering a perfect balance of elegance, freshness, and intensity. With a contained yield – approximately 40 hl per hectare – and a planting density exceeding 7,000 vines, the quality of the grapes is at its highest, guaranteeing a full-bodied yet harmonious wine, rich in aromas and with a strong territorial personality.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage in Valpolicella was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with warm days and cool nights that favored the homogeneous ripening of the grapes. The harvest, carried out by hand in the second half of September, allowed only the best bunches, rich in sugars and perfectly healthy, to be selected. The result is a wine that combines freshness and complexity, enhancing the aromatic finesse of the fruit.

Winemaking and aging

After destemming and crushing (the separation of the stems and the light pressing of the berries), the must ferments and macerates for about 15 days in vertical vats. During the délestage process – a technique that favors delicate oxygenation and the extraction of the noblest tannins – a softer and more velvety structure is obtained. This is followed by malolactic fermentation in 20-hectoliter oak barrels, which gives the wine greater roundness. The key moment is the “ripasso,” or the contact of the wine with the Amarone pomace for about 10 days, which enriches it in body, aromas, and complexity. Aging continues for 18 months, partly in barriques and partly in Slavonian oak barrels, with a further rest in the bottle for at least 6 months before commercialization.

Tasting Notes

Color: Intense ruby red with garnet reflections that anticipate the wine's maturity. Nose: The nose reveals enveloping aromas of ripe cherry, plum, and small red fruits, followed by spicy notes of black pepper, cinnamon, and a light hint of cocoa and vanilla. Palate: On the palate, it is full and harmonious, with soft and well-integrated tannins. The persistence is long, embellished by a fruity return and a slightly balsamic finish. A wine that combines structure and freshness, maintaining great drinkability.

Food pairings for Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Morandina' 2021 - Prà

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 'Morandina' 2021 - Prà is an ideal companion for many Italian dishes, especially those rich in flavor and structure:

• Grilled or stewed red meats
• Roasted veal or lamb
• Aged and hard cheeses
• First courses with rich meat or mushroom sauces
• Typical Venetian dishes such as "pastissada de caval"

Thanks to its softness and dry finish, it is also well-suited as a meditation wine.

Storage and aging: how to store Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Morandina' 2021 - Prà

To preserve the qualities of Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 'Morandina' 2021 - Prà, it is important to store it horizontally, in a cool place away from direct light, with a constant temperature between 12°C and 16°C and a humidity level of about 70%. This wine has a natural propensity for aging: it can evolve elegantly for 6-8 years, developing more complex aromas and greater softness over time. A perfect choice for those who wish to discover the progressive maturation of a great Valpolicella classic.