Corte Alta 2022 "Tornidora" Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

The hills of Valpolicella Classico, just north of Verona, are home to some of Italy’s most distinctive red wines, and the Ripasso style sits at the heart of the region’s identity. Often called “baby Amarone,” Ripasso gains its depth and richness by being refermented on the dried grape skins used for Amarone, giving the wine more body, darker fruit, and a velvety texture while still retaining the lift and drinkability of classic Valpolicella. Corte Alta is a small, family‑run estate that has built its reputation on traditional methods and meticulous vineyard care, crafting wines that emphasize purity of fruit, elegance, and the natural character of their hillside vineyards. The “Tornidora” bottling is their flagship Ripasso—made in tiny quantities and aged patiently to achieve the ideal balance of richness and finesse.

The 2022 Corte Alta “Tornidora” Ripasso Classico Superiore is crafted from the region’s traditional blend of Corvina (60%), Rondinella (30%), and Molinara (10%), then refermented on the dried Amarone grape skins to deepen texture and complexity. The wine opens with generous aromas of black cherry, dried plum, warm spice, and cocoa, showing the lifted perfume of Corvina alongside the darker, savory tones contributed by the Ripasso process. The palate is supple and layered, offering ripe red and black fruits, touches of fig, sweet tobacco, and baking spice, and a velvety mid‑palate richness balanced by fresh acidity. Fine, gentle tannins carry the wine into a long finish of dried herbs and subtle chocolate, making this a polished, crowd‑pleasing Ripasso that shines with hearty pastas, roasted meats, or pizza night.