Corte Giara Valpolicella Ripasso 750ml

Corte Giara is the Allegrini family's value-focused Veneto label, and this Ripasso comes from vineyards in eastern Valpolicella and Valpantena, around Azzago and Grezzana, at 300 to 350 metres. Altitude keeps the acidity fresh even in a ripe style.

Grapes are hand harvested, destemmed and gently crushed, then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel at 23 degrees for nine to ten days. In February the wine is refermented on Amarone pomace for a further eight to ten days, the ripasso step that adds body and depth. It then rests four months in stainless steel, eleven months in large Slavonian oak casks and two months in bottle.

Expect deep ruby colour, pronounced black cherry, cranberry and black pepper aromas, and smoky, toasted spice. The palate is rounded and full bodied with good structure and vibrant acidity at 13.5% ABV. Serve it with braised beef, osso buco, mushroom risotto or hard aged cheese.