Description
The Speri’s presence in this winemaking heartland goes back to 1874, though the original homestead and cellars are even older – 1580. From generation to generation for well over a century, the Speri family have handed down a heritage of pride in their land and passion for its fruits. The family operation now comprises of Carlo (pr/admin), vineyardists Eliseo, Marco and Giampietro, winemakers Paolo and Alberto, marketing manager Giampaolo, and the fifth generation Luca and Chiara Speri.
The family now have 60 hectares of autochtonous vines in the finest Classico districts, divided into three distinct crus; La Roverina, Sant’Urbano and La Roggia. In these hills the vines enjoy a mild climate that you would not expect at this northerly latitude and are planted at a much higher density than the appellation’s average using organic farming methods.
Ripasso means to ‘go over again’ and is one of the appellations most ancient traditions, and also a little confusing. At Speri it is made by refermenting Valpolicella (native red grape varieties – Rondinella, Corvina and Molinara) on the vinacce (marc) from the Amarone. Valpolicella completes its fermentation in cement and then in March, following the first pressing of the Amarone, it is refermented on 30% of the Amarone vinnace for 8 days. Then it’s back into cement for the second alcoholic fermentation before maturation in large oak for one year. The wine is a deep plum colour, aromatic with a solid core of fruit, balancing the richness found in Amarone with the assertiveness of Valpolicella. Notes of red fruits, spice, fruitcake and chocolate, the palate is rich and mouthfilling with a long finish.
RRP $70
