“Ripassa” the name Zenato uses for Ripasso

The Zenato Ripassa Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore is sometimes called “Baby Amarone,” and there is an explanation for that. This wine from Veneto a small amount of Amarone grapes has been added to the fermenting mass of the Valpolicella. As a result, this Ripassa has inherited the refinement and taste of the Amarone, but nevertheless has a significantly lower alcohol percentage than its big brother (Amarone is often 15-16%). The Zenato Ripassa Ripasso Valpolicella is a blend of three different grapes: 85% Corvina Veronese, 10% Rondinella, and 5% Oseleta. A fantastic glass that you really must taste at least once. A deep ruby ​​red color with an intense, elegant, and persistent aroma of black cherries, plums, vanilla, currants, and chocolate. A harmonious, satiny taste with good structure. The finish lingers for a long time. Powerful and convincing, yet you gladly pour yourself a second glass.

After fermentation, the wines age in wooden barrels for 18-24 months. You can certainly taste this. The serving temperature for this Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore is 16-18ºC. Room temperature is often already too high for them, making them somewhat heavier and less fresh.

Excellent combination with game dishes, grilled meats and roasts, salami, and aged cheeses.

Zenato: the king of the Valpolicella

The family winery, under the long-standing leadership of Sergio Zenato, has contributed significantly to the popularity of wines from Lake Garda. More than 2,000 years ago, the Romans already appreciated the grapes from this region with its gently rising hills. Determination, passion, and a consistent pursuit of quality have made the company in Peschiera near San Benedetto one of the most important wineries in Veneto. Today, Sergio’s descendants, Alberto and Nadia, produce high-quality, pure, powerful, and fruity wines of the absolute top class at Azienda Agricola Santa Cristina.

Meanwhile, the raw materials are sourced from the best locations in the important Veronese growing regions of Valpolicella and Lugana. The days when the winemaking family bought up the best grapes from the surrounding winegrowers and, with the intention and success, processed them into delicious wines in their own winery are over. Also, the initial concern of many experts that the success story of Venetian winemaking might end after the death of the patron and profound connoisseur of the region, Sergio Zenato, has proven unfounded.

The Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella receives many awards year after year.

• ROBERT PARKER: 91 points
• JAMES SUCKLING 2018: 94 points
• DECANTER ASIA WINE AWARDS: 90 points / Silver medal
• WINE SPECTATOR: 90 points
• MUNDUS VINI SPRING EDITION 2019: Silver medal
• DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS: 89 points – Bronze
• SWA: Commended
• 5 STARWINES: 91 points
• Top 100 Guida ai vini di Verona
• This wine scored one in a blind tasting by the three Dutch Masters of Wine 8,5!