Pra 2019 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, Morandina, DOC

Pra 2019 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, Morandina, DOC

Item Number: 17794

UPC: 8-032601850083

Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Sub Region: Valpolicella
Appellation/AVA: Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Morandina
Vintage: 2019
Grape(s): Corvina / Corvinone / Rondinella / Oseleta
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Viticulture: Certified Organic
Soil Type: Glacial; poor limestone
Elevation: 1,470 feet
Case Production: 2,083

Vineyard Notes: Besides Soave, Graziano also produces Valpolicella and Amarone from a vineyard that he purchased and planted in 2001. La Morandina is on the high slopes of the Mezzane Valley. Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta grapes are planted in calcareous soils of glacial origin. The limestone and surface marl fossils produce wines of finesse and elegance. Cool breezes from the Lessini Mountains guarantee big ventilation and slow ripening of the grapes. 2006 was the first production year for this vineyard.

Winemaking Notes: Ripasso is made by adding the pressed dried grapes for Amarone production to the second fermentation of Valpolicella. This enhances the wine's complexity and structure. The skins macerate with the juice for 5 days. The wine matures for 12 months in 500-liter tonneaux of Allier oak and then a few months in bigger barrels (1,500 liters) before bottling.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of fresh black cherries, plums, rhubarb and spices are prominent on the nose. The wine has more structure and oak than the regular Valpolicella, but there is still the signature Prà mineral nerve and freshness that one expects. This is a flavorful wine that will pair nicely with red meat and meat-based pastas.

About the Label: The unicorn is a symbol of purity. This label was found in an old Russian book in the Verona library.

Reviews

  • Vinous
    Rating: 91 (4/15/2022)
    The 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Morandina is remarkably pretty with ripe cherries and strawberries that are complemented by sweet spices and crushed stone. It boasts saturating red fruits and spices contrasted by stimulating minerality that gives way to pretty inner violet tones. This is a red wine made by a white wine producer, and it shows in the 2019's tension. This tapers off lightly structured with a salt-and-pepper finale.
  • The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 91 (11/30/2022)
    A rich overtone of cured tobacco leads the way in this savory red, transitioning on the palate to show notes of crushed black and red currant, mineral and spiced orange peel. Sleek and fresh, with trim tannins firming the finish.