Tedeschi Capitel San Rocco Valpolicella Ripasso

Having just completed the Italian Wine Essentials course through Wine Scholar Guild, it was time to try some of the wines & grape varietals that we learned about. For my May & June staff sips I selected two wines from Tedeschi Winery from the Valpolicella wine region in northeast Italy, one white and one red. The Tedeschi wine family dates back hundreds of years and from their Amarone’s and Valpolicella’s to their vibrant white wines, they are well known for their outstanding wines.

For the red wine, I selected the 2021 Capitel San Rocco Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore priced at $36.99. The Superiore designation in Italy means the wine has a higher minimum alcohol (14.5%) than non superiore wines and meets stricter production criteria than regular wines. It’s a blend of Covina, Corvinone, Rondinella and other indigenous grapes. The wine is made according to the ancient technique of Ripasso (re-passing), in other words, through the refermentation of one part of Valpolicella wines on the marc (the solid remains including skins) of Amarone and Recioto wines. This method gives more structure, body and flavours to the basic Valpolicella wine. Aged in oak the wine on the palate has notes of cherry, plum notes and strawberry, easy tannins and is well balanced. A must try!

 - Myron