PRODUCT OVERVIEW/REVIEWS:
Beginning in the mid-1980s when he took the reigns of his uncle's century-old estate in Valpolicella, Tommaso Bussola emerged as one of the preeminent stars of the Veneto. Bussola is often mentioned along with Giuseppe Quintarelli and Dal Forno Romano as the top estates in the Valpolicella appellation. Tommaso Bussola is the producer you want to craft your Ripasso because Nobody. Does. It. Better.

The Ca’del Laito is a southwest-facing vineyard situated at an elevation of 900-1300 feet. Tommaso purchased the vineyard from the Masai family in 2002. The vineyard is planted to Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara along with several other ancient varietals. The old vines here are trained in the traditional pergola style. No chemical treatments are used in the vineyard, and all grapes are hand-harvested. Tommaso claims it is the Corvinone that gives his wines their depth. He calls it the "Super Corvina," saying it produces stronger, denser, richer, more perfumed wines.

The grapes are harvested and selected in the first and second week of October. Pressed immediately, they are placed in special steel fermenters, where after 24 hours fermentation is triggered spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. The juice remains in contact with the skins for 15 days, and pumping over is carried out daily. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is taken to a steel tank, where it remains for 6 months. The Valpolicella Classico is put in contact with the Amarone skins; a second fermentation begins which lasts for about 15 days. Once the fermentation is complete, the Ripasso is placed in a steel tank to decant from the coarser dregs. After 10 days, it is decanted and transferred to wooden barrels for 24 months, where it completes its maturation. (winery notes)

Check out the press!

93 points, James Suckling:
"This has an Amarone feel to it, at least on the nose, with spicy dried berries and that signature, heady feel. The full body, though, offers fresher currants and berries and a long finish, well supported by medium-grain tannins. Delicious. The real deal for Ripasso." (5/5/23)

90 points, Wine Spectator:
"A dark, rich Valpolicella, exuding steeped blackberry, date, ashy smoke, and fragrant accents of violet, wild sage, and warm brown bread. Medium-bodied and creamy, with supple tannins and a touch of coffee liqueur on the finish. Distinctive." (3/31/23)
PRODUCT DETAILS:

Producer Name: Ag Az Tommaso Bussola
Old/New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Veneto
Sub-Region: Valpolicella
Appellation: Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC
Village/Vineyard/Climat: Ca' del Laito
Quality Designation: DOC
Grape Varietals: Corvino, Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, and others
Vintage: 2018
Product Type: Wine
Wine Style: Fuller Body Red
Winemaker: Tommaso & Paolo Bussola
ABV: 14.5%
Pack/Size: 12/750 ml
Container Type: Dark Green Glass Bordeaux style
Closure Style: Natural Cork

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