A Veneto Gem — The “Baby Amarone” Style Done Right from One of Verona's Most Trusted Estates

My Wine Man on Casalforte

Casalforte is a respected estate based in the heart of the Veneto, producing wines that express the classic character of the Valpolicella zone with honesty and precision. The Ripasso method — referementing Valpolicella wine over the still-warm pomace left from Amarone production — is one of Italy's most distinctive winemaking techniques, giving the wine a second fermentation that adds body, dried-fruit richness, and Amarone-like depth at a fraction of the price. The result is often called the “baby Amarone” — and in skilled hands like Casalforte's, it's one of the most satisfying and food-friendly red wine styles in Italy. The 2018 vintage in the Veneto was warm and even, producing Ripasso of excellent ripeness and concentration.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby with garnet hues. The nose opens with a generous bouquet of dried cherry, plum, dark fig, chocolate, and a hint of tobacco and vanilla from oak aging — the hallmark aromatic profile of well-made Ripasso. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with ripe, velvety tannins and a core of dried fruit, spice, and gentle earthy complexity. The Amarone pomace refermentation is evident in the extra richness and weight, with a warm, satisfying finish of real length.

Style & Drinking Window

Medium to full-bodied with a plush, approachable texture. The 2018 vintage delivers excellent ripeness and concentration with enough structure for continued development. Drinking beautifully now through 2030. No decanting required, though 30 minutes open will reward with added aromatic complexity.

Food Pairing

The dried-fruit richness and velvety tannins of the 2018 Casalforte Ripasso make it a natural partner for slow-braised, deeply flavoured dishes. We love it alongside a Grass-Fed Lamb Shank from My Meat Man — slow-braised until the meat falls from the bone, the lamb's sweetness and richness mirror the wine's dried cherry and fig depth beautifully, while the Ripasso's warm, spiced finish ties everything together. Whether braised in red wine and rosemary, or slow-roasted with garlic and herbs, this is a pairing built for the table. It also works superbly with beef osso buco, aged cheese, or wild mushroom pasta.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$149, the 2018 Casalforte Valpolicella Ripasso DOC delivers Amarone-adjacent depth and richness at a fraction of the cost. This is the classic gateway to the Valpolicella world — a wine that punches well above its price point with real complexity, food-friendliness, and the distinctive dried-fruit richness of the Ripasso method.

Looking for a Different Style?

• 2021 Cantina di Negrar Valpolicella Ripasso Classico DOC — a peer Ripasso from a celebrated Valpolicella Classico cooperative
• 2017 Alpha Zeta A Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG — step up to full Amarone power from the same zone
• 2019 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT — an elegant, Allegrini-style Veronese red with Ripasso influence