Farina Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2024
A richly textured Ripasso from Valpolicella with ripe dark fruit, savoury spice, and integrated oak. Smooth, expressive, and beautifully balanced.
From the heart of Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy. Produced by the renowned Farina winery, this wine is crafted using the Ripasso method, where the base Valpolicella wine undergoes a second fermentation with the pomace from Amarone, enhancing its depth, body, and complexity.
Made from a blend of Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara, and Oseleta, this wine has a deep ruby-red color with garnet reflections. The nose is intense and layered, offering aromas of black cherries, plums, and red berries, complemented by notes of pepper, licorice, leather, and a hint of vanilla from oak aging. On the palate, it is full-bodied and smooth, with silky tannins, well-balanced acidity, and a long, persistent finish.
Aged in Slavonian oak barrels, this Ripasso pairs beautifully with porcini risotto, stuffed pasta, grilled meats, game dishes, and aged cheeses. Best served at 16-18°C, it is an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and cellaring.
Farina Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore comes from the historic Valpolicella Classico zone in the Veneto - a region steeped in winemaking heritage. Valpolicella Ripasso is a distinctive style that bridges the brightness of traditional Valpolicella with deeper complexity and weight through a unique refermentation process over dried Amarone skins (the ripasso method), resulting in richer fruit and spice.
This wine is typically based on a blend of indigenous varieties, principally Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Corvina provides bright cherry and structure; Rondinella adds supple texture and spice, while Molinara contributes freshness and lifted aromatics. The ripasso technique adds depth, darker fruit tones, and more pronounced savoury complexity without overwhelming finesse.
Produced by Farina, a respected estate rooted in traditional Valpolicella winemaking, this Ripasso balances classic regional character with refined winemaking precision. The Classico Superiore designation reflects higher quality standards and typically longer aging.
A dry, medium- to full-bodied red with ripe cherry fruit, cocoa, spice, and richer texture created through the Ripasso method. Compared with standard Valpolicella, it feels deeper and more velvety, but still retains enough acidity to stay balanced and food-friendly.
In simple terms: a smooth and comforting Italian red — richer and warmer than classic Valpolicella, with Amarone-like richness at a more approachable level.
- Appearance: Deep ruby with garnet edges and good saturation.
- Nose: Inviting aromas of black cherry, dark plum, and redcurrant with hints of spice, cedar, and dried herbs emerging with aeration.
- Palate: Generous dark fruit driven by ripe berries and subtle savoury elements, bolstered by warm spice and integrated oak.
- Texture: Smooth yet structured, with polished tannins and balanced acidity providing lift and cohesion.
- Finish: Persistent and Velvety - lingering rich fruit, spice, and mineral nuance.
- Overall Impression: A richly textured and refined Ripasso from Valpolicella that balances fruit intensity, savoury spice, and structural finesse.
- Braised Beef or Osso Buco – Slow-cooked richness harmonises with the wine’s layered fruit and savoury depth.
- Wild Mushroom Risotto – Earthy, umami-driven dishes echo the wine’s spice and mineral undertones.
- Pasta with Sausage & Tomato – Tomato acidity lifts the palate while amplifying spice complexity.
- Charcuterie & Aged Cheeses – Salami, prosciutto, and aged pecorino match the wine’s fruit and savory finish.
- Herb-Roast Pork Loin – Balanced acidity cuts through succulent pork while echoing herbal spice.
- Serve at 16–18°C to allow its layered fruit and spice complexity to open up fully.
- A decant of 30–45 minutes is recommended to help soften tannins and unlock aromatic depth.
- Use a medium- to large-bowl red wine glass to maximise aeration and showcase layered fruit and savoury spice.
- This vintage is approachable now and will continue to develop nuance and depth over the next 5–7 years if stored in cool, stable conditions.
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