Defined area near Lago de Garda in north central Italy
Close to Verona --- In the Veneto
Name thought to be a mix of Latin and ancient Greek, and translates to “valley of many cellars.”
Grapes allowed: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, and Molinara
4 Styles: Valpolicella, Ripasso, Amarone & Recioto
Recioto, winemakers pick ripe grapes from vines and let them dry on mats or hanging from rafters throughout the month of January, then vinifying these shriveled grapes and stopping fermentation before all sugars convert to alcohol. These sweet dessert wines have good acidity and a toothsome mouthfeel.Beverage 1: (7 min) Tomassi Rafael Valpolicella Classico Superiore
Corvina 60%, Rondinella 25% and Molinara 15%
Intense nose reveals both floral and fruity tones, with ripe cherries
From the Rafaèl site, the first vineyard to be bought by the Tommasi family
Excellent with pasta dishes with rich sauces, roasts and white meats, or moderately aged cheeses. Try it also with spicy Oriental dishes and full-flavored fish soups.Beverage 2: (15:38 min) Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso
A deep, bright ruby red in color, it is rich and intensely spicy on the nose, with notes of cherry jam, tobacco and black pepper. On the palate it is full-bodied yet elegant, with gentle, silky tannins and a very long finish.
Made by fermenting standard Valpolicella with a pomace of grape skins left over from Recioto and Amarone, Ripasso is double-processed, and its name means “re-pass.”
These soft, supple, medium-bodied wines combine the sour cherry notes of standard Valpolicella and the soft, bitter, slightly raisined notes of Amarone and Recioto.Beverage 3: (26:30 min) Monte Del Fra Amarone
Amarone, whose name translates to “great bitter,” is made by letting those dried grapes from Recioto fully ferment. Amarone is a full-bodied, slightly raisinated wine with a pleasantly bitter finish balanced by hints of dark berries and some cocoa notes. The process came about in the 1930s, as did Ripasso.
The resting of the grapes lasts for 120 days, depending on the season, until the sugar concentration of the grapes has reached at least 28% – 30%
Intense with fine tannins, fruity, spices aromas, vanilla, cloves, chocolate, and coffee. Aromas of leather, tobacco, prune, dried berries: a total umami experience.
Medium acidity, with fine tannins and full body. The flavors remain true to the nose. Long finish. Drink now and has beautiful potential of aging for 20 + years.
Beverage 4: (48 min) Peterson Vin Santo
Made by FOP (Friend of the Podcast), Fred Peterson
Made from muscat grapes that were fermenting to a very high ABV, blended with a 180 proof Pear Au de Vie made from pear trees on the estate.