Tinazzi - Ca’ de’ Rocchi Monterè Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOP 2014

Tinazzi - Ca’ de’ Rocchi Monterè Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOP 2014 (88 TSW)

The story of Tinazzi begins with the dedication and passion of Eugenio Tinazzi who founded the company in Cavaion Veronese near Lake Garda in the 1960s. Initially it was a very small company that only made and sold local wines from Veneto. Over the years, 12 beautiful hectares of vineyards and olive trees were bought in the hills of Lake Garda, near Bardolino and production is growing. At the age of 18, Gianandrea Tinazzi takes over the company from his father and leads the company to further growth and expansion in Italy. The company now owns 4 estates in Veneto and Puglia.

My tasting notes:

In the glass a bright deep ruby red color.
On the medium+ nose aromas of cherries, prunes and cassis with hints of chocolate, toasted oak and tobacco.
On the palate dry, medium+ bodied with medium+ acidity and medium tannins showing flavours of ripe cherries, spices, cassis and balsamico. The finish is long and persistent.

The Valpolicella is made from the Corvina Veronese (80%), Rondinella (10%) and Molinara (5%) grape varieties. The designation "Superiore" stands for 1% more alcohol than a "normal" Valpolicella and a minimum of 1 year of bottle aging. The grapes are vinified with a second fermentation (Ripasso) on the grape skins that are left over from the Recioto Amarone for extra complexity. After this fermentation, the wine stays in French oak barrels for 18 months. A delicious wine with risotto with mushrooms and hearty meat dishes.