Wine Columnist, My VanCity
Sam is a passionate wine enthusiast and writer covering the BC wine and food scene for My VanCity.
Originally published on My VanCity — by Sam Hauck. Republished with permission.
Ripasso and Amarone are red wines from Italy's Veneto region, both special expressions of Valpolicella Classico. Valpolicella wines are made primarily from three native grape varieties: Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Made from partially dried grapes—a process known as appassimento. The grapes are laid out on racks to air-dry for several months. As the water evaporates, sugars and flavours concentrate, resulting in a rich, full-bodied wine with elevated alcohol levels (typically 15–16% ABV). Powerful and complex, with aromas of dried fruit, plum, dark cherry, and spice.
Ripasso della Valpolicella
Begins as a classic Valpolicella wine that is refermented on the pomace—the leftover skins from Amarone production. This process enhances both body and aromatic depth, combining the freshness of Valpolicella with the richness of Amarone.
The Tasting
Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2021 — $37.99
Garnet red with medium-plus intensity. Ripe cherry, dried fruit, plum, and spice. Well-balanced with a medium-plus finish. Good value. 89 Points.
Giusti Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 — $135.99
Aged two years; grapes dried for 100 days. Dark garnet red. A big, classic Amarone nose—dried fruit, plum, dark cherry, and black pepper. Full-bodied and lingering. 90 Points.
Tenuta Falezza Recioto della Valpolicella 2015 — $44.49
Nearly black in colour. Sweet, ripe dried fruit and cherry. A lovely dessert wine to sip and savour slowly, eyes closed. 93 Points.
All photos by Sam Hauck. Originally published on My VanCity.
