The 2014 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Pa'Riondo is a simple and sharp red wine with dark fruit and some evident residual sugar. The wine finishes with a smooth texture and very easy fruit flavors. This is a bright red wine with easy-going appeal made with 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 10% Corvinone. It is aged in both barrique and tonneaux for 13 months.

The 2011 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Pa’ Riondo is 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 10% Corvinone. Oak influences are evident and the wine is generously redolent of black cherry, spice, espresso bean and dark chocolate. It glides with smooth, soft intensity over the palate. This is one of the nicest Ripassos on the market today. Drink 2014-2020. I always enjoy the wines made by Luigi and Luciana Brunelli. The house style is fruit-forward and modern but never in an exaggerated or one-dimensional way. What I have consistently noticed over the years is the purity of the fruit obtained by this winemaking twosome: You rarely get the volatility or oxidation inherent to appassimento. A new tasting room and agriturismo have been opened. Importer: PW Wine Distributors, www.pwdistributors.com