{"product_id":"valpolicella-superiore-ripasso-doc-2022","title":"Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 2022","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyard and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso combines 65% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and a smaller share of Molinara and other local grapes. Corteforte’s vines occupy south-west-facing clay-limestone slopes around Fumane at approximately 150–300 metres, where controlled yields support concentration without sacrificing aromatic lift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter its first fermentation, the young Valpolicella was passed over Amarone skins and pomace to ferment again, gaining colour, body and layers of dried fruit and spice. The wine then matured for six to eight months in a mixture of old and new French oak, allowing its added structure to settle without masking the freshness of the 2021 fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClear ruby red with vivid garnet highlights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Morello cherry, raspberry and plum are followed by violet, cracked pepper and dried oregano. A restrained note of cedar and cocoa hints at both the ripasso passage and oak maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuicy and structured, with bright red fruit at the centre and darker, gently dried-fruit tones beneath. Fine tannins and energetic acidity maintain lift, carrying cherry, herbs and subtle spice through a clean, savoury finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair with roast chicken and pancetta, pork ragù with polenta, grilled lamb koftas, or a baked aubergine parmigiana. Its combination of freshness and depth also works neatly with mature Red Leicester.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorteforte is a tiny Fumane estate housed within a fortified property dating back to the early 15th century. Carlo Maria Cerutti began selling its wines in 1989, focusing on the local dried-grape traditions and allowing even the more approachable bottlings meaningful time in cask and cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRipasso occupies the bridge between everyday Valpolicella and Amarone. Corteforte’s 2022 Superiore keeps that distinction clear: the second fermentation adds breadth and spice, but the wine remains dry, vivid and table-friendly rather than dominated by weight.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Corteforte","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7848982216764,"sku":"CFVALPOL22","price":30.1,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/files\/CorteforteValpolicellaRipassoSuperiore_7772523b-4366-4da2-9b8a-cb26534e95e2-aligned.png?v=1791372716","url":"https:\/\/sommelierschoice.co.uk\/products\/valpolicella-superiore-ripasso-doc-2022","provider":"Sommelier's Choice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}