Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella
Red wine – Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
Price category: Low Price
Points: 91 – Sensible
Stars: 5 – Impressive value
Dark fruit with gentle spice
Fossadragone Valpolicella Ripasso 2023 presents itself as a wine that stays true to the Ripasso tradition while keeping the overall expression lighter than many in the category. It feels open, friendly and easy to enjoy, with dark fruit and warm tones that stand clearly without tipping over into heaviness. The style suits anyone who enjoys depth but still appreciates a touch of freshness in the glass.
Dark fruit and mild spice
Ripasso can be both fruit‑forward and full of dark, spicy power. Here, the fruit takes the lead, as Fossadragone Ripasso 2023 holds onto the classic Ripasso profile without becoming weighty. It has a welcoming, accessible feel, and the balance between richness and lightness is pleasantly clear. This makes it a strong choice for those who want flavour without losing brightness and ease.
A softer take on Ripasso
The lighter structure makes Fossadragone ideal for evenings where you want a dark and gently spiced red wine without the heavy sweetness some Ripasso bottlings can show. It works well with cosy dinners, slow‑cooked dishes and autumn evenings where warmth and dark fruit fit naturally, yet freshness still matters. Fans of classic Valpolicella will recognise the style, while those who often find Ripasso too intense will meet a more approachable version here.
Deep colour, bright fruit expression
The aroma shows clear notes of cherry, prune, raisin and herbs, rounded by a soft touch of vanilla. The colour sits firmly in the darker end of the spectrum with a deep red hue. The flavour is smooth and dark‑fruited, with a warm spiced character that stays comfortable rather than heavy. The mouthfeel is rounded and friendly, and the fruit remains present throughout the experience.
Freshness and warmth from Valpolicella
Valpolicella’s mix of slopes, warm days and cooler nights helps the fruit develop ripeness without losing clarity. The region’s conditions give the dark fruit a defined profile while keeping the structure light. Ripasso has long roots here, and Fossadragone fits naturally into that tradition.
Fossadragone’s calm Ripasso style
Fossadragone works within a classic Ripasso framework, aiming to create a wine with dark fruit and warmth while maintaining the accessible character the area is known for. There is a clear intention to strike a point between richness and freshness, and that balance is evident in the final expression.
Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella in harmony
Corvina brings the familiar cherry profile and a soft structure. Corvinone adds depth and darker fruit, while Rondinella typically contributes spice and a gentle sweet‑toned nuance. Together, they form the Ripasso style where fruit and warmth move naturally side by side.
Extra depth from Amarone skins
Ripasso is made by allowing the wine to ferment with the skins from Amarone production, adding depth, darker fruit and a fuller character. Here, the method is used in a way that preserves freshness, thanks to ageing in large casks and steel, which avoids heavy influence. The result is a Ripasso that is both dark and approachable.
2023 brings ripe fruit and soft fullness
The warm 2023 vintage shows in the ripe fruit and fuller style. At the same time, the wine keeps a good level of accessibility, making it easy to enjoy even for those who usually prefer lighter reds. The vintage supports the dark fruit and the gentle warmth that define the wine.
A Ripasso with balance and friendly warmth
Fossadragone Ripasso 2023 finds a point where dark fruit, warmth and lightness meet in a way that feels easy to appreciate, especially considering the price category. The fuller character adds comfortable depth, while the fresh fruit keeps the experience open and uncomplicated. This combination makes it well suited for evenings where you want solid flavour without being locked into a heavy style. Its friendly warmth and rounded fruit make it easy to enjoy, whether with slow‑cooked dishes, pasta or a quiet moment at the end of the day.
