A blend of 70% Corvina, 15% Corvinone and 15% Rondinella, the 2011 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Domini Veneti Vigneti di Torbe shows attractive liveliness and energy with classic aromas of prune, dried apple, cassis, barbecue smoke and leather. This Ripasso has shown a considerable jump in quality starting with the 2009 vintage. Especially attractive is the rich density it shows in the mouth. Drink 2014-2019.
Cooperative wineries are often seen as the ugly ducklings of Italian wine. But the dynamic Cantina Valpolicella Negrar with 220 members who farm a total of 600 hectares is maturing into a graceful swan. The co-op is very active when it comes to experimentation with sustainable farming methods and innovative winemaking. I was absolutely captivated by the “Espressioni” set of wines – all Amarone from the 2005 vintage – that captures the essence of five townships: San Pietro in Cariano, Fumane, Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Marano di Valpolicella and Negrar. This set of wines offers a fascinating glimpse into the individual winemaking regions in the Valpolicella Classico zone. The “Espressoni” (Amarones Castelrotto, Mazzurega, Monte, San Rocco and Villa) make a strong argument for creating delineated subzones based on municipality like you find in other premier growing areas such as Barolo and Chianti Classico.
Importer: Domini Veneti USA, www.cantinanegrar.it