Dark in color with a mild nose of some red and dried fruits. On the mid pallet this is a bigger wine as some Ripassos are. Lots of red berries, some chocolate and some dried fruits. On the medium length finish the wine has some firm acidity, some nice tannins and some nice dryness that builds in the mouth. This is definitely a bigger wine. It could easily hold it’s own with lamb or steak. I would give it a solid 89. In case your not familiar with Ripasso’s I quote Wikipedia:
In the late 20th century, a new style of wine known as ripasso (meaning “repassed”) emerged. With this technique, the pomace of leftover grape skins and seeds from the fermentation of recioto and Amarone are added to the batch of Valpolicella wines for a period of extended maceration. The additional food source for the remaining fermenting yeast helps boost the alcohol level and body of the wines while also leaching additional tannins, glycerine and some phenolic compounds that contribute to a wine’s complexity, flavor and color.
From the LCBO web site:
TOMMASI RIPASSO DOC IL SESTANTE LCBO 267070 | 750 mL bottle
Price $ 16.95
Made in: Veneto, Italy By: Tomassi
Style: Full-bodied & Smooth Wine, Red Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Varietal: Ripasso Sugar Content: 10 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Tasting Note
Deep ruby colour; floral, spice and dried fruit aromas; spice, dried fruit and chocolate flavours; medium-bodied and smooth.
Serving Suggestion
Serve with braised meats or gourmet pizzas drizzled with balsamic vinegar.
