Jamie Goode
Our expert uncorks an array of rich, decadent reds from the northeast of Italy
Italy’s Veneto region produces some gorgeous wines, among them Valpolicella, a red that comes in a range of styles. One of the key techniques for making richer wines here is using semi-dried grapes, which are spread out on racks and left to dry for three months. If these are made into wine they produce Amarone, but lighter wines can be beefed up by refermenting the skins of those grapes, to produce a wine called Ripasso. Here are seven options to try.
Corte Cavedini Valpolicella 2019, £14.95, Davy’s, 12% alcohol
Touches of pepper and juicy sour cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruits make this fresh and drinkable, with a little complexity.
Cantina Castelnuovo Ca’vegar Valpolicella Superiore 2020, £11.99, or £9.99 each for six, Majestic, 13% alcohol This brilliant bottle has a tarry edge to the tasty, vivid black fruits, producing a wine with a deliciously sweet core. There’s also an interesting touch of intensity. Great value for money.
Viviani Valpolicella Classico 2020, £11.68, Justerini & Brooks, 13% alcohol
Beautifully aromatic, this red is brimming with sweet red cherries. It also has sappy, herby notes and is wonderfully supple.
Cantina Di Negrar Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2018, £17.99, Waitrose, 15% alcohol
This is broad, rich and chocolatey with dusty cocoa hints alongside the moreish fruit. Stylish, luxurious and beautifully textured, it’s pricey but worth it.
Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2020, £7.99, Aldi, 13.5% alcohol
With cedary notes on top of sweet cherries and plums, this specially selected wine is rich with a spicy edge.
Tenuta Novare Valpolicella Ripasso 2019, £12, Co-op, 13.5% alcohol
Fine peppery flavours add interest to this elegant wine. It’s aromatic with floral strawberry and cherry fruits and subtle green hints.
No1 Recchia Valpolicella Ripasso 2019, £13.99, Waitrose, 14.5% alcohol
With bold cherry and raspberry fruit flavours, this is a sleek wine that finishes with a touch of spice.