Cantina di Ora, Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, 2023, Valpolicella Ripasso (DOC)

'One-Liner'
A rich and characterful Italian red, brimming with ripe cherries, dark berries and warming spice, with velvety tannins and a wonderfully savoury finish.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby red with subtle garnet reflections, offering inviting aromas of ripe cherries, dark plums and wild berries, alongside hints of woodland earth and gentle spice. The palate is generous and beautifully layered, combining juicy red and black fruits with touches of dark chocolate, liquorice and subtle oak. Ripe, rounded tannins give the wine a lovely velvety texture, while a welcome lift of acidity keeps its richness in check. Full-bodied and harmonious, with a long, satisfying finish of dark fruit, warming spice and a delicate savoury edge.

Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Sub-Region: Valpolicella DOC
Grape(s): Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
Luca Maroni 2026 – 97/100
International Wine Challenge 2026 – 93/100

The Story
Behind Cantina di Ora lies the Schenk family's remarkable winemaking heritage, which began in Switzerland in 1893 when Charles Schenk established a wine business that would eventually grow across Europe. The family's Italian operations were established in 1952, with Cantine di Ora becoming one of the names associated with their extensive portfolio of Italian wines. While the winery's roots lie in Alto Adige, this particular wine celebrates the traditions of Veneto's famous Valpolicella region, where the Ripasso technique gives ordinary Valpolicella a rather extraordinary second life. After its initial fermentation, the young wine is passed over the grape skins left behind from Amarone production, triggering a second fermentation that draws out additional colour, flavour and structure. It's a clever traditional method that creates something of a middle ground between the bright, fruity character of Valpolicella and the concentrated richness of Amarone. Further maturation in wood brings additional complexity and softens the tannins, allowing the wine's ripe cherry fruit, gentle spice and savoury depth to come together beautifully. The result is a generous, deeply satisfying red that offers much of Amarone's comforting richness while retaining the freshness and versatility that make Valpolicella such a pleasure to drink.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Classic rustic duck parmentier
- Vegetarian: Roast squash, blue cheese and caramelised onion galette
- Vegan: Lentil and walnut stuffed onions with rosemary and red wine gravy