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Ripasso


“Ripasso” means “re-pass”. It refers to the technique when the must of a basic Valpolicella is referemented on the pomace of the “Amarone della Valpolicella” and/or “Recioto della Valpolicella” wines

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Ripasso refers to a winemaking technique used for red wine production in Valpolicella. A Valpolicella Ripasso DOC is a medium-bodied wine with good alcohol content. It is obtained by the refermentation of the basic Valpolicella on the pomace of the “Amarone della Valpolicella” and/or “Recioto della Valpolicella” wines (“Ripasso” means “re-pass”). Thanks to this process, the wine is characterized by higher alcohol content, higher values of the phenolic substances and extracts than a basic Valpolicella.

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The name translates to 'Return to Earth'. Trying this next to the other non-amphora wines, I wonder what impact fermenting in these clary vessels has. While it appears a little more developed. Kelley’s note is on the money. I feel like the chalky texture may be derived to some degree from the amphora. Without trying a control it’s impossible to say. Much pleasure to be had here with the very fresh marmalade notes, flowers and beyond. Transparent and delicate. Guillemot-Michel makes Chardo
$131
$126ea in any 3+
$121ea in any 6+

Vietti Barolo ‘Ravera’ 2018

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

The 2018 Barolo Ravera is a wine of real depth and vertical structure. As always, the Ravera is a taut, nervy Barolo built on energy more than volume. Readers will have to be patient, as the Ravera is likely to require a number of years to be at its most expressive. Even in the early going, it is vibrant and full of life. Rose petal, chalk, blood orange and white pepper lend striking exotic top notes that are quite suggestive of what the future is going to bring. What a gorgeous Barolo this is..
$470
$460ea in any 3+
$450ea in any 6+

Marcarini Barolo ‘Brunate’ 2016

Nebbiolo | La Morra, Italy

'Tasted alongside the La Serra, which is always interesting. If you want to experience terroir, well, I reckon traditionally made Barolo and Barbaresco provide much better examples than Burgundy does, with their Pinot Noir toolkit of winemaking techniques obfuscating vineyards so often! Anyway, air-freight sample here, so likely arriving in the not too distant future, given the travails of international shipping at present, container shortages, and the like. I’ve been dipping into my 2010s of
$169
$162ea in any 3+
$155ea in any 6+
Lovers of flavourful Chardonnay will be happy here! Excellent gear. A step up in acid levels from 'Les Vergers'. Lovely flavour profile here. From Meadow's notes the flavour profiles is much the same. What clearly has changed over a couple of years in the bottle is the expression. No longer the shy, reticent teenager. Now a vivacious creature with a certain delicacy and that full flavoured profile I've come to expect from Amiot. The flow and texture across palate is excellent with a fine finish.
$221
$211ea in any 3+
$201ea in any 6+