Tasting Notes: The Le Ragose Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore presents a dense, ruby-red color and offers intense aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and wild berries, interwoven with complex notes of dried figs, violet, coffee, cocoa powder, and a hint of spice. The palate is full-bodied and smooth, delivering a velvety texture with well-structured tannins and vibrant acidity that leads to a long, dry, and satisfying finish. This Ripasso, created by refermenting young Valpolicella on the leftover skins (lees) of Amarone, balances power and elegance, making it a wine of both complexity and longevity.
Estate History: Le Ragose, which translates to "The Furrows," is an estate with roots in the Valpolicella Classica zone, located at some of the highest points in the Negrar town, between 250 to 400 meters above sea level. The modern history of the winery began in 1969 when enologists Arnaldo Galli and his wife Marta purchased the abandoned 70-acre property, recognizing its potential for producing high-quality wines due to its ideal sun exposure and unique soil composition. Marta Galli, in particular, was a pioneering figure in the region, earning the nickname "La Signora del Vino" ("The Lady of Wine") and helping to re-establish Valpolicella as a premium wine-growing area; she was voted "Winemaker of the World" in 1990 by her peers. The estate is now managed by the second generation, their sons Paolo and Marco, who continue the family's vision of producing authentic, terroir-driven wines with minimal environmental impact.
