Vintage: 2010

Wine Name/Vineyard: Zenato Ripassa

Wine Category: Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore

Grape blend: Valpolicella

Bottle size: 750 ml 

Region: Veneto

State or country: Italy

Price: $29.99

ABV: 14% 

Cases produced: N/A 

The Barrel Cellar Score:  90 points 

Review date: April 18, 2022

About the Winemaker: The Zenato family has been producing wines in the Italian tradition for over 60 years. It started when founding member Sergio set out to complete his “greatest dream,” to create a winery capable of harvesting the fruits of the earth and transforming them into emotions with “matchless” flavor.

Zenato produces wines in an area considered to be Valpolicella’s classic zone. The winery sits in an area that is revered for producing quality wines, and the family is advancing this reputation by producing great examples of classic Italian styles.

Color: Ruby with a Rose Gold rim

Nose:  Cinnamon, pie crust, and oak 

Taste: Crushed cherries, fig, and blackberry.

Assessment: Ripassa is inky and coating. It greets your palate with notes of perfectly ripened and freshly crushed cherry. Well-rounded tannins result in a silky-smooth texture, and the wine offers complexity in the form of underlying acidity and minerality. Considering the coating nature of the juice, and its full body, the finish seems a bit lacking; as the hints of fig and oak fade quickly.

The 2010 vintage is ready to drink now. Younger vintages should be cellared.

Pairing recommendation: Whole milk Mozzerella, toasted dates, Italian sausage with red bell peppers, or chocolate covered espresso beans.

The Barrel Cellar gives Veneto’s 2010 “Ripassa” Superiore 90 points.