Give $20, Get $20. Refer a Friend Today!

Cantina di Negrar 2020 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore

Cantina di Negrar 2020 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore

dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit
JS 90

Mission Codename Ah-more-one

The Pinot party is over, but the Ripasso fiesta is just getting started. If you’ve never tried one before, this is the PERFECT time to try one. $19 for 90 points? What are you waiting for?

This is the “baby” Amarone, a Ripasso. Ripasso is a singular style, whereby the crazy Italians take an already delicious Valpolicella and repass (ri-“pass”-oh-so-good) it through still fermenting, sugar-rich dried grape skins of Amarone they just made, which in itself is a style they charge an arm and a leg for, because making a ‘dried grapes only’ wine makes them lunatic in the first place! A great Ripasso attains complexity levels that can normally be achieved only by the priciest Amarone, which was pioneered by Negrar!

Slightly lighter than their Amarone, but it’s absolutely full of flavor with a rich full body. It’s rocking with ripe cherry, raspberry and dried red plums, some baking spices and lovely acidity. It’s fresh, lively, and dangerously easy to drink.

The Wine Economist has the story: “Take the cooperative winery in Negrar - Cantina di Negrar. This is where Amarone was born in 1936 when the cellarmaster lost track of a tank of Recioto, that fermented dry by accident instead of the yeasts being stopped with some residual sugar remaining. A catastrophe - except that it was really good. Not bitter ‘Amaro’ but smooth and dry Amarone.”

Wine Advocate adds “Cooperative wineries are often seen as the ugly ducklings of Italian wine. But the dynamic Cantina di Negrar with 220 members who farm a total of 600 hectares is maturing into a graceful swan. The co-op is very active when it comes to experimentation with sustainable farming methods and innovative winemaking. I was absolutely captivated…”

If Wine Advocate knew we’d be giving these away at these prices, how much more “absolutely captivated” would they be?

90 - James Suckling

“Ripe blackberries and currants with forest-floor and nutty notes. Medium body with fresh, citrusy acidity and lightly firm tannins. Tasty young Valpo to drink now.”

Read Full Review
Hide Full Review

What the Winery Says 2020 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore

Cantina di Negrar
Cantina di Negrar
Winemaker
Daniele Accordini
Varietals
70% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella
Vintage
2019
Alcohol
13.5%
Appellation
Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore, Veneto
Soils
Clayey with occasional limestone
Elevation
250-450 meters above sea level
Exposure
Southeastern
Planting density
3,300/3,500 vines per hectare
Yields
70 hl/ha
Vine age
15-25 years
Aging
24 months
Barrels
100% neutral cherry wood

About the Winery Cantina di Negrar

Cantina di Negrar Winemaker Daniele Accordini
Cantina di Negrar Winemaker Daniele Accordini
Cantina di Negrar 2020 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Jan 16, 2023 at 11:59 pm
Register to get notified when this wine is back in stock:
Sign Up For Free
Cantina di Negrar 2020 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Jan 16, 2023 at 11:59 pm
Register to get notified when this wine is back in stock:
Sign Up For Free