2016 Rubinelli Vajol Ripasso Valpolicella Classico DOC Magnum

The Ripasso from Rubinelli Vajol comes from the typical grape varieties for a Ripasso Superiore , namely: 50% Corvina, 25% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella, 5% Molinara and 5% Oseleta. The Grand Cru vineyards of Rubinelli are located in the Vajol area and are among the most beautiful in the Veneto. In the Vajol, the winery has a unique position because all the vineyards are located around the winery (unlike many others (read most) that have plots throughout the area and the commercial amarone wineries often do not have their own vineyards and buy the majority .

All grapes come exclusively from the fields around Corte Sant'Anna, this gives a special uniqueness to the wine and makes it unmistakable: wine born on tuff. This area was once the sea - imagine a sunny bay. The soil consists of marl formed between the Mesozoic era (150 million years ago) and the Tertiary era (60 million years ago) followed by the origin of the Alps mountains. The soil is very calcareous, ideal for moderating the natural vigor of the vines. Limestone also has spongy properties: the capacity to hold water for long periods of time, allowing it to pass through only when the plants need it. This always keeps the grapes well hydrated. The soil is thin but rich in organic matter which allows the vines to live in perfect nutritional balance. This harmony is reflected in the quality of the wines, which are always elegant and are a full expression, both in their aroma and in the mouth, of their rich polyphenolic multiplicity. Rubinelli Vajol wines are born in the ground before they reach the wine cellar; they are gifts of nature and of the formation of land structures in the Conca del Vajol.

The grapes were picked manually around the end of September/beginning of October, after which they were dried in wicker baskets for a month. The grapes are then pressed and fermentation takes place for 15-20 days at a controlled temperature. The term ripasso comes from 'repassed'. The Valpolicella wine is put in one barrel, together with the leftover yeast residues from the production process of the Rubinelli amarone wine, and this starts a second fermentation process and the alcohol percentage of the wine is increased (with Rubinelli only by 1%) and part of the residual sugar disappears. The amount of tannins also increases and the wine gets more colour, taste and texture. After this fermentation, the wine is allowed to mature in peace in large oak barrels for a minimum of 24 months, after which the Rubinelli Ripasso gets a minimum of 1 year of bottle aging.

In the glass this wine has the typical deep ruby color. In the nose, the first attack is full of an intense bouqet of red fruit with pleasant hints of spices, a little dark chocolate, tobacco and a little leather. In the mouth, the wine is surprisingly fresh and balanced, which is the trademark of Rubinelli (actually like an authentic Ripasso belongs instead of the (too) sweet commercial ripassos. The wine has refined but certainly still present tannins and in the aftertaste we taste a pepper on the back of the palate and the aftertaste is phenomenal This is an elegant Ripasso that is also praised by international wine critics.The harmonious bouquet, the freshness and the dry taste make this ripasso a perfect wine for the whole meal but is especially a perfect accompaniment to a grilled t-bone steak, a steak Fiorentina and delicious with grilled rabbit.

This wine has received several international awards:

93 punti James Suckling 2018 (annata 2016)

91 punti Falstaff tasting 2018 Valpolicella Trophy (annata 2014)

90 pointiSilverDecanter2015 e 2016 (annata 2012 e 2013)

2 Bicchieri rossi Gambero Rosso 2016 (annata 2012)

90-94,99 Gold MeranoWineFestivalSelection, Excellence is an attitude, 2016-2018 e 2019(Gold,annata 2015 e Red,annate 2012 e 2014)
90-94 Silver Civiltà del bere 2019 wow The Italian Wine Competition Taste Terroir Tradition (annata 2015)
91 punti Annuario I migliori vini italiani di Luca Maroni 2020 (annata 2015)
Silver Decanter2015 (annata 2012)
Silver Medal AIN Wine Challenge Asia Import Wine (annata 2014)
Premio Verona Wine Top (annata 2014)
Top 100 – Fra i primi 100 – Guida ai vini di Verona 2018 e 2019 (annata 2014 e 2015)
Argento – Civiltà del bere - WoW 2019 (annata 2015)
BronzeDecanter 2018 (annata 2014)
Bronze IWC 2016 (annata 2012)
Higly RecommededDecanter 2016 – 90 punti (annata 2012)
2 Bicchieri Gambero Rosso 2018 (annata 2014)
2 Stelle Guida Oro Veronelli 2016 (annata 2012), 2017 (annata 2013) 2018-2019 (annata 2014) e 2020 (annata 2015)
4 Stelle TCI Vinibuoni d'Italia 2017 (annata 2013); 3 Stelle TCI Vinibuoni d'Italia 2016 (annata 2012)