{"product_id":"valpolicella-ripasso-doc-col-de-la-bastia-2018","title":"Valpolicella Ripasso DOC \"Col de la Bastia\" 2018","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyard and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Col de la Bastia vineyard lies at around 450 metres above sea level in Bastia, on a broad plateau between the Val d’Alpone and Val d’Illasi. Its shaly, clay-rich limestone soils offer a marked contrast to the volcanic sites associated with many of Fattori’s white wines. The blend comprises 65% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella and 10% other permitted varieties, harvested by hand during the final two weeks of September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter its initial fermentation, the Valpolicella is re-macerated on the pomace from Fattori’s dried Amarone grapes in the traditional Ripasso method. This adds body, flavour and structure before the wine matures for 18 months in 500- and 1,000-litre oak casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep ruby red with a garnet reflection at the rim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRipe Morello cherry, blackberry and plum are layered with dried violet, woodland herbs and a restrained note of sweet spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry and full-bodied, with generous dark cherry and berry fruit framed by polished tannins. Ripasso brings concentration and warmth, but the elevated site preserves a fresh line through the palate. Notes of cocoa, clove and dried herbs lead into a long, savoury finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell suited to slow-cooked beef shin with pappardelle, roast shoulder of lamb, venison sausages with creamy mash, or baked aubergine with tomato and Parmesan. Mature hard cheeses are another natural match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCol de la Bastia is named after a medieval watchtower whose remains stand in the woodland above the vineyard. The 12-hectare site sits on the eastern side of the Valpolicella appellation, where altitude and limestone-derived soils help the traditional red varieties retain perfume and acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2018 Ripasso occupies the middle ground between youthful Valpolicella and the estate’s Amarone. Repassing the wine over Amarone pomace gives it additional depth, while large-format oak and the freshness of the Bastia site keep the finished wine composed rather than heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fattori","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7848982020156,"sku":"FATVALPOL18","price":29.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/files\/antonio-fattori-valpolicella-ripasso-doc-col-de-la-bastia-2018-0-standardised-600x960.png?v=1791377071","url":"https:\/\/sommelierschoice.co.uk\/products\/valpolicella-ripasso-doc-col-de-la-bastia-2018","provider":"Sommelier's Choice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}