Zenato Ripasso Valpolicella 2018

Zenato Ripasso Valpolicella 2018 is a 750ml, 14% ABV red wine from Veneto, Italy, made using the traditional Ripasso refermentation technique on Amarone pomace. Awarded 93 points by James Suckling, this vintage also earned 91 points from both Wine Spectator and Vinous, placing it among the top-scoring Ripasso wines of its year.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Producer: Zenato Azienda Vitivinicola

Production & Heritage

Zenato Azienda Vitivinicola is a family-run estate based in the Veneto region, long recognized for benchmark expressions of Valpolicella and Amarone. The Ripassa bottling is built from a blend of 80% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, and 10% Oseleta — grapes that undergo the Ripasso method by being passed over dried Amarone pomace, triggering a second fermentation lasting 8 to 10 days. This refermentation extracts additional color, tannin, and glycerol before the wine rests for 18 months in a combination of French and Slavonian oak — a notably longer aging period than many competing Ripasso producers employ.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep and layered, opening with roasted blackberries and black currants before revealing leather, incense, cracked pepper, and a faint balsamic lift. Earth tones and crushed stone emerge as the wine breathes.

Taste: The entry is smooth and viscous, immediately coating the palate with ripe Morello cherry, fig, and wild strawberry. Mid-palate, the wine shifts toward dried violets, rosemary, toasted sage, and cedar, all supported by well-balanced acidity and silky tannins that reflect the extended oak aging.

Finish: Long and warming, with lingering spice, dark fruit, and a savory herbal note that slowly fades. The structure from the Amarone pomace contact ensures the finish holds shape without turning heavy.

How to Drink Zenato Ripassa

This wine is best served at 16–18°C (61–64°F), ideally after 30 minutes of decanting to let the oak and secondary fermentation complexity fully open. Neat in a large-bowled glass is the primary recommendation. For wine-based cocktails, the Ripassa's density makes it a strong candidate for a Kalimotxo, where its fruit intensity stands up to cola; a red wine Sangria built on dark stone fruit and citrus; or a Mulled Wine, where the existing spice and leather notes integrate seamlessly with warm-spice aromatics.

Best For

• Pairing with a slow-braised red meat dinner
• Gifting a red wine enthusiast who appreciates Italian classics
• Adding depth to a Valpolicella vertical tasting lineup
• A Saturday evening fireside pour during cooler months

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Zenato Ripassa taste like? Zenato Ripassa 2018 leads with ripe Morello cherry, fig, and blackberry, layered with cedar, dried violets, rosemary, and leather. The Ripasso technique gives it a smooth, viscous texture with well-integrated acidity and a long, spice-driven finish.

How does Zenato Ripassa compare to Tommasi Ripasso? Both are produced by historic Valpolicella estates using the Ripasso refermentation method, but Zenato's Ripassa includes 10% Oseleta in its blend, which adds darker fruit intensity and tannic grip. Zenato also ages for 18 months in French and Slavonian oak, which tends to produce a rounder, more polished profile compared to Tommasi's slightly brighter acidity.

Is Zenato Ripassa good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the 2018 vintage's balance of ripe fruit, integrated oak, and structured tannins makes it an ideal neat pour, especially after a brief decanting period to let the aromatics fully develop.

Where is Zenato Ripassa made? Zenato Ripassa is produced by Zenato Azienda Vitivinicola in the Valpolicella zone of Veneto, northeastern Italy. The estate sources Corvina, Rondinella, and Oseleta grapes from vineyards in this renowned appellation.

What foods pair well with Zenato Ripassa? Osso buco pairs naturally, as the wine's dark fruit and cedar complement slow-braised veal. Hard aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano echo its savory depth. Grilled lamb chops work well against the wine's herbal rosemary notes. Wild mushroom risotto mirrors its earthy undertones. Dark chocolate desserts align with the ripe berry and spice character on the finish.

What sizes does Zenato Ripassa come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Zenato Ripassa worth the price? Zenato Ripassa positions as a mid-premium Valpolicella expression that consistently outperforms its price tier in critical ratings — 93 points from James Suckling and 91 from both Wine Spectator and Vinous for the 2018 vintage reflect strong value relative to similarly priced Ripasso bottlings.

Why Zenato Ripassa?

The 2018 vintage earned four notable scores from major publications, headlined by 93 points from James Suckling — a testament to the quality of this particular harvest and Zenato's handling of it. The inclusion of 10% Oseleta, a grape many Ripasso producers omit, adds a darker, more tannic dimension rarely found at this level. An 18-month rest in both French and Slavonian oak exceeds the aging commitment of most direct competitors, contributing the polished cedar and spice integration that critics repeatedly highlight. For anyone exploring the space between everyday Valpolicella and full Amarone, the Ripassa bottling occupies that middle ground with unusual precision.