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Monte del Frà 2015 'Lena di Mezzo' Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC

Monte del Frà 2015 'Lena di Mezzo' Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC

92 Points
James Suckling
dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit
92 Points
James Suckling

Mission Codename Bambino

Happy Amarone Monday Dear Operatives!

Fore you dive into this one, you should know we also slipped a 93-point Amarone Riserva 2008 into the store, along with magnums of their 93-point 2007…

Know what does NOT pair with a Trinidad Scorpion pepper (1.5m Scoville heat units for you pepper nerds) that we tried during an office pepper eating contest last week? This wine.

Luckily, we tasted this lovely “baby Amarone” BEFORE the peppers obliterated our palate and gut. And what a bolt of fresh, piquant, bright fruit it delivered! And that price - just… incredible really to find a 92-point Valpolicella Ripasso well under $20. But that is just how we do things around here.

Amarone is made from partially dried grapes, which impart a terrifically rich and sweet flavor to the wine. Valpolicella Ripasso, aka “Amarone Bambino” is made by adding the leftover Amarone grape skins to fermenting wine for the “re-pass” and left to ferment before barreled in oak casks for 18 months. This second pass of skins infuses a similar complexity and ripeness, resulting in a lighter styled Amarone while delivering the famous aromatics and flavors that make its big brother so legendary.

So, what’s it like? Think Zinfandel x Pinot. A core of raspberry and quince is surrounded by some Asian spices and a drop of vanilla. It’s light to medium-bodied, with a superb balance of ripe fruit and bright acidity. Terrific stuff, that we could drink by the case any time of year. And you better believe we loaded up a few on our end. Because at this price and with such accolades… well, we just don’t get enough.

We’ve had some great variety in our offers recently, and like Pokemon you gotta catch em all! Throw a couple, or even better half a case in your locker - promise you won’t regret it at all!

92 Points – James Suckling

“A very pretty nose of dried lavender, rose petals and sweet morello cherries. Medium to full body, lots of tension, fine acidity and a minerally, driven finish. Drink now.”

90 Points – Wine Spectator

“Generous crushed black cherry and raspberry fruit is laced with ground ginger, orange zest and licorice notes in this elegant, medium-bodied red framed by light, taut tannins and fresh acidity. Drink now through 2023.”

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Tasting Profile Tasting Profile

dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit
Monte del Frà 2015 'Lena di Mezzo' Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 750ml Wine Label
Look

Bright ruby with a purple hue glowing where it touches the glass within

Smell

A core of raspberry and quince is surrounded by some Asian spices and a drop of vanilla

Taste

Light to medium-bodied, with a superb balance of ripe fruit and bright acidity

Finish

Terrific stuff with scrumptious, lingering savoriness, that we could drink by the case any time of year

Pairing

Definitely a strong contender for the Thanksgiving table, or enjoy throughout the winter days ahead

What the Winery Says 2015 'Lena di Mezzo' Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC

Monte del Frà
Monte del Frà
Winemakers
Marica, Silvia, and Massimo Bonomo
Varietals
80% Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, 20% Rondinella
Vintage
2015
Appellation
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto
Vineyard
Lena di Mezzo
Alcohol
14%
Elevation
250-350 meters
Age of vines
20-50 years
Yields
2 kg per vine
Soils
Tufaceous clay and limestone
Aging
18 months
Barrels
30 hl neutral oak casks

About the Winery Monte del Frà

Monte del Frà Winemaker Marica, Silvia, and Massimo Bonomo
Monte del Frà Winemaker Marica, Silvia, and Massimo Bonomo
Monte del Frà 2015 'Lena di Mezzo' Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Nov 16, 2020 at 11:59 pm
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Monte del Frà 2015 'Lena di Mezzo' Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Nov 16, 2020 at 11:59 pm
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