Marogne Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC - Zeni

The Marogne Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC - Zeni displays in the glass a dense, deep ruby red with delicate garnet-red reflections reminiscent of ripe cherries. With the first swirl, intense aromas of cherry and plum rise up, accompanied by a hint of violet and fine spice. The bouquet appears inviting and clearly defined, with charming depth and elegant finesse. On the palate, Marogne Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC - Zeni is dry, velvety and full-bodied, with harmoniously integrated acidity and soft, ripe tannins.

The aromatics of this red wine build up layer by layer and offer a complex yet very approachable profile. The first impression is dominated by juicy cherry, ranging from sweet cherry to black cherry. In addition, there are juicy, dark oven-baked plums and a fine hint of dried fruit. The floral violet notes lend the wine an elegant touch, reminiscent of a fragrant garden in the evening air. Spicy hints of black pepper, cinnamon and a touch of clove complete the picture and provide depth.

The texture in the mouth feels dense yet silky. The wine shows impressive length with a finely spicy, fruit-driven aftertaste. The acidity is clear and provides vibrancy without ever becoming sharp. The finish leaves warm spice notes, a touch of cocoa and a hint of licorice. The fruit, however, always remains at the forefront. Altogether this creates a red wine that shines both on its own and as a stylish partner at the table.

For connoisseurs who appreciate dry yet charming red wines, this Ripasso offers a fascinating experience. The typical grape varieties Corvina and Rondinella show their full potential here: plenty of cherry, dark berries, plum and subtle violet blossoms. The spicy accents are reminiscent of freshly ground pepper, tobacco and a touch of fine herbs. The result is a complex yet clearly focused aromatic profile that whets the appetite for the first sip.

The structure of the wine is marked by balance: alcohol, tannin and acidity interlock like cogs in a wheel. The 14 percent alcohol by volume provides warmth and power without weighing the wine down. The tannins are ripe, rounded and offer grip without being rough. The fruit remains present until the very last moment and is elegantly accompanied by the spice. In the aftertaste, Marogne Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC - Zeni reveals a long, finely articulated finish.

The aromas can be perceived in well-defined stages:

1. First nose: juicy cherry, ripe plum, a hint of violet, delicate herbs.
2. Second nose after some air: black cherry, dried plum, fine spices, subtle roasted notes.
3. On the palate: dry, full body, velvety tannins, clear fruit, elegant spice.
4. Mid-palate: dark berries, cocoa, subtle licorice, harmonious acidity.
5. Finish: long-lasting cherry notes, warm spices, a soft mouthfeel.

This makes the red wine ideal for wine lovers who enjoy Italian classics and at the same time are looking for a powerful yet elegant alternative to even more intense Amarone wines. Marogne Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC - Zeni is positioned exactly between juicy Valpolicella and concentrated Amarone and unites vibrancy, richness and depth in one finely tuned moment of pleasure.

Vinification of Marogne Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC by Zeni

The grapes for Marogne Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC - Zeni come from selected sites in the heart of the Valpolicella DOC in Veneto. The hilly landscape with its limestone and marl soils and the constant breeze from Lake Garda offers ideal conditions for ripe, aromatic grapes. The Corvina and Rondinella vines generally grow in pergola training systems that protect the grapes from excessive sun exposure while allowing good ventilation.

The harvest is selective and mostly done by hand, in order to use only ripe and intact grapes. Already in the vineyard, inferior grapes are consistently removed. Only the best berries make their way to the winery. There they are gently destemmed and carefully pressed to optimally extract the valuable aromas and the elegant structure of the skins without dissolving too many harsh tannins.

The first fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. During this process, the grape skins remain in contact with the must for a carefully defined period. This allows color, aromas and tannins to pass into the young wine. After the completion of alcoholic fermentation and the first maturation, the typical Ripasso method is applied, which lends the wine its richness and depth.

In this technique, the already fermented Valpolicella is poured over the pomace of the Amarone grapes. A second fermentation begins there, during which the wine extracts additional aromas, tannins and extracts from the dried berries. This leads to higher density, more intense color and a richer structure, while retaining its vibrancy. The resulting Ripasso therefore shows more concentration than a classic Valpolicella.

Afterwards, Marogne Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC - Zeni matures in wooden casks, mostly in large Fuder barrels and partly in barriques. Here the spicy notes develop further: subtle vanilla, a touch of cinnamon, fine toasted aromas. Maturation in wood rounds off the tannins and gives the wine its silky-soft texture. After sufficient time in cask, the wine is bottled and further aged, allowing it to harmonize and its aromatic spectrum to become finely balanced.

Food recommendations for Marogne Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC by Zeni

With its juicy cherry notes, dark plum and spicy nuances, this red wine is an ideal partner for hearty cuisine from Italy and beyond. Marogne Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC - Zeni pairs best with aromatic, moderately robust dishes that reflect its structure without overpowering it.

Recommended dishes include:

• Tagliatelle with beef ragout, slowly braised with root vegetables and tomatoes.
• Lasagne al forno with a rich meat sauce, béchamel and aged hard cheese.
• Braised veal shank with polenta and a sauce made from red wine and cherry tomatoes.
• Leg of lamb with rosemary, garlic and oven-roasted vegetables, gently cooked in the oven.
• Venison ragout with plums, lingonberries and potato dumplings.
• Grilled duck breast with cherry reduction and sautéed mushrooms.
• Aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino or mature alpine cheese.
• Antipasti platter with air-dried ham, salami, olives and marinated peppers.

This Ripasso also comes into its own with pizza featuring robust toppings, such as salami, salsiccia or mushrooms. For those who enjoy cooking, the wine can also be used in sauces, for example in a braised beef dish with onions and root vegetables. In this way, the character in the glass connects directly with the dish on the plate and creates a cohesive, enjoyable experience.

Thanks to its balance of fruit, spice and structure, Marogne Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC - Zeni is highly versatile and accompanies a relaxed meal with friends just as well as a festive menu.

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