If you haven't tried a Ripasso, it's time you do so. It's a close relative of Amarone that gives much of the richnerss of Amarone at a lower price. Amarone is made from a combination of fresh and dried grapes. Ripasso blends fresh Valpolicello wine with the leftover grape skins and seeds from the making of Amarone and ferments it a second time, a process that adds complexity, body, tannins and richness. This Ripasso from Tinazzi, purchased for $14.99 from MegaBev (formerly Russo's) in Grand Rapids a couple of years ago, is probably the richest, most complex Ripasso I have had and among the best wines I have tasted over the past five years.
Bold, dark color as expected. Incredibly complex bouquet: raspberries, dark cherries, vanilla, chocolate...and more. Rich texture with layer after layer of deep, complex flavors. By nature, Ripasso is slightly sweet, but you wouldn't know it because of the bold, delightfully bitter tannins on the finish. Opens with a flourish, ends with an bang.
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