A typical Veneto aroma mix, including dried berries, spicy vanilla and some dried flowers. Deep down there’s also a bead of fresh, crushed redcurrants. Medium-bodied with as much intensity to the fruit flavors as the nose suggested. Fine tannins add support to the long finish. Delicious. Drink now.

The no-fuss 2012 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore presents simple tones of fruit and dark spice. The wine's hearty consistency sees soft tannin and enough heft to match grilled sausage or overbaked lasagna with crunchy cheese.

The 2011 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore is a simple red wine with straightforward tones of ripe blackberry and cherry with supporting layers of leather and easy tobacco. You feel the heat and the extra intensity of the Ripasso double fermentation process as well as the heat of the 2011 vintage. Drink 2013-2018. A powerhouse force in its native Veneto, the Zonin family once owned vineyards in Valpolicella. That property was sold, and today Zonin sources fruit for its popular Amarone and Ripasso. Importer: Zonin USA, www.zoninusa.com