Community Review

Monte Zovo Winery Sa' Solin Valpolicella Ripasso 2017

Veneto D.O.C., Italy

Community Score: 4.5/5
Community Reviews: 19

Price: $19.95

Sweetness: Extra Dry
Alcohol: 14%

Drink: 2019-2025

Bottle size: 750 ml
Winery: Monte Zovo

Molly Amoli Shinhat reviewed this wine as follows:

A wine from the first winery certified a Biodiversity Friend by the World Biodiversity Association (WBA) in 2013. But first, to the wine!

A rich, dreamy, perfume of aromas with violets, roses, black cherry, figs, baking spices, black pepper, and cedar. The high acidity and medium tannins create a concert hall for a veritable symphony of fruit, with blackberry, black plum, black cherry, red cherry, raspberry, fig and raisin. The encore is a long finish. At 14% a.b.v and 10 g/l residual sugar, this could be a stronger sipper, over a drawn out supper perhaps.

Because it’s a descendant of Amarone, this wine is referred to as “Baby Amarone.” Lighter in character, Ripasso pairs more easily with food. Think classical Italian food like pasta, pizza, medium aged cheeses, and of course fruit.

The Monte Zovo Winery is located In Veneto, Northern Italy, in the foothills of the Alps, near Lake Garda. Diego Cottini, the owner, has been concerned about environmental protections and continuity for years. So it’s only natural he led the bid to summarize the winery’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity after obtaining WBA certification in a document called, the Cottini Decalogue.

Last year there were about twelve wineries involved in the program. It’s not a one-time certification, but involves ongoing verification based on a point system to meet specific standards. Areas involved include: soil fertility, water management; environmentally-friendly pest management; rotations over multiple years, and greater use of wooded areas, hedgerows, and nectar species to provide more habitat for all species, including vines.

One only hopes that this level of care, no, devotion, ensures wine lovers can continue to enjoy this ripasso for many vintages yet to come.

Read Natalie's Full Review

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