2021 Zenato - Ripasso della Valpolicella Ripassa (750ml)
Zenato has been a leading name in the Veneto since Sergio Zenato founded the estate in 1960, farming both Lugana's white grapes near Lake Garda and Corvina based reds in the Costalunga hills of Sant'Ambrogio. The Ripassa bottling is one of the family's signature wines, made using the traditional ripasso method, in which finished Valpolicella wine is passed back over the pressed skins of Amarone grapes. This second, brief fermentation deepens the wine's color, boosts alcohol slightly, and adds layers of complexity that a standard Valpolicella wouldn't have.
The 2021 vintage is a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Oseleta, aged eighteen months in French tonneaux followed by another six months resting in bottle before release. The result is a deep ruby red wine with an inviting bouquet of sweet herbs, wet stone, and crushed blueberries, joined by hints of spice, forest floor, and blackberry jam. On the palate, it feels silken and full, with ripe red and blue fruit balanced by refreshing acidity. Grippy yet well-integrated tannins carry through to a long, savory finish touched by fading plum and subtle chocolate notes.
This structured red pairs beautifully with grilled meats, braised game, risotto, and aged cheeses.