I bought this bottle to get a better understanding of the difference between a more traditional approach to the Valpolicella Ripasso & a more modern one. Guerrieri Rizzardi was presented to me as being a wonderful introduction to a more traditional Ripasso.
“…straight as an arrow.”
Guerrieri Rizzardi Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2016 (Pojega)
Produced & bottled by: Guerrieri Rizzardi
Type: Dry Red from Northern Italy
Region: DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy
Aging: 12 months in French oak
ABV: 13.5%
Grapes: 43% Corvina, 42% Corvinone, 13% Rondinella, 2% Molinara
Appearance: 8/10
The wine has a deep ruby colour with plenty of purple nuances revealing its richness. It’s remarkably clear in comparison to most Ripasso I’ve had. Although it doesn’t really show on the picture, I could easily look through the glass due to the minimal opacity. When I tilt it, I can perceive a touch of orange verging on a deep brick colour & revealing a bit of age. Since the DOC only asks for a minimum of one year of aging, a recent release of 2016 bottles indicates a desire to keep the wine longer to let it mature. As I continue to swirl the liquid, a define crest forms & few delicate legs slowly fall back in the glass.
Nose: 12.5/15
The first note that I get has some animal features, something like wet fur or animal skin. It’s notably different than what I’ve had before with a Ripasso. It’s not as jammy & sweet as usual, nor does it have that often overwhelming note of rich dried fruits, reminiscent of a fruit cake. The aromas are surprisingly mild with cranberries, dried strawberries & a subtle hint of blueberries. Additionally, I stumble upon dried flowers, mainly roses & some potpourri as well. It seems so delicate next to what I happen to expect from this style of wine that I must mention that it is quite a refreshing perspective on what a Ripasso can offer. As it breathes a little, some woody & earthy notes start to reach out giving a desired depth to it.
Mouth: 12.5/15
The tannins are somewhat robust although far from unpleasant. They provide structure to the body of the wine which is only mildly lighter than usual. The acidity gives a tart sensation, along the lines of raw cranberries & only plays a supportive role as should be. The sweetness levels are downright low, with barely perceivable residual sugar which makes it definitely drier than most expressions I’ve tried. In terms of flavours, the barrel gives plenty of oak tones all while keeping the vanilla under control. It goes more towards the baking spices, such as some cinnamon bark, cloves & nutmeg. The floral aspect takes up more space on the palate with a pronounced note of potpourri. In fact, the wine opens a lot more as I sip. The fruitiness is pretty much the same with added flavours of pomegranate & dried figs. The Ripasso’s profile is a bit more recognizable on the palate. However, it’s clearly at one end of this style’s spectrum.
Finish: 8/10
The finish is quite long with dominant woody notes, the fruity & floral traits fading away faster. Every palate sensation leaves after a few seconds but the tannins stay for few minutes, which ensures that you will take another sip to quench that thirst.
Overall: 86/100
This is definitely a bottle to try for Ripasso lovers in order to experience a traditional take on the style. It has some classic aspects of the grape blend although it shows their often hidden delicate features. This bottle is generous, while staying straight as an arrow. It doesn’t have excessive barrel flavours, something that would surprise anyone who doesn’t normally like this particular style of wine. If the Italians love it, you should too.
3-word Description:
Floral, Fruity & Understated.
The Reference:
More information @guerrieri-rizzardi.it
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