Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Corvina Blend

Sometimes (usually when pasta with a tomato and salsiccia sauce is on the stove) I just gotta have a straightforward Ripasso. This fits the bill. Color a little lighter than expected. Nose has ripe fresh and dried cherry fruit, slight notes of sweet spice and turned earth. A bit more drying on the palate than I expected. Loads of that Valpo almond thing go along with the dark cherry fruit. On the leaner style for a Ripasso, there’s a little bitter note in the finish, which works well with the meal. Solid.

Why are valpolicellas so hard to find in new york? Especially ripassos! Med+ acidity, notes of red fruit first, followed by more peppery notes with hints of blackberries and leather, low+ tannins that are smooth (nonexistent?) and not grippy at all. Med+ alcohol. Has no body at all, fades within a second or two. Initially I was going to say this is average, then I realized I was blinded by my general love of valpolicellas and this silly bottle was a touch over $30. No. This was a below average wine.