This is a popular mid-level wine, and deservedly so. The 2018 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore (with 60,000 bottles made) delivers an easy and fresh drinking experience from a region that is otherwise known for very heavy and concentrated wines. This vintage shows a vertical delivery of cherry and dried berry that absolutely hit the mark, especially if paired with ravioli or another fun pasta dish.

The Le Ragose 2017 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore is a dark and savory expression with dried fruit, Morello cherry, cured leather and warm earthy end notes. The wine is mid-weight on the palate, although the power of the fruit and the density of this wine's texture ultimately gives it a wider and heavier footprint. The blend of fruit is 50% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella and 10% other grapes from the appellation. Fruit comes from an 18-hectare estate with a mix of calcareous and some volcanic soils. Some 60,000 bottles were released at good value to the budget buyer.

Dark fruit, dried blackberry and rich notes of plum define the 2015 Valpolicella Classico Ripasso Superiore, a blend of 50% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella and 10% other grapes. It spreads out in broad and thick layers of dark primary fruit and offers very good value, especially if you are looking for a wine of some significance to pair with a simple barbecue. Ripasso wines like this typically carry the dried fruit intensity of an Amarone, but they are more accessible and easier to pair with informal foods. Some 60,000 bottles were made.

A savory red, with hints of underbrush and smoke up front, but bright acidity carries a creamy mix of crushed raspberry, orange zest and ground ginger notes. Drink now through 2019. 600 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / Valpolicella Classico Select to Add

A traditional style that shows more savory than sweet fruit character, offering tobacco and fresh earth notes accented by dried cherry and cranberry fruit flavors, this is medium-bodied and tangy, with smoke, leather and citrus hints on the modest, chewy finish. Drink now. 550 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / Valpolicella Classico Select to Add