Valpolicella Ripasso: the red wine that tells Valpolicella twice!
Among the great red wines of Veneto, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore has a role of its own: it is neither light nor imposing, but the perfect balance between elegance and intensity. It is a wine that is literally “passed again” over Amarone pomace, and from this second passage comes a unique character, appreciated by both experts and those approaching Valpolicella for the first time.
What is Valpolicella Ripasso and why is it called that?
The name “Ripasso” comes from the production technique: young Valpolicella wine is re-fermented on the pomace (skins and solid parts) used for Amarone or Recioto. This process takes place after the pressing of the dried grape wines, between January and March.
Valpolicella Ripasso combines two souls: on one hand it retains the drinkability and freshness of Valpolicella Classico, on the other it gains body, softness and tannins from the Amarone pomace.
It is a versatile wine that can accompany a wide variety of dishes. It is often defined as the “everyday Amarone”, because it offers a similar structure at a more accessible price and with a more approachable style.
The Farina Ripasso: elegance and authenticity
The version signed by Farina Wines is a Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore Montecorna, produced in the historic area of Valpolicella and aged in oak barrels and barriques for about one year.
On the nose it stands out for its aromatic richness: ripe red fruit, sweet spices, black pepper, and a light toasted note. On the palate it is enveloping, with velvety tannins and good persistence.
Farina also includes it in its winery wine experiences, where it is often one of the most appreciated wines during tastings.

What to pair with Ripasso?
Valpolicella Ripasso is perfect to accompany:
- Grilled or stewed red meats
- Pork or veal roasts
- Medium-aged cheeses
- Rich first courses, such as lasagna, tagliatelle with mushrooms or flavorful risottos
Its versatility makes it suitable both for an important dinner and for a more informal evening. Served at 16–18 °C, it best expresses all its complexity.
Ripasso and Amarone are not mutually exclusive
Many people think that choosing Valpolicella Ripasso means “settling” for the younger brother of Amarone. In reality, they are very different wines. Ripasso is more direct, more agile, less concentrated, but no less refined. In fact, for some dishes (such as risottos or stuffed pasta) it can be a more balanced choice than Amarone.
Moreover, some sommeliers also recommend it with oily fish or vegetarian dishes with strong flavors, precisely because of its balance between structure and freshness.
Visit Farina Wines and taste Ripasso where it is made
The best way to understand a wine is to taste it where it is produced. Farina Wines opens the doors of its winery with guided tours, vineyard walks and complete tastings. Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore is always one of the highlights of this experience, together with Amarone, Valpolicella Classico and other labels.
Frequently asked questions
Ripasso is obtained by re-fermenting Valpolicella on Amarone pomace, while Amarone is produced directly from grapes dried for months. Ripasso is less alcoholic and fresher, while Amarone is more structured and complex.
The price ranges between €12 and €25 for a good bottle. Versions from historic wineries like Farina offer an excellent balance between quality and price.
Perfect with red meats, roasts, cheeses, but also pasta dishes with mushrooms or ragù. Its versatility also makes it suitable for traditional Veronese dishes such as Amarone risotto.
Sì, soprattutto nella versione SuperioreYes, especially in the Superiore version. It can be stored for 5–8 years under good conditions, developing more evolved aromas and greater softness.
One of the Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore wines is called Montecorna because the grapes are grown on Monte Masua, in the Montecorna vineyard, in San Pietro in Cariano, in the heart of Valpolicella Classica. This vineyard is located right behind the historic house and represents the tradition and winemaking excellence of the Farina family.
Farina Wines red wines: the excellence of Valpolicella between tradition and identity
If you are looking for a red wine from the province of Verona that combines authenticity, elegance and a strong connection to the territory, the reds by Farina Wines are an option to consider and explore. The winery, located in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, offers a range of red wines that tell the story of Verona’s winemaking tradition with a modern and distinctive style.
Farina Wines propone tre etichette rappresentative: il Classic Valpolicella Superiore Doc, the Nodo d'Amore Tre Venezie IGT e il Corte Conti Cavalli Red Veronese IGT
Valpolicella Classico Superiore
Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC is the everyday red wine of Verona’s tradition, produced from native grapes Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara, grown in the historic area of Valpolicella. Farina Wines interprets this red wine from Verona with an essential style: fragrant, fruity, immediate.
On the nose, cherry and red fruits dominate, accompanied by a light note of pepper and spices. On the palate it is fresh, dynamic, with pleasant acidity and delicate tannins. Perfect for an aperitif, to accompany light dishes or traditional Venetian first courses.
It is a wine that perfectly represents the heart of Valpolicella and the authentic taste of the territory.
Nodo d'Amore
Tra le etichette più rappresentative di Farina Wines spicca il Nodo d’Amore Rosso Tre Venezie IGTAmong the most representative labels of Farina Wines stands out Nodo d’Amore Rosso Tre Venezie IGT, a blend of Corvina, Merlot and Teroldego. The name is inspired by the family crest, which depicts three symbolic knots, reflected in the union of the three grape varieties used. A wine designed to excite, envelop and surprise.
Nodo d’Amore is aged 30% in new barriques and 70% in Slavonian oak barrels. The result is a soft red wine, structured yet balanced. Aromas of berries, sweet spices and balsamic notes combine in a warm and persistent sip.
It is ideal with rich dishes, roasts, game or simply for those who love Valpolicella red wines with a modern character.

Corte Conti Cavalli
Corte Conti Cavalli is another Rosso Veronese IGT interpretation by Farina Wines. Produced from Corvina, Merlot, Molinara and Oseleta, this wine stands out for its intensity and roundness. After 12 months of aging in barriques and large barrels, it presents a deep, soft and velvety profile.
Notes of raspberry, ginger and wood blend into a meditation wine, but also perfect to accompany structured dishes and aged cheeses.
Those looking for a richer and more complex Valpolicella red wine will find in Corte Conti Cavalli IGT an elegant and highly satisfying choice.

Valpolicella red wine: price and positioning
Valpolicella Classico DOC and Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC have a price between €7 and €16, while Nodo d’Amore IGT Tre Venezie and Corte Conti Cavalli Rosso Veronese IGT range between €11 and €13. These are wines designed to guarantee consistent quality and an excellent tasting experience, also suitable for gifts or special occasions.
Winery experiences: taste Farina Wines reds where they are made
Farina Wines offers the opportunity to discover these reds directly in the winery through guided wine tours that include:
- visit to the vineyards and drying lofts
- tastings of 5 or 6 wines, including Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC, Nodo d’Amore Rosso Tre Venezie IGT and Corte Conti Cavalli Rosso Veronese IGT
- local food pairings
It is an opportunity to experience Valpolicella from within and understand the work behind every bottle.
Frequently asked questions
Valpolicella Classico is perfect for everyday consumption: fresh, light and versatile. It pairs easily with many dishes and has an accessible price.
Yes. Thanks to its structure and aging in wood, it can evolve well in the bottle for several years, developing more complex notes.
Amarone della Valpolicella: history, secrets and pairings of Verona’s great red wine
Few Italian wines can boast the reputation and identity ofAmarone della Valpolicella. A powerful, austere and fascinating red, which tells with every sip the patience, technique and love for the land that gives it life.
A wine born from a mistake?
One of the most curious stories aboutAmarone concerns its origin. According to tradition, it was born by mistake from a Recioto forgotten in a barrel for too long. Recioto, a sweet wine made from dried grapes, fermented completely, transforming all the sugars into alcohol. From that moment on, what was once a “mistake” became one of Italy’s most iconic red wines.
The drying process: the true heart of Amarone
What makesAmarone della Valpolicella unique is the natural drying process of the grapes, which lasts about. 100 100 days. Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes are harvested by hand and left to rest in “fruttai”, well-ventilated and dry environments, where they lose 30–40% of their weight.
This process concentrates sugars, aromas and tannins, giving rise to a wine with a complex profile: spirit-soaked cherry, ripe plum, cocoa, tobacco, liquorice, with extraordinary persistence.
At Farina Wines, the drying process takes place in traditional fruttai, using low crates and natural ventilation. An ancient technique, preserved with rigor and updated with gentle technologies that do not alter the raw material and ensure e uniform and controlled drying of all the grapes.
Amarone according to Farina Wines
Farina offers two versions of Amarone:
- Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico: a rich and full-bodied wine, aged in Slavonian oak barrels to maintain balance and complexity. Ideal for those seeking elegance and tradition. Two styles are offered: the more immediate and youthful vintage, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Farina and the drier version Amarone Famiglia Farina.
- Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva: produced only in the best vintages, from selected grapes, with extended aging, powerful yet always harmonious structure. Two versions are available on the market: the Riserva Montefante, an elegant cru with a smooth and enveloping palate, and the Riserva Mezzadro alla Fontana, a complex yet contemporary expression of Valpolicella Classica.
Different interpretations, yet faithful to Farina’s philosophy: expressing the territory authentically, without compromise.
How much does Amarone della Valpolicella cost?
The price of a bottle of Amarone della Valpolicella varies based on several factors: vintage, winery, production method, aging. Generally, a good quality Amarone starts from 30–35 €while the most prestigious versions can exceed 100 €.
What to eat with Amarone della Valpolicella?
Amarone is a wine for important pairings. Its structure and softness make it perfect with:
- Braised or grilled red meats
- Aged cheeses (preferably cow’s milk or blue cheeses)
- Cacciagione (a must-try Verona specialty)
- Risotto all’Amarone (a must-try Verona specialty)
- Dark chocolate (for bold pairings, even at the end of the meal)
It is also a meditation wine, to be enjoyed on its own, perhaps by the fireplace, or to accompany a slow conversation.

A wine that looks to the future
L’Amarone is increasingly appreciated outside Italy: Germany, the United States, Switzerland and Northern Europe consider it one of the symbols of Italian red wine. Its bold yet enveloping character, combined with aging potential and elegance,also makesit ideal for those approaching wine with curiosity.
Did you know there is also Amarone grappa?
A lesser-known but fascinating product is grappa di Amarone, distilled from the pomace used to produce the wine. Farina Wines offers an elegant and refined version, with an intense yet never aggressive aromatic profile.
On the nose, notes of dried fruit, black pepper and vanilla emerge. On the palate it is warm, long, with an enveloping finish. A perfect ending after an important meal or as a gift for true enthusiasts.

Visit where it is born
Do you want to discover how Amarone is truly made? Wines for guided wine tours, with exclusive tastings, vineyard walks and visits to the fruttai. A truly immersive experience in the heart of Valpolicella Classica.
Frequently asked questions
The price of a good Amarone della Valpolicella can range from €30 to over €100 per bottle, depending on the winery, vintage and aging. Farina labels, for example, offer an excellent quality/price ratio in the premium segment, with the Riserva Montefante designed for connoisseurs and special occasions.
Amarone costs more because it requires a long, complex and regulated production process. The grapes, strictly from Valpolicella, are dried for 3–4 months before vinification. After fermentation, at least 2 years of aging follow for Amarone DOCG and 4 for the Riserva. All of this increases its structure, complexity and value, justifying the higher price.
Generally between 15% e i 16,5% vol., making it one of the strongest Italian red wines. This is due to the drying process, which concentrates sugars and therefore increases alcohol potential.
L’Amarone is increasingly appreciated outside Italy: Germany, the United States, Switzerland and Northern Europe consider it one of the symbols of Italian red wine. Its bold yet enveloping character, combined with aging potential and elegance,also makesit ideal for those approaching wine with curiosity.
The grappa di Amarone is a spirit obtained from the fermented pomace used to produce Amarone. It is a noble, intense product, often aged in wood, with notes of dried fruit, spices and vanilla. Farina Wines offers an elegant grappa, perfect to enjoy neat or as a digestif.


