As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and experiencing a wide range of wines, including Valpolicella and Valpolicella Ripasso. These wines, hailing from the Veneto region in Italy, are known for their lively and vibrant flavors.
Valpolicella is a wine made primarily from three grape varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. It is typically light to medium-bodied, with refreshing sour cherry flavors and hints of aromatic herbs. When enjoyed young, Valpolicella showcases its bright fruitiness and lively acidity. It is a fantastic wine to sip on a warm summer day, especially when slightly chilled.
Ripasso, on the other hand, is a unique style of Valpolicella that undergoes a second fermentation with the leftover grape skins from Amarone production. This process gives Ripasso additional depth and complexity, with flavors of dried fruit, baking spices, and a hint of Amarone's characteristic richness. Ripasso is often described as a “baby Amarone” due to its similarities in flavor profile.
Now, let's address the question at hand: how long can you keep Valpolicella Ripasso? Unlike Amarone, which is known for its aging potential, Valpolicella and Ripasso are best enjoyed within the first five years of their release. These wines are meant to be enjoyed in their youth when their vibrant fruit flavors are at their peak.
That being said, some high-quality Valpolicella Ripasso wines can develop and improve with a few years of bottle age. The additional complexity and depth gained from the second fermentation process can provide a solid foundation for aging. However, it is important to note that not all Valpolicella Ripasso wines are created equal, and aging potential can vary depending on the producer and vintage.
I have personally tasted Valpolicella Ripasso wines that have been aged for several years, and I have found that while some have evolved beautifully, others have lost some of their youthful charm and freshness. It is always a bit of a gamble when aging Valpolicella Ripasso, as you never know how the wine will develop over time.
While Valpolicella and Ripasso are best enjoyed within the first five years of their release, some high-quality Ripasso wines can benefit from a few years of bottle age. It is always fascinating to explore the aging potential of different wines and see how they evolve over time. However, it is worth noting that aging Valpolicella Ripasso is not a guarantee of improved quality, and some wines may lose their vibrant and refreshing characteristics.