2023 Speri, Valpolicella Ripasso - Valpolicella Classico Superiore - 6 Bottles (0.75L)

Speri – Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2023

Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore – Organic
Lot of 6 bottles of 0.75 L – Harvest 2023

The Speri Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2023 is one of the most representative expressions of the historic family-owned business of Valpolicella Classica. Speri interprets the Ripasso technique in a deliberately more restrictive way than allowed by the regulations, with the aim of maintaining elegance, freshness and territorial identity, avoiding a style that is overly concentrated.

Speri and Valpolicella Classica
The Speri family is deeply linked to Valpolicella Classica and concentrates its production exclusively on the traditional DOC and DOCG wines of the area.
The estate vineyards destined for Ripasso are spread across San Pietro in Cariano, Fumane and Negrar, at altitudes ranging from about 120 to 350 meters above sea level.

An important element is also organic farming: the entire Speri production has been certified organic since the 2015 vintage.

The blend
The Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Speri maintains a strongly traditional composition:
70% Corvina Veronese
20% Rondinella
10% Molinara and other native varieties
The presence of Molinara and the local varieties helps keep the wine fresher, more perfumed and elegant.

The Ripasso technique
Winemaking is one of the most interesting aspects of this wine.
After manual harvest, the grapes are immediately pressed and subjected to maceration at a controlled temperature.
In early March the Valpolicella Classico is then “re-passed” on the Amarone pomace.
Speri applies this technique only once, a deliberately more restrictive choice than allowed by the regulations. The refermentation on the Amarone pomace increases structure and aromatic complexity, without turning the wine into an overly powerful or sweet version of Amarone.

Aging
After fermentation, the wine ages for:
12 months in Slavonian oak barrels of 20 hl, followed by about 6 months of bottle aging. speri.com
Using such relatively large-sized barrels allows the wine to evolve while keeping the character of the fruit and native varieties at the forefront.

Organoleptic characteristics
The Speri Ripasso 2023 presents an intense ruby red color.
On the nose, red berries, spices and cocoa emerge, with a more complex component developing thanks to the refermentation on the Amarone pomace.
On the palate it is warm and soft, yet retains good freshness. The tannin is rounded and well integrated, and the finish shows good persistence.
It is a structured yet balanced Ripasso, particularly suitable to accompany meats, roasts, game and aged cheeses.

Recognitions of the 2023 vintage

The 2023 vintage has received very interesting evaluations from international critics:
94+ – L'Espresso, I Vini d'Italia
93/100 – James Suckling
92/100 – Vinous – Antonio Galloni
92/100 – Wine Enthusiast
91/100 – Wine Spectator
5 Leaves – Guida Bio

Label, capsule and height as shown in the photographs. The photographs are an integral part of the lot description.