Tenuta Sant'Antonio Monti Garbi Ripasso 2020

Tasting Profile
Deep ruby-garnet with bright reflections, this sophisticated Ripasso opens with inviting aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, and plum preserve layered with notes of dried herbs, sweet spices, and subtle hints of cocoa and vanilla. The palate delivers concentrated flavors of dark cherry, black raspberry, and dried cranberry complemented by nuances of tobacco, leather, and exotic spice. Medium to full-bodied with remarkable depth and velvety tannins providing elegant structure, showcasing the richness of Amarone with the freshness of Valpolicella, culminating in a long, complex finish with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of pleasant almond bitterness.

Winemaker Notes
Crafted by the Sant'Antonio family at their esteemed estate in the Valpolicella region of Veneto, Monti Garbi Ripasso exemplifies the "ripasso" technique where young Valpolicella wine is refermented on the pomace of Amarone. The grapes (primarily Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone) are hand-harvested from the family's vineyards in the hills of Mezzane and carefully selected before vinification. Following the initial fermentation and the secondary ripasso process, the wine ages in a combination of large Slavonian oak casks and smaller French oak barrels for 12-14 months, developing complexity while maintaining balance.

Vintage Notes
The 2020 vintage in Valpolicella presented balanced growing conditions with moderate temperatures and optimal rainfall distribution. Despite being a challenging year globally, careful vineyard management resulted in grapes with excellent ripeness, concentration, and structural elements, creating wines with rich fruit expression, elegant tannins, and balanced acidity that beautifully showcase the region's distinctive terroir.

Suggested Pairings

• Braised meats and stews
• Aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Traditional risotto with porcini mushrooms
• Roasted game birds
• Hearty pasta dishes with rich ragù
• Polenta with sausage and mushrooms

Technical Details

• Region: Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
• Classification: DOC Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore
• Varietal: Blend of primarily Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone
• Alcohol: 14.0% ABV
• Aging: 12-14 months in a combination of Slavonian oak casks and French oak barrels
• Contains sulfites

Cellaring
While already showing beautifully, this wine has excellent aging potential and will continue to develop complexity for 5-8 years, with well-stored bottles potentially evolving even further.