Valpolicella Ripasso DOC - Tenuta Marcati

The Valpolicella Ripasso DOC - Tenuta Marcati presents a bright ruby red in the glass with a slight shimmer of garnet reflections. The color appears dense and clear, with gentle viscosity at the rim. Even at the first swirl, an intense bouquet rises to the nose, immediately awakening the desire for the first sip.

On the nose, a multi-layered tapestry of aromas unfolds, with ripe blackberry, prunes and black cherry. Added to this are notes of dried fig, a touch of blueberry and a hint of cassis. Spicy nuances of cinnamon, clove and a little liquorice provide depth. Subtle hints of cocoa, dark chocolate and a touch of vanilla recall the aging on the lees and the contact with wood. A delicate herbal spice with hints of thyme and Mediterranean shrubs reflects the climate of the Valpolicella hills.

On the palate, the Valpolicella Ripasso DOC - Tenuta Marcati shows a medium to full body with a velvety texture. The fruit appears juicy and dense, carried by blackberry, ripe cherry and prunes. Fine spicy notes of cinnamon and a touch of pepper frame the dark fruit. A hint of orange zest and light balsamic tones add tension. The tannins appear silky and well-integrated, with a fine grip and ripe structure. The acidity appears fresh and well integrated, giving the wine tension and length without dominating.

The finish is long, warm and aromatic. Notes of dried cherry, blackberry jam, cocoa and delicate vanilla linger. A fine mineral trace recalls the calcareous, stony soils of the region. The style is classic Valpolicella Ripasso: fruit-driven, spicy, with sensual density and yet an invigorating freshness. This wine accompanies a whole evening with ease and gains with every sip.

Its origin in Veneto, more precisely the famous Valpolicella Ripasso DOC, clearly shapes its character. The climate features warm days and cooler nights. In this way the grapes ripen intensively while retaining their freshness. The hills with mixed soils of limestone, clay and scree give the cuvée a fine, slightly salty minerality. Proximity to Lake Garda brings mild winds that ease the vines in summer and ensure clear aromas.

The cuvée of Corvina and Rondinella forms the historical heart of Valpolicella. Corvina contributes juicy cherry notes, fine grip and clear structure. Rondinella complements with darker fruit, a touch of herbal spice and harmonious fullness. Together they create a wine with a clear varietal profile, at once refined and multi-layered. In the glass, it is a red wine that delights both lovers of older vintages and newcomers to the appellation.

Typical aromas that stand out in particular during enjoyment are shown in this selection:

• Dark fruits such as blackberry, black cherry and blueberry
• Dried fruits such as prunes, fig and a hint of raisin
• Spicy nuances of cinnamon, clove, pepper and liquorice
• Fine notes of cocoa, dark chocolate and vanilla
• Light herbal hints and subtle mineral freshness

This Valpolicella Ripasso DOC - Tenuta Marcati is suitable for many moments of enjoyment. It is particularly appealing on occasions that emphasize warmth, cosiness and stylish table culture.

1. As an elegant companion to hearty dinners with family
2. As a stylish red wine for a romantic candlelight dinner
3. As a conversation wine for long evenings with friends
4. As a gift for lovers of Italian classics
5. As a food companion to fine dishes of northern Italian cuisine

Production of the Valpolicella Ripasso DOC from Tenuta Marcati

The grapes for this wine come from selected vineyards in the hillside locations at the heart of the classic Valpolicella area in Veneto. There, a mild, slightly windy climate prevails, with plenty of sunshine and cool nights. The soils consist of limestone, clay, gravel and weathered rock. This combination gives the vines depth and the berries a dense concentration of aromas.

Corvina and Rondinella grow on trellises that allow good aeration of the vines. This ensures even ripening of the grapes and the development of clear, pure aromatics. The winemaker pays attention to reduced yields in order to shape each berry more intensely. Harvesting is selective, often by hand, with a sharp eye for fully ripe grapes. Only the best lots make their way into the cellar.

First, a classic Valpolicella base wine is produced, which ferments in a fresh and fruit-driven style. After fermentation, the wine goes through the typical Ripasso process. In this process, the cellar master lays the young Valpolicella once again on the pomace of dried grapes from an Amarone production. These dried skins contain concentrated aromas, residual sugar and fine tannins.

This second contact triggers a renewed fermentation. The wine gains in depth, fullness and structure. The fruit appears darker, the texture denser, the tannins rounder. This creates the typical Ripasso style with echoes of Amarone, but with more freshness and a more elegant body. Aging usually takes place in a combination of stainless steel tanks and wooden casks, depending on the vintage and the desired profile.

In stainless steel tanks, the wine matures at controlled temperature to preserve the fruit. Part of it matures in large wooden casks or used barriques to introduce gentle vanilla and toasted aromas. Aging on the fine lees over several months contributes additional creaminess and a finer mouthfeel. Regular stirring of the lees, the bâtonnage, gives the wine depth and a harmonious structure.

The result is a Valpolicella Ripasso that combines tradition and modern precision. The producer values clear fruit, the typical spice of the region and an elegant, accessible style. The wine brings the soul of the hills around Verona into the glass and represents the great class of this historic appellation.

Serving recommendations for the Valpolicella Ripasso DOC from Tenuta Marcati

This red wine pairs ideally with hearty dishes of Mediterranean character. With antipasti of air-dried ham, salami, grilled vegetables and ripe olives, it shows its fruity spiciness. It also harmonises beautifully with pasta and ragù made from beef or lamb, creating a balanced interplay of fruit and spice. The fine tannin structure balances meat juices and tomato sauces excellently.

The wine is also very harmonious with braised dishes such as ossobuco, beef cheeks or braised leg of lamb with herbs. Accompaniments such as polenta, mushroom risotto or gnocchi with aged hard cheese are a good match. Notes of prunes, blackberry and cinnamon caress the roasted aromas from the pan and the oven. This Ripasso also convinces with game dishes such as venison or deer with lingonberries.

For cheese lovers, it is suitable with semi-hard and aged cheeses, such as Pecorino, aged Asiago or well-aged mountain cheese. The spice in the wine wraps itself wonderfully around nutty, slightly salty cheese aromas. At the end of a meal, it also happily accompanies a platter of hard cheese, nuts and a little fig jam.

As a wine for convivial gatherings by the fireplace or long conversations at the table, it shows its full strength. It is also suitable as a stylish gift for lovers of Italian red wines who appreciate depth, fullness and elegance. For a romantic candlelight dinner, it creates a warm, sensual atmosphere in the glass.

The ideal serving temperature is around sixteen to eighteen degrees. Briefly opening the bottle about thirty minutes before enjoyment allows the wine to unfold its aromas freely. In large, rounded red wine glasses, it reveals its full diversity and fine structure. With proper storage in a cool, dark place at a constant temperature, this Ripasso will continue to mature for a few years and gain additional complexity and harmony.

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