Begali Valpolicella Ripasso "Vigneto La Cengia" 2005

The usual suspects from Valpolicella: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Aged in large, Slavonian Oak barrels for one year. Bright red fruits, plums, and pipe tobacco on the nose; chocolate-covered cherries & blackberries and subtle herbal qualities on the palate with a smooth, pleasant finish. Not heavy handed and well balanced with great tension. An elegant ripasso wine from fruit grown biodynamically.

Tedeschi Capitel dei Nicalo Valpolicella

A partial (10%) "ripasso" style wine which has undergone abbreviated "appassimento." Interestingly, it is a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Sangiovese. This is a refined wine with aromas of cedar, chocalate, and flint and a palette loaded with ripe dark fruits, currants, raisins, and forest berry jam. With nice structure, a little spice, and a soft finish, this wine is very approachable and deserving of some contemplation, all making it a great value from one of the Veneto's top producers.