Who makes it
Ripasso undergoes a secondary fermentation on dried grape pomace, while Amarone starts with grapes that have been dried. Pomace contact can add colour, spice and tannin; grape drying removes water and concentrates fruit, sugar and flavour. Vivaldi Wines is the new project of Cantina Valpolicella Negrar. Its cooperative principles name members, partners and collaborators as fundamental contributors. Vivaldi's leadership includes Mianmichele Giacopuzzi and Carlo Callari. Quality is the starting point of every project.
Where it grows
Vivaldi's ai Colli name places the wines in the hills of Verona, and the designation appears across Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone. Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG uses Corvina and other varieties permitted by production regulations for the Valpolicella Classico zone. Ripasso uses Corvina and other grape varieties permitted by its production regulations. The label carries the geographic reference, while the regulations determine the permitted grape varieties.
What they make
The range moves from the base Valpolicella to Ripasso and then Amarone. Vivaldi Valpolicella ai Colli 2023 is the entry level bottle, with a berry forward profile of cherry, blueberry, raspberry, lavender and spice.
Valpolicella Ripasso ai Colli Vivaldi 2023 has red fruit and spicy notes, with balanced tannins and reliable acidity. It also carries oak, dark cherry, sage, plum, cocoa, pepper and bay leaf. Amarone della Valpolicella ai Colli Vivaldi 2022 has a ruby red, dense and compact appearance, intense and persistent aromas of preserved cherries, dried flowers and sweet spices, and subtle sweetness with oak, raisins, chocolate, pepper, orange peel, pine nuts and cinnamon.