7-Year-Old Valpolicella Ripasso — The Sweet Spot Between Everyday Italian and Amarone

The 2018 Casalforte Valpolicella Ripasso DOC sits right in the sweet spot between easy-drinking Valpolicella and the richness of Amarone — fuller, smoother, and more layered than your typical Italian red, with added depth, warmth, and a soft, velvety finish that makes it seriously easy to enjoy. Now 7 years old, the wine has settled beautifully into its stride.

My Wine Man on Casalforte

Casalforte is a reliable, well-made Veneto producer with a focus on the classic wines of the Valpolicella zone. The Ripasso is their signature wine — made using the traditional method of re-fermenting the base Valpolicella over the dried grape skins left over from Amarone production. The result is a wine with more body, richness, and depth than standard Valpolicella, but without the full weight and price of Amarone. If you like the idea of Amarone but don't want the intensity or the price tag, Ripasso is where most people land — and this is a very easy yes.

Tasting Notes

Ripe cherry and blueberry fruit at the core, with hints of liquorice, gentle balsamic notes, and a subtle herbal edge that adds complexity without heaviness. Medium to full-bodied with soft, velvety tannins and a smooth, rounded feel with no harsh edges. That balance — richness with drinkability — is what makes Ripasso such a strong category, and this delivers it reliably.

Style & Drinking Window

Medium to full-bodied with soft, velvety tannins and a ripe, fruit-driven character. Drinking beautifully now and best enjoyed over the next 2–3 years. No decanting required — open and pour. Works effortlessly with food: pasta, pizza, risotto, grilled meats, or aged cheeses.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$149, the Casalforte Ripasso delivers Amarone-style depth and richness at an everyday price. Seven years of bottle age, a smooth and approachable style, and the kind of versatility that makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser. A very easy Italian red for any occasion.

Looking for a Different Style?

Explore more from the Valpolicella family and Italian reds:

• 2020 Alpha Zeta Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC — peer Ripasso with a Superiore designation, slightly more structured and polished
• 2020 Cantina di Negrar Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG — the full Amarone step-up — richer, more powerful, built for the cellar
• 2019 Mastrojanni Rosso di Montalcino — peer Italian red, 95pts Parker, Tuscan Sangiovese at a similar price

Life's too short for bad wine.