My favorite Italian wine is valpolicella, especially ripasso and amarone. We eat a lot Italian food and valpolicella is usually a good match. This wine was better than most.
Nice garnet color. A nose of purple plums, cassis, and black raspberry. Significant midpalate tannic grip that is nicely balanced by dark fruit (especially blackberry) and acidity. Medium to long finish of dark fruit and tannic twang. Medium to full bodied wine. Not much of a sipper. Food wine.
With food:
Very good match with homemade whole wheat lasagna as the wine and food blend well together creating new flavors.
Cheese course: goat brie
Excellent match with the wine. Creates/enhances sweet fruit tastes in the wine by mellowing the tannins. Great wine/food synergy.
Wine: 2003 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Vigna Montecorna Winery: Remo Farina. 13.5% abv. $20 $CAN I will buy more.