2009 Ripasso Mara Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC

If you like Amarone then you must try this great Ripasso. Another quality Italian wine from Gerardo Cesari in the Valpolicella zone of the Veneto region in NE Italy.

The historic ripasso treatment is the refermentation of Valpolicella wines of the same or previous vintage on the fermented grapes used in the Amarone production process. Its main purpose is to reinforce and strengthen the Valpolicella taking what remains in the noble dried grapes. The wine undergoing this process acquires colour, structure, aromas and tannins and takes on an extra 1-1.5% alcohol compared to the original wine.

Tasting Notes
Perfume of ripe fruit, fruit preserve and cherries. Warm elegant body, long-lasting rich flavour.

Matching
Grilled or stewed meats;game. Serve at 18-20C.

Winemaking Notes
Grape varieties: 75% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 5% Molinara.
Refermentation lasts 15-18 days and the "new" Valpolicella wine acquires colour, structure, fragrance and tannins, as well as about 1.5% more in alcoholic level than the original wine. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is left to mature for about 12 months in largely Slavonian oak barrels (80%) with the remaining 20% maturing in French oak tonneaux. Ageing is completed by resting in bottle for 6 months prior to release to market.