Monte Santoccio : Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2011

The Monte Santoccio Valpolicella Ripasso Classico comes from the classical vineyard area of Valpolicella in Veneto, Italy. The traditional Valpolicella blend is composed of three indigenous red grape varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. The Valpolicella Ripassos are generally more complex than the typical Valpolicella due to the ripasso production process used; the wines are re-fermented on the skins of grapes used to make the area's dried-grape wine, Amarone della Valpolicella. This second fermentation adds body, complexity, and tannin for a more savory red wine. The Monte Santoccio Valpolicella Ripasso Classico is hand harvested from only three hectares of the estate's sustainably grown vineyards. Pressing and maceration of the grapes takes fifteen days, and the second fermentation with the Amarone skins lasts for nearly twenty. The wine is then aged in large oak barrels for 24 months. The Monte Santoccio Valpolicella Ripasso Classico has clean and intense aromas of plum, cherries and hints of chocolate. Pair with traditional dishes like risotto all'amarone, or cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and Monte Veronese.