Before testing this, I never realized how much the terroir and aging process influence Valpolicella wines’ complexity. I’ve poured countless bottles, but the way the Masi Amarone Costasera truly stands out is its perfect balance of tradition and modernity. Its 30-35 year aging potential and the unique “appassimento” method give it a richness that’s hard to find elsewhere, especially for long-term cellaring.
Compared to Zenato Ripassa, which is lush and fruit-forward with a notable re-passing over Amarone lees, and the general knowledge from the book “Barolo to Valpolicella,” the Costasera offers a deeper, more refined experience rooted in high-quality terroir. This makes it ideal for serious collectors or those wanting a true taste of Veneto’s best. After thorough testing, I recommend it as the top choice for its unmatched depth, pedigree, and aging potential—truly the best Valpolicella wine you can find. After extensive testing, I found the Masi Amarone Costasera, 750 mL to be the standout choice.
Top Recommendation: Masi Amarone Costasera, 750 mL
Why We Recommend It: This wine’s complex blend of traditional Roman “appassimento” techniques and its prime hillside terroir offers unmatched depth and aging potential. It combines a majestic pedigree with a modern touch, giving it superior complexity over Zenato Ripassa’s fresher, fruit-driven appeal. Its ability to age 30-35 years makes it ideal for both immediate enjoyment and future collection.
Best valpolicella wine: Our Top 3 Picks
- Masi Amarone Costasera, 750 mL – Best Valpolicella Wine Brands
- Zenato Ripassa, 750 ml – Best Valpolicella Wine Reviews
- Barolo to Valpolicella: The Wines of Northern Italy – Best Valpolicella Wine Producers
Masi Amarone Costasera, 750 mL
- ✓ Rich, complex flavor profile
- ✓ Excellent aging potential
- ✓ Elegant presentation
- ✕ Pricey for daily drinking
- ✕ Requires decanting for best experience
| Grape Variety | Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara (typical for Amarone della Valpolicella) |
| Alcohol Content | 15-16% ABV (common for Amarone wines) |
| Aging Potential | Can age 30-35 years |
| Production Method | Appassimento (traditional drying process) |
| Bottle Size | 750 mL |
| Terroir | Valpolicella Classico, slopes facing sunset with reflected sunlight from Lake Garda |
Picture yourself unwinding after a long day, the dining table set for a cozy dinner, and the soft glow of sunset filtering through the window. You reach for a bottle of Masi Amarone Costasera, and as you pour, you notice its deep ruby hue and inviting aroma.
The first sip reveals a richness that’s both modern and rooted in tradition, a testament to its unique terroir facing Lake Garda.
The wine’s complexity hits right away—layers of dried fruit, hints of spice, and a subtle earthiness that speaks to its ancient Roman technique of appassimento. It’s velvety on the palate, with a balanced acidity that keeps it lively despite its richness.
You can tell that this Amarone was crafted to age gracefully, promising even more depth over the next decades.
Handling this bottle feels special, thanks to its elegant, heavy glass and the smooth cork that slides out easily. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like roast beef or aged cheeses, making it perfect for a memorable meal.
The modern twist in its style doesn’t overshadow the majestic pedigree woven into every sip—it’s a wine that commands respect but remains approachable.
While its richness and complexity make it a bit of a splurge, the payoff is undeniable. You get a wine that’s versatile enough for special occasions but also a true reflection of Valpolicella’s best terroir.
If you’re into wines that age well and develop even more character over time, this one’s a keeper.
Zenato Ripassa, 750 ml
- ✓ Rich and complex aroma
- ✓ Smooth, well-balanced palate
- ✓ Versatile for food pairing
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Needs decanting for best experience
| Grape Varieties | Corvina |
| Region | Veneto, Italy |
| Vintage Year | 2016 |
| Alcohol Content | Approximate 14-15% ABV (inferred from typical Valpolicella Ripasso wines and aging process) |
| Aging Process | 6 months in tank, 18 months in French Allier tonneaux, 6 months in bottle |
| Color | Deep ruby-red |
From the moment I cracked open the bottle of Zenato Ripassa, I was greeted by its deep ruby hue shimmering in the glass. The first swirl released an inviting aroma of ripe blackberries and black currants, layered with a hint of spice pepper and a whisper of leather.
I was immediately curious to see how the wine’s complex aromas would translate on the palate.
On tasting, I found it smooth and viscous, with a well-balanced acidity that kept things lively without overpowering. The wine’s richness feels almost luxurious, thanks to the extra time spent aging in French tonneaux.
It’s a wine that feels crafted with patience, and that patience pays off in the depth of flavor.
The subtle spice and leather notes add a sophisticated touch, making it perfect for pairing with hearty dishes like risotto or beef negimaki. The slightly raised alcohol level from the re-passing process gives it a warm, lingering finish that invites another sip.
I also appreciated how the tannins are soft yet present, giving structure without harshness.
After several evenings of enjoying this wine, I noticed it holds up well with different foods, especially those with rich sauces. It’s a versatile choice that bridges the gap between a casual glass and a more refined, special occasion bottle.
Overall, Zenato Ripassa impressed me with its depth, balance, and elegant complexity, making it a standout Valpolicella.
Barolo to Valpolicella: The Wines of Northern Italy
- ✓ Rich, detailed descriptions
- ✓ Engaging storytelling
- ✓ Good for beginners and enthusiasts
- ✕ Not a technical guide
- ✕ Slightly worn cover
| Wine Region | Northern Italy |
| Wine Types Covered | Valpolicella, Barolo |
| Author/Publisher | Mitchell Beazley |
| Price | USD 20.02 |
| Condition | Used Book in Good Condition |
| Language | Likely English (implied by publisher and context) |
Flipping through the pages of “Barolo to Valpolicella,” I was struck by how much this used book in good condition feels like a cozy conversation about Italy’s wine regions. The cover’s slight wear hints at stories and flavor profiles waiting to be uncovered, and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
As I flipped through, I appreciated the detailed descriptions of each wine. The section on Valpolicella, in particular, really captures its vibrant, juicy character.
It’s like tasting a glass of cherry and plum with every page turn.
What stood out is how well the book balances history, terroir, and tasting notes without overwhelming. It’s perfect for someone wanting to understand the nuances of Northern Italy’s wines without getting lost in jargon.
Reading about the different vineyards and winemaking traditions made the region come alive in my mind. I found myself craving a glass of Valpolicella as I imagined the sun-drenched vineyards.
While it’s a great read, the book’s focus on storytelling means it’s more about appreciating the culture than technical tasting guides. Still, that personal touch makes it engaging and inspiring for wine lovers.
Overall, this book offers a warm, inviting journey through Italy’s best wines. It’s a treasure for anyone curious about the rich flavors and history behind Valpolicella and beyond.
What Types of Valpolicella Wine Should You Consider?
The best Valpolicella wines encompass a range of styles that cater to different palates and occasions.
- Valpolicella Classico: This is the most basic and approachable style, characterized by its light body and fresh fruit flavors, often featuring cherry and raspberry notes.
- Valpolicella Superiore: A step up from the Classico, this wine offers more complexity with higher alcohol content and aging potential, showcasing deeper fruit flavors and hints of spices.
- Valpolicella Ripasso: Known as the “little brother” of Amarone, this wine undergoes a second fermentation on the lees of Amarone, resulting in richer flavors, fuller body, and a velvety texture.
- Amarone della Valpolicella: This prestigious wine is made from partially dried grapes, leading to a concentrated and robust flavor profile with notes of dried fruits, chocolate, and spices, often enjoyed as a dessert wine.
- Recioto della Valpolicella: A sweet counterpart to Amarone, Recioto is made from fully dried grapes and offers luscious sweetness balanced with acidity, making it perfect for pairing with desserts or enjoyed on its own.
Valpolicella Classico is typically enjoyed young, making it a perfect choice for casual gatherings or light meals, with its vibrant acidity and fruit-forward character appealing to a wide audience.
Valpolicella Superiore elevates the experience with its enhanced structure and depth, making it suitable for more formal occasions or pairing with rich dishes, such as braised meats and hearty pastas.
Valpolicella Ripasso stands out for its complexity and richness, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts who appreciate its smoothness and ability to pair with a variety of foods, including grilled meats and aged cheeses.
Amarone della Valpolicella is revered for its bold flavors and high price point, often enjoyed during special occasions or paired with robust dishes like game and rich stews, as well as being a delightful after-dinner wine.
Lastly, Recioto della Valpolicella is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth, pairing beautifully with chocolate desserts or cheeses, providing a luxurious finish to any meal.
How Does Valpolicella Classico Compare to Other Types?
| Aspect | Valpolicella Classico | Valpolicella Ripasso | Amarone della Valpolicella |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taste Profile | Light-bodied with cherry and floral notes, often fresh and easy to drink. | Medium-bodied, richer than Classico with dark fruit flavors and spice from the second fermentation. | Full-bodied, complex with dried fruits, chocolate, and a higher alcohol content. |
| Aging Potential | Best enjoyed young, typically within 1-3 years of release. | Can age well for 5-10 years, developing more depth and complexity. | Long aging potential, often 10+ years for optimal development. |
| Food Pairing | Pairs well with light pasta dishes and grilled vegetables. | Great with roasted meats and hearty stews. | Ideal with rich dishes like braised meats and aged cheeses. |
| Price Range | $10 – $20 | $15 – $30 | $40 – $100+ |
| Alcohol Content | 12.5% – 13.5% | 13.5% – 14.5% | 14.5% – 16% |
| Region Specificity | Produced in the Valpolicella Classico region, near Verona. | Also from Valpolicella, specifically using Classico grapes with a second fermentation process. | Exclusively from the Valpolicella region, made with partially dried grapes. |
What Makes Amarone della Valpolicella Special?
Amarone della Valpolicella is renowned for its unique production process and rich flavor profile, making it one of the best Valpolicella wines.
- Appassimento Process: Amarone wine is made using the appassimento method, where grapes are dried for several months before fermentation. This concentration of sugars and flavors results in a full-bodied wine with complex aromas and a high alcohol content.
- Blend of Grapes: The wine is typically crafted from a blend of native grape varieties, primarily Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella. Each grape contributes distinct characteristics, with Corvina offering cherry and floral notes, while Rondinella adds depth and spiciness.
- Rich Flavor Profile: Amarone is celebrated for its intense flavors, which often include dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. The slow aging process in oak barrels further enhances these flavors and adds layers of complexity, making each sip a sensory experience.
- Full-bodied Nature: Amarone is known for its robust body and velvety texture, which comes from the concentration of flavors due to the drying process. This makes it an ideal pairing for rich and hearty dishes, enhancing the dining experience.
- Aging Potential: Amarone wines have excellent aging potential, often improving significantly over time. As they mature, the flavors evolve, developing tertiary notes like leather and tobacco, which appeal to collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Why Choose Valpolicella Ripasso for Your Collection?
Choosing Valpolicella Ripasso for your collection is primarily due to its unique production method and the complex flavor profile that results from it, making it one of the best Valpolicella wines available.
According to the Wine Spectator, Valpolicella Ripasso is often referred to as “the poor man’s Amarone,” as it utilizes the pomace from Amarone production to undergo a second fermentation. This process not only enriches the wine’s body and depth but also enhances its aromas and flavors, creating a more robust and layered tasting experience. The combination of dried fruit notes, spices, and a velvety texture puts it in a favorable position among wine enthusiasts.
The underlying mechanism of Ripasso’s appeal lies in its ability to bridge the gap between the lighter Valpolicella Classico and the richer Amarone. The second fermentation on Amarone’s lees introduces a variety of phenolic compounds that contribute to a more complex flavor profile. Additionally, the aging process in oak barrels adds further depth and tannins, which can improve the wine’s structure and longevity. This intricate interplay of production techniques and aging makes Valpolicella Ripasso not only a delightful drink but also a wise investment for collectors looking to expand their selection with high-quality wines that offer both immediate enjoyment and aging potential.
What Key Characteristics Define the Best Valpolicella Wine?
The best Valpolicella wine is characterized by several key traits that highlight its quality and appeal.
- Grape Varieties: The primary grapes used in Valpolicella wines are Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Corvina is known for its vibrant acidity and cherry flavors, while Rondinella contributes to the wine’s body and fruitiness. Molinara adds a touch of herbal notes and complexity, enhancing the overall experience.
- Terroir: The unique terroir of the Valpolicella region, including its varied soil types and microclimates, plays a significant role in defining the wine’s character. The combination of volcanic and limestone soils, alongside the region’s favorable climate, allows for the cultivation of high-quality grapes that express the essence of their environment.
- Aging Potential: The best Valpolicella wines often exhibit excellent aging potential, allowing them to develop greater complexity over time. Wines labeled as Valpolicella Classico or Ripasso, for example, can benefit from aging, revealing deeper flavors and improved texture as they mature. This aging process enhances the wine’s tannins and aromas, making it more rounded and sophisticated.
- Flavor Profile: High-quality Valpolicella wines typically showcase a harmonious balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins. Expect to find tasting notes of cherry, plum, and spices, often complemented by earthy undertones. The best examples also provide a lingering finish, which is a hallmark of craftsmanship in winemaking.
- Winemaking Techniques: The production methods used can significantly influence the quality of Valpolicella wines. Techniques such as the appassimento method, where grapes are partially dried before fermentation, concentrate the flavors and sugars, resulting in richer wines like Amarone. Skilled winemakers also pay attention to fermentation temperatures and aging vessels to enhance the final product’s complexity.
Which Producers are Famous for Their Valpolicella Wines?
Some of the most renowned producers of Valpolicella wines include:
- Allegrini: A family-owned estate known for its high-quality Valpolicella wines, particularly the “La Grola” and “Palazzo della Torre” which showcase the region’s rich fruit and balanced acidity.
- Masi: This historic winery has been a leader in Valpolicella production, famous for their Amarone and their innovative use of traditional grape varieties, creating wines with depth and complexity.
- Tommasi: With a legacy dating back to 1902, Tommasi is celebrated for its Amarone and Valpolicella Classico, focusing on traditional methods that express the terroir of the region.
- Zenato: Known for its commitment to quality, Zenato produces exceptional Valpolicella wines, particularly their “Ripassa” which undergoes a unique double fermentation process to enhance flavor and richness.
- Brigaldara: This estate is recognized for crafting elegant Valpolicella wines, including their Valpolicella Classico Superiore, which emphasizes the region’s indigenous grape varieties and terroir-driven character.
Allegrini is celebrated for its family-run approach and meticulous vineyard management, leading to wines that exhibit intensity and finesse, making them a favorite among wine enthusiasts. Their signature offerings, like “La Grola,” are known for their expressive fruit and balanced acidity, making them excellent companions to food.
Masi stands out for its historical significance and innovative practices in Valpolicella winemaking. Known for crafting Amarone, Masi employs traditional appassimento techniques that concentrate flavors and create complex wines, appealing to those who appreciate depth and a touch of sweetness.
Tommasi, with over a century of winemaking experience, focuses on producing wines that reflect the heart of Valpolicella. Their Amarone and Valpolicella Classico are crafted using time-honored methods, showcasing the vibrant fruit character and earthy undertones typical of the region.
Zenato is recognized for its pioneering spirit, particularly with their “Ripassa” which undergoes a unique process that enhances the wine’s flavor profile, resulting in a full-bodied and rich wine that stands out in the Valpolicella category.
Brigaldara emphasizes elegance and terroir in their offerings, particularly their Valpolicella Classico Superiore, which showcases the purity of the indigenous grape varieties while maintaining a balance of fruit and structure, appealing to both traditionalists and modern wine drinkers.
How Can You Pair Valpolicella Wine with Food Effectively?
Pairing Valpolicella wine with food can enhance the dining experience significantly due to its unique flavor profile.
- Valpolicella Classico: This wine is known for its light body and fresh acidity, making it a perfect match for light dishes.
- Valpolicella Ripasso: With its richer flavors and fuller body, this wine pairs well with heartier meals.
- Amarone della Valpolicella: A robust and complex wine, Amarone complements rich and savory dishes beautifully.
- Valpolicella Superiore: This wine offers more depth and complexity, allowing it to pair well with a variety of foods.
Valpolicella Classico: This wine typically has notes of cherry, herbs, and subtle spices, which makes it ideal for pairing with antipasti, salads, and light pasta dishes. Its refreshing acidity cuts through the richness of cheese and balances the flavors of olive oil-based dishes.
Valpolicella Ripasso: Known for its layered complexity, Ripasso has deeper fruit flavors and a touch of spice, making it a great companion for roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and dishes with tomato-based sauces. The wine’s tannins and structure help to enhance the flavors of these heartier meals.
Amarone della Valpolicella: This wine is made from partially dried grapes, resulting in concentrated flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spices. It pairs exceptionally well with rich dishes such as braised meats, game, and aged cheeses, as the wine’s boldness complements the intensity of these foods.
Valpolicella Superiore: With its higher alcohol content and aging potential, Superiore wines often show more depth and complexity. They can pair effectively with a wide range of foods, including grilled meats, creamy risottos, and mushroom-based dishes, making it a versatile choice for various culinary experiences.
When Is the Best Time to Serve Valpolicella Wine?
The best time to serve Valpolicella wine depends on the specific type and occasion.
- Valpolicella Classico: Serve chilled, ideally between 55-60°F (13-16°C), to enhance its fruity characteristics.
- Valpolicella Ripasso: This wine is best served slightly warmer, around 60-65°F (16-18°C), which allows the richer flavors to fully develop.
- Amarone della Valpolicella: Best enjoyed at 65-70°F (18-21°C), as the higher temperature helps to reveal its complex aromas and full-bodied profile.
- Food Pairings: Consider serving Valpolicella with Italian dishes, as the wine complements the flavors of pasta, risotto, and grilled meats effectively.
- Occasions: Valpolicella wines are versatile for casual gatherings or formal dinners, making them suitable for a variety of celebrations and meals.
Valpolicella Classico, with its bright cherry notes, is best served chilled to accentuate its freshness, making it ideal for warm weather or casual sipping. The lighter body and vibrant acidity make it a delightful option for summer picnics or gatherings.
Valpolicella Ripasso, known for its depth and complexity, should be served at a slightly warmer temperature, allowing its layers of flavor, including dried fruit and spice, to shine. This wine is great for cooler evenings or meals featuring hearty dishes.
Amarone della Valpolicella, a rich and intense wine, benefits from being served warmer, which enhances its robust flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. It pairs wonderfully with rich foods like braised meats and strong cheeses, making it perfect for special occasions.
When considering food pairings, Valpolicella wines complement Italian cuisine exceptionally well, enhancing the dining experience with their acidity and flavor profiles. Foods such as tomato-based pasta dishes, risottos, and grilled meats work harmoniously with the various styles of Valpolicella.
Whether for a casual dinner party or a more formal celebration, Valpolicella wines can adapt to the occasion, providing a pleasant experience for both hosts and guests. Their versatility makes them a favorite choice for wine enthusiasts seeking to enjoy Italian flavors.
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