THE ESSENCE OF TASTE
Valpolicella Ripasso wines
How to choose a Valpolicella Ripasso wine
Valpolicella Ripasso is a red wine that combines the freshness of Valpolicella with the complexity of Amarone. Its distinctive character comes from the traditional production technique used to make it: the young Valpolicella wine undergoes a second fermentation on the grape skins left over from Amarone production, gaining greater body, colour intensity and aromatic richness.
When choosing a good Ripasso, one of the most important factors is understanding where and how it was produced. A Valpolicella Classica Ripasso, made from native grape varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella, will have a different profile compared with wines produced in the wider Valpolicella appellation.
The ageing process is also essential. A well-balanced period of maturation in oak barrels allows the wine to develop spicy and toasted notes while preserving its natural freshness. The Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC designation identifies wines produced in the historic Valpolicella area and aged for a minimum of 12 months.
At the table, Ripasso is an extremely versatile wine. It pairs beautifully with meat dishes, medium-aged cheeses and hearty winter pasta dishes. It is an excellent choice both for those already familiar with Valpolicella wines and for those discovering the region for the first time through a wine with character, depth and approachability.
Valpolicella Ripasso in the Venturini wine collection
Ripasso has a precise place within the Venturini range: it sits between Valpolicella Classico and Amarone, combining elements of both wines. The base wine is produced in October from hand-harvested grapes grown across our 15 hectares of vineyards in the hills of Valpolicella Classica, at an altitude of 250 metres. Between February and March, this wine is brought into contact with the intact grape skins from Amarone production for approximately 10 days, with daily pump-overs.
This second fermentation is the defining stage that gives Ripasso its distinctive identity: greater structure, a more complex aromatic profile and a smoother texture compared with a classic Valpolicella. The result is a wine that retains the drinkability typical of Valpolicella reds while offering additional depth and richness.
At Venturini, we produce a single Ripasso wine, Semonte Alto, because we believe this technique reaches its full potential when applied to high-quality grapes from a single vineyard. This choice reflects the philosophy that has guided the Venturini family since 1963: a focused selection of wines, each carefully crafted and individually cared for.
Valpolicella Ripasso in the Venturini wine collection
Ripasso has a precise place within the Venturini range: it sits between Valpolicella Classico and Amarone, combining elements of both wines. The base wine is produced in October from hand-harvested grapes grown across our 15 hectares of vineyards in the hills of Valpolicella Classica, at an altitude of 250 metres. Between February and March, this wine is brought into contact with the intact grape skins from Amarone production for approximately 10 days, with daily pump-overs.
This second fermentation is the defining stage that gives Ripasso its distinctive identity: greater structure, a more complex aromatic profile and a smoother texture compared with a classic Valpolicella. The result is a wine that retains the drinkability typical of Valpolicella reds while offering additional depth and richness.
At Venturini, we produce a single Ripasso wine, Semonte Alto, because we believe this technique reaches its full potential when applied to high-quality grapes from a single vineyard. This choice reflects the philosophy that has guided the Venturini family since 1963: a focused selection of wines, each carefully crafted and individually cared for.
IGT wines
Our IGT wines represent the most versatile part of our production, reflecting the character of the region while allowing greater freedom in grape selection, blending and winemaking techniques. This flexibility results in fresh, fruit-driven wines that pair beautifully with fish, pasta and a wide variety of starters. An excellent choice for those looking for an expressive, easy-drinking wine full of personality.
Classic wines
This collection brings together our red wines made from native grape varieties and vinified without the appassimento process, allowing the freshness and character of the fruit to shine through. Elegant, vibrant and wonderfully drinkable, they provide the perfect introduction to the wines of Valpolicella.
An ideal choice for anyone wishing to discover the region’s authentic winemaking heritage through balanced, approachable wines that are equally suited to everyday dining.
Amarone
Amarone is Valpolicella’s most celebrated wine, produced exclusively from carefully dried grapes using the traditional appassimento method. This process creates a wine of remarkable concentration and complexity, with impressive structure, silky texture and extraordinary aromatic depth that develops beautifully with age. Although dry, Amarone retains the richness typical of dried-grape wines, offering aromas of ripe fruit, sweet spices and balsamic notes. It is the perfect companion to richly flavoured dishes and premium cuts of meat, but is equally rewarding enjoyed on its own, allowing every layer of its character to unfold in the glass.
Recioto
Recioto is Valpolicella’s historic sweet wine, also made from carefully dried grapes. During fermentation, part of the grapes’ natural sugars remains unfermented, creating a wine with refined sweetness balanced by freshness and elegance. Traditionally enjoyed with desserts, particularly those featuring chocolate, it also pairs exceptionally well with blue cheeses and mature hard cheeses. Smooth, complex and intensely aromatic, Recioto is one of the oldest and most distinguished expressions of Valpolicella’s winemaking tradition.
IGT
Gli IGT sono etichette pensate per chi cerca freschezza, bevibilità e un profilo fruttato, ideale in accompagnamento a piatti quotidiani come antipasti, primi leggeri o portate a base di pesce. Rispetto ai grandi vini da appassimento, offrono un sorso più agile e diretto, perfetto anche per chi desidera avvicinarsi al territorio con semplicità, senza rinunciare alla cura artigianale e all’identità della Valpolicella.
Buy Valpolicella wines online: our complete collection
Venturini produces Valpolicella wines across two distinct collections.
Our traditional wines are made from freshly harvested grapes and include Valpolicella Classico DOC, Valpolicella Campomasua Classico Superiore DOC, Ripasso Semonte Alto Classico Superiore DOC, together with our IGT wines, including Rosso Veronese “Massimino”, E…lisa Brut Sparkling Wine and Bianco Veronese.
Our appassimento collection includes Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG and IGT wines made from dried grapes, including the white dessert wine “Il Castelliere”.
All wines are available to purchase online, with direct shipping from our winery.
For information about orders, bottle sizes and availability, please contact our Sales Manager, Alessandro, on +39 346 1683094 or email info@viniventurini.com.
