Le Ragose - Ripasso della Valpolicella 'Classico Superiore' 2020

In 1969, oenologist Arnaldo Galli, and his wife Marta, purchased a promising but abandoned piece of land in Negrar, the highly-rated valley in Valpolicella Classico, an estate called Le Ragose. Much of the region had been left to destitution in those decades, as some winemakers chased more fertile land and greater yields to maximise profits. Galli, however, was a real wine lover, and a believer in excellence, and he had assessed that his new land had more potential than anyone had given it credit.

The winery is now run by the second generation, Arnaldo and Marta’s sons Marco and Paolo, trained respectively in wine agriculture and business. The family belief in the sites, in the value of quality winemaking, in the primacy of traditions and the value of trusting the vines has never wavered. Today, they may sometimes be hard to find, but Le Ragose, great innovators and guardians of tradition, are well worthy of the effort.

The Valpolicella wine produced in September-October is re-fermented for 15-20 days in January on the lees of the Amarone using the ripasso method. The Amarone lees and skins contain sugars and re-fermentation absorbs about 10% of Amarone, giving the wine more aromatic complexity while maintaining Valpolicella’s lighter mouthfeel.
The presence of residual sugar in the pomace of Amarone Valpolicella allows the extraction of the characteristics typical of Amarone: aromas of dried fruit, alcohol and structure.

"This wine shows the beauty of the Ripasso style as aromas of fig and prune, reminiscent of Amarone, lift out of the glass. As the fruits duke it out, tobacco, espresso and wild herbs provide a nudge toward the more savory side of things. The palate pops with cherry and plum jam laced with anise, clove and savory herbs. The elegant palate finishes with well-structured tannins and vibrant acidity on the long finish." - 93 points, Wine Enthusiast

Vinonueva Tasting Notes: Crunchy and delicious red fruit, with fresh herb aromas. The tannins are firm, with a medium bodied finish. Classic ripasso, and of fantastic quality.

Producer: Le Ragose

Country: Italy

Region: Veneto

Varietal: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone

Appellation: Ripasso della Valpolicella Classico Superiore

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml