2021 Tomassi Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC

The "Ripasso" process begins with the creation of a basic Valpolicella wine from freshly harvested grapes. The skins and lees, which are rich in residual sugar, tannins, and flavor, are added to the young wine which triggers a second, or "ripassato," fermentation. The result is a wine with darker fruit, more spice, deeper chocolate notes, and often with a higher alcohol content. Not all of these are created equal and results vary greatly. This wine is made in a very traditional manner and the results are more or less spot on to meeting these expectations. As it also carries a great price point, it's a great wine to delve into these Valpolicella Ripassos.