After attending the Valpolicella Masterclass, there was a walkabout tasting from these wineries where they offered different wines to enjoy. In the Masterclass there were only Valpolicella DOC and Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG wines to taste. As there were no Valpolicella Ripasso DOC in the Masterclass, I decided for the walkabout tasting that I would taste only these wines. Valpolicella Ripasso DOC wines are medium-bodied, in between Valpolicella DOC and Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG. Ripasso wines are made by fermenting part of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG marc with the grapes meant for Valpolicella DOC, giving the Ripasso more flavour and body. Below are the Ripasso wines that I enjoyed at this tasting.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Bertani Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2018 “Catullo” – A medium-intensity translucent garnet colour. Lighter aromas of red fruit and tar. Dryish, medium-plus body, medium acidity and tannins. Round mouthfeel. Tea leaves, red fruit, and sweet spice flavours with pepperiness on the mid-palate. 
Cantine di Verona Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Valpantena 2019 “Ritocco” – A light translucent garnet colour. Light aromas of oak, toast, and red fruits. Medium body, with a round smooth mouthfeel. Red fruit, candied red fruit, and chocolate flavours with a touch of oak. Medium-plus length. Firmer tannins on the finish.
Cantine di Verona Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2018 “Torre del Falasco” – Pale clear garnet colour. Medium-intensity aromas of red cherries and smokiness. Dry, medium body with firmer tannins. A lean mouthfeel. Red cherries with touches of sweet spices, red fruits and floral on the palate. A firmer tannic finish.
Corte Figaretto Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Valpantena Superiore 2020 “Acini Ameni” – Medium garnet colour. Lighter aromas of red fruit with some earthiness. Light body, soft, with a roundish mouthfeel. Red fruit, pepper and lighter oak flavours.
Corteforte Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2018 “Podere Bertarole” – A dull medium-intensity garnet colour. Medium-intensity aromas show black cherries, funkiness and tar. Off-dry, medium-plus body, soft and smooth mouthfeel. Red fruit and candied red fruits plus sweet spices. Medium acidity and light tannins. Tasty.
Monte Zovo – Famiglia Cottini Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2019 “Sa Solin” – A dull, medium-intensity dull garnet colour. Medium-intensity aromas of toast and a touch of candied cherries. Medium body, dryish, with a light, leaner mouthfeel. Candied red cherries with a touch of capsicum on the palate. Medium acidity and light tannins. Medium length.
Sartori di Verona Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore 2019 “Valdimezzo” – A light bright translucent garnet colour. Medium-intensity aromas of tarriness and mace with light red fruits. Light body, dry and lean with a light mouthfeel. Medium tannins and bright acidity. Red fruit, tar red cherries, along with touches of pepperiness, capsicum and salty minerality.
Valentina Cubi Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2018 “Arusnatico” – This is an organic wine. It has a pale garnet colour. Light oak and red fruit aromas. Dryish, round, with medium-plus acidity and medium tannins. Floral, red fruit, sweet red fruit and a touch of herbaceousness.
Thank you to the Consorzio Valpolicella for coming to Vancouver and bringing these wineries and their wines for us to try.