​Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Novaia

In the following review, we tell you about our tasting of one of the Valpolicella Ripasso wines that we most appreciated, produced in the heart of this wine region by the Novaia winery. This is the Valpolicella Ripasso D.O.C. Classico Superiore Novaia 2019.

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Novaia winery is located in Marano di Valpolicella, in the province of Verona, one of the most prestigious and suitable locations of this magnificent wine region. The estate is located on top of a soft hill overlooking the Marano Valley and has an ancient residence, dating back to the fifteenth century, surrounded by lands, owned by the Vaona family since 1700.

In the period between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, thanks to Paolo Vaona the winery develops and expands, spreading its products in national and international markets. Paolo Vaona was one of the first producers in the area to market its products even beyond the provincial and regional borders.

Today, Novaia is led by Cesare and Giampaolo with Cristina and Marcello, the fourth generation of the Vaona family. The winery has 7 hectares of vineyards, at an altitude between 250 and 400 meters above sea level, with South/South-East exposure and marly-calcareous soils, in an area with a temperate climate. An ideal terroir for the cultivation of the typical varieties of Valpolicella (Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, but also Oseleta, Turchetta and Molinara) and for the production of Valpolicella wines: Valpolicella, Amarone, Recioto and Ripasso.

Ripasso Novaia is made from Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes, harvested manually in the third decade of September. The vinification method is the traditional one, called "ripasso", with first fermentation at a controlled temperature in oak and second fermentation on the skins of the Amarone or Recioto grapes. The wine ages in wooden barrels and in the bottle.

This Ripasso has the mention "Classico", as it is produced in Marano di Valpolicella, one of the municipalities of the original and classic area of Valpolicella, and the specification "Superiore", as it has an alcohol content equal to or greater than 13.00% vol. Specifically, the alcohol content of Ripasso Novaia 2019 is 14% alc./vol.

Now it’s time to taste!

Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Novaia 2019 has a deep ruby red color with slight garnet reflections. On the nose emerges a great variety of scents. It is richer than Valpolicella wine, thanks to the second fermentation on the skins of Amarone. It has the typical hints of red fruit and black cherry, with spicy notes (vanilla) and ethereal post-fermentative sensations. The palate is also more complex than the basic version of Valpolicella wines. It has a higher alcohol content, body and roundness thanks to the soft tannins. It is also noted for a good sapid vein that gives a touch of freshness to the taste and strengthens the pleasantness of the sip. The finish is long and persistent, with hints of red fruits perceived in the initial phase of the tasting.

We match it with tasty first courses. For structure and alcohol content is also excellent with red meats, especially if grilled, but also with roasts of all kinds.