L'Arco Valpolicella Classico 'Ripasso' 2021

50% Corvina, 35% Rondinella, 15% Molinara 

A few days after crushing, the grapes were macerated, and fermentation lasted about seven days, followed by racking. The wine was then stored in stainless steel tanks until mid-March, with periodic racking to separate it from fermentation residues.

In mid-March, when their Amarone was racked, this 'Arcum' cuvee underwent a short refermentation on Amarone grape skins, initiating a second alcoholic fermentation known as “Ripasso.” This process added structure and complexity reminiscent of Amarone while keeping the wine easy to drink. The wine returned to stainless steel tanks until mid-July, with periodic racking. It was then aged for two years in Slavonian oak barrels or barriques, ranging from2.25 to 20 hl in capacity.

The 2021 has produced a more elegantly styled Ripasso then recent years bottlings -and is better for it! It features complex fruit flavors of both dried and fresh varieties, including wild raspberry, plum, prune, and dried apricot. The palate is rich and lush, offering substantial weight with notes of cigar box, black pepper, and cinnamon spice. It delivers surprising depth and structure within an approachable profile.

Immensely drinkable straight-out of the bottle but would benefit from a short decant and even take cellar time.

A must have for any Veronese wine lover!

Minimal sulfur was added during fermentation and aging, with no additional sulfur added at bottling.