Valpolicella Ripasso 2018 (Top 10 Wines, Taste, Vintage Report)

The exquisite Amarone della Valpolicella is a fantastic, investment-worthy wine. 

But if you prefer a more affordable option, you’ve got the Valpolicella Ripasso wine, made by fermenting the leftover lees after Amarone production. 

This Italian wine offers a similar taste profile to Amarone wine, and it won’t break the bank! 

The best vintage to start with is probably the Valpolicella Ripasso 2018 vintage. 

So, we’ll provide you with our top 10 list of Ripasso 2018 wines you need to try and what is the best time to enjoy them.

How is Valpolicella Ripasso Made?

Valpolicella Ripasso is typically a fruity red wine produced in the Valpolicella DOC in Verona, Veneto, Italy. 

After producing Amarone and Recioto wines, a pomace (pulp) is made using the leftover Amarone grape skins of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella. This pomace is then added to basic Valpolicella wine and goes through extended maceration. 

Following this, the wine is typically placed in oak barrels to encourage malolactic fermentation. However, Ripasso is aged in French oak rather than Slavonian oak barrels, as is the case for Amarone. 

Since the yeast has more sugar to feast on in the pomace, the alcohol levels rise along with an increase in tannins, glycerin, and other phenolic compounds. These add to Ripasso’s overall color, flavor, and complexity.  

But what’s so special about the 2018 vintage? 

What Makes the Valpolicella Ripasso 2018 Unique? 

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, mild autumn is followed by a warm yet rainy spring which helps the vines grow. 

A warm summer hastened the veraison process (onset of ripening of the grapes), thankfully unaffected by violent thunderstorms in September. Further warmer days in late September to October led to a significantly more successful harvest than average. 

As a result, the 2018 vintages have a lovely pleasing hue coupled with an intense bouquet. 

Since the alcohol level isn’t too high, this bouquet shines through, allowing you to enjoy the wine almost immediately. 

Let’s look at some of these beautiful 2018 Valpolicella Ripasso vintages. 

10 Incredible Valpolicella Ripasso 2018 Vintages You Must Try! 

You can find our top 10 picks of the Valpolicella Ripasso 2018 wines: 

• 2018 Fattori 'Col de la Bastia' Valpolicella Ripasso 
• 2018 Aristocratico Valpolicella Ripasso 
• 2018 Cantine Pra Morandina Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 
• 2018 Tinazzi 'Collezione di Famiglia' Ripasso Valpolicella 
• 2018 David Sterza Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 
• 2018 Villa Girardi Bure Alto Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 
• 2018 Brigaldara Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 
• 2018 Giusti Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 
• 2018 La Giaretta Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 
• 2018 Massimago 'Maria Bella' Valpolicella Ripasso

1. 2018 Fattori 'Col de la Bastia' Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy ($32)

The Col de la Bastia is a ruby-red wine that gives distinct black cherry and other red fruit notes with a spicy hint of pepper and clove to round off the soft tannins.

2. 2018 Aristocratico Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy ($31)

A gorgeous red wine featuring purple hues, the Aristocratico offers complex aromas of raspberry, cherry, violets, and spices. No wonder it’s one of the best rated wines! 

3. 2018 Cantine Pra Morandina Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso, Veneto, Italy ($30)

Made using the leftover grape skins from Amarone production, this Italian red wine’s mineral notes indicate the maturation it has gone through in the bottle. Fruit-forward with a lingering finish, this wine is the perfect halfway point between the Valpolicella Classico and Amarone wine. 

4. 2018 Tinazzi 'Collezione di Famiglia' Ripasso Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy ($27)

This deep red wine is matured in both French and American oak barrels. And so, it offers aromas of berries and prunes with hints of nutmeg and balsamic vinegar. 

5. 2018 David Sterza Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso, Veneto, Italy ($26)

This robust wine features ripe fruit and spice notes with hints of pipe tobacco. Full-bodied with a long finish, roasted meat is the perfect wine pairing here! 

6. 2018 Villa Girardi Bure Alto Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso, Veneto, Italy ($26)

Hailing from the Bure Alto vineyards in San Pietro, this Valpolicella Classico is aged in Slovenian oak barrels and the bottle. Featuring plum, raisin, and black pepper notes, this red wine will warm you up during the colder months. 

7. 2018 Brigaldara Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, Veneto, Italy ($24)

The Brigaldara wine is made using the traditional Corvina Veronese grape and aged using the ripasso technique, giving it a deeper color. It is velvety smooth on the palate with elegant tannins, this wine pairs beautifully with braised red meat. 

8. 2018 Giusti Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy ($23)

This Valpolicella wine primarily features the Corvina Veronese and Corvinone grapes. As an intense red wine with notes of red fruits and spice, the soft tannins make it a perfect accompaniment to matured cheese. 

9. 2018 La Giaretta Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy ($22)

This Italian wine goes through the traditional second fermentation of the partially dried grapes used for Amarone della Valpolicella production. As a result, this wine has a gorgeous red hue with a tasting note of raisins, red berries, tobacco, and coffee. 

10. 2018 Massimago 'MariaeBella' Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy ($20)

Winemaker Camilla Rossi Chauvenet broke away from family tradition to create this fantastic label in the Valpolicella hills. 

The 2018 vintage offers a sensuous bouquet of cranberry, fruit jam, nutmeg, and eucalyptus. A full-bodied, dry wine, it surprises you with a palate with spices and herbs only to leave you with a fruity aftertaste! 

Let’s look at the aging potential of the Ripasso wines we just mentioned. 

When Should You Enjoy Valpolicella Ripasso Wine?  

Since the Ripasso goes through two fermentation processes, you can enjoy it immediately!

While you can open the bottle right after purchase, you can age it for another 18 months to bring out a richer, fuller flavor from the wine. 

We recommend consuming your chosen bottle within five years of its release.

Invest in a Delicious Valpolicella Wine Bottle!  

While the Ripasso is an affordable wine (ideal even as corporate gifts), other Valpolicella wines such as the Amarone or Recioto are considered investment wines. 

If you're looking to invest in these delectable Italian wines, check out Vinovest - a world-class online wine investment company now!