Ruby red colour with tints of purple. On the nose, aromas of fresh black cherries, spices are particularly prominent. Flavoursome with good acidity, the palate is filled with the taste of cherries and plum jam as black pepper and rhubarb. Rich and opulent with an lesser-spotted elegance and finesse for Ripasso.

It is aged for 9 months in Slavonian oak barrels and is made using the ripasso method, an old technique used in Verona which involves repassing the technique of adding extra flavour and alcohol to Valpolicella by refermenting the young wine on the unpressed skins of Amarone wines after these dried grape wines have finished their fermentation in the spring.

Perfect to accompany red and white meats, sausages of the Venetian and Italian tradition, complex dishes, risotto with meat sauce and cheese.

Graziano Prà has been part of the company since the early 80s but it was his father and grandfather who sealed his fate as winemaker. Regions such as Monte Grande and Monte Bisson in Soave and Morandina in Valpolicella have risen to international fame thanks to him; small esteemed Crus located in strong viticulture areas.

The principles that have shaped his story are quintessence and respect for the land. Purity is a key word to describe Graziano wines. He is still in charge of winemaking decisions and, in the wine cellar, he prefers the exaltation of the fruit. From the beginning, his production choice to only use local vine varieties reflects Graziano’s strong belief in the potential quality of local grapes and for the enhancement of the territory.

"Very reductive out of the glass. Beyond this, however, there is an attractive red-fruited spectrum beyond. Dried tobacco, camphor, star anise and orange peel. Detailed tannins find confluence with bright, almost alpine acidity. Good drinking, although I wouldn’t wait too long. Drink or hold."
92 points.
Ned Goodwin MW, jamessuckling.com (April 2024)