The email from Franco’s Liquor Store read:
“Compare two iconic styles from Italy’s Veneto region. Discover the bold, velvety richness of Amarone and the approachable, fruit-forward Ripasso as Luigi walks you through their differences, histories, and unique characteristics.”
This was one tasting I wasn’t going to miss.
Ripasso and Amarone are red wines from Italy’s Veneto region, both special expressions of Valpolicella Classico. Valpolicella wines are made primarily from three native grape varieties: Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella.
Amarone della Valpolicella is made from partially dried grapes—a process known as appassimento. The grapes are laid out on racks to air-dry for several months. As the water evaporates, sugars and flavours concentrate, resulting in a rich, full-bodied wine with elevated alcohol levels (typically 15–16% ABV). After drying, the raisined grapes are crushed and fermented, producing wines that are powerful and complex, with aromas and flavours of dried fruit, plum, dark cherry, and spice. Amarone often shows a firm structure and, at times, a Port-like character. These wines shine alongside hearty, flavourful dishes.
Ripasso della Valpolicella, on the other hand, begins as a classic Valpolicella wine that is refermented on the pomace—the leftover skins, pulp, seeds, and stems—from Amarone production. This process, which lasts about ten days, enhances both the body and aromatic depth of the wine. Ripasso combines the freshness of Valpolicella with the richness of Amarone, offering softer tannins and earlier drinkability.
Here are the wines we tasted with Luigi at Franco’s:
Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2021
$37.99
Garnet red with medium-plus intensity. An inviting nose of ripe cherry, dried fruit, plum, and spice. Well-balanced, with flavours that echo the aromas and a medium-plus finish. Good value.
Score: 89 Points
Giusti Amarone della Valpolicella 2018
$135.99
Aged two years before release; grapes dried for 100 days. Dark garnet red with medium-deep intensity. A big, classic Amarone nose—dried fruit, plum, dark cherry, and black pepper. Full-bodied, well-integrated, and flavourful, with a medium-long, lingering finish.
Score: 90 Points
Tenuta Falezza Recioto della Valpolicella 2015
$44.49
Garnet-red to nearly black with medium-deep-plus intensity. Aromas of sweet, ripe dried fruit and cherry. Well balanced, with flavours that mirror the nose and a medium-long finish. A lovely dessert wine or one to sip and savour slowly, eyes closed.
Score: 93 Points
The tasting at Franco’s was a fascinating exploration of the Valpolicella family. Ripasso impressed with its balance and accessibility, Amarone commanded attention with its depth and intensity, and the Recioto offered a sweet, contemplative finale. Together, they showcased how traditional winemaking methods and regional grapes can produce three distinct yet related expressions of Veneto’s rich wine heritage.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)