In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninHigh acidityDryMedium finish

Aroma: cherry, dried plum, spice, tobacco, cedar, dark chocolate hint

Palate: morello cherry, tobacco, pepper, cedar, dried herbs, sweet spice

Zenato's Ripassa shows the Oseleta grape's peppery-spice influence even at the mid-tier level: good concentration from refermentation over dried skins with a distinguishing warmth from the native Oseleta component.

What it pairs with

  • Pasta al pomodoro con salsiccia
    Spiced sausage in tomato sauce and the wine's pepper-cherry notes are a classic match.
  • Grilled lamb chops with rosemary
    The wine's high acidity and dried herb character complement rosemary-grilled lamb.

History

Zenato's Ripassa was introduced as the estate's mid-tier offering, using the ripasso technique to add complexity and depth to their Oseleta-inflected Valpolicella blend.

  1. 1990 — First Zenato Valpolicella Ripassa DOC commercial release

Facts

Producer
Zenato
Grapes
Corvina (60%), Oseleta (20%), Rondinella (15%), Molinara (5%)
Classification
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Oak
Aged 18 months in Slavonian oak; refermented over dried Amarone skins
ABV
13.5%
Price
€22-35 at retail
Drinking window
3-10 from vintage
First vintage
1990

Tags

corvina dry high acid medium body medium tannin medium term molinara mood easygoing mood rustic occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world oseleta pairs with pasta red sauce pairs with pork pairs with red meat price trade up rondinella still red value pick
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