2018 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore Balt Adalia

The 2018 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore Balt Adalia is a fruity, lovely red wine with an irresistible drink. The fruit is round. The acidity contained but sufficient to give thrust and rhythm to the sip. Docile tannins and sweet spices in support. Nothing complicated, but everything is done with precision, cleanliness, and meticulousness.

How is it done?

The vineyards are in Val di Mezzane, at 300 meters. The soils are mainly calcareous and clayey. After the harvest, the grapes are de-stemmed and crushed, then spontaneous fermentation with 7 days of maceration and aging in steel. The wine is enriched with the addition of pressed grapes used for the production of Amarone. The blend is composed of Corvina, Corvina Grossa at 35%, 20% of Rondinella and the rest Molinara.

Organoleptic characteristics

The color is very dark and dense, with violet reflections. The bouquet is very vinous, ethereal, full of cherries, blueberries in alcohol, and cocoa. Aromatic herbs in closing, with still the overwhelming return of ripe fruit, but not overcooked. The Spartan tone is all based on the vitality of the fruit.

On the palate, it is soft and docile, very round, thanks to the passing of the dried grapes. It does not aim so much for finesse as for gluttony. Notes of jam and spices come around to make everything inviting and tasty. Depth and structure are average, but it is not meant to be colossal but drinkable and pleasant.

Overall it is a simple red wine, easy to approach but never predictable. The finish is earthy at the right point, and licorice and chocolate go hand in hand with a sensation so fruity that it almost seems sweet.

Price

16-17 euros: an acceptable price for a persuasive and light red wine, which aims for a slim line to be easy to drink.

Food Pairings

Beef tacos, Black truffle risotto, passatelli with Parmigiano fondue and truffle, bucatini all’amatriciana, roast beef, hamburger, smoked beef ribs.