Torre del Falasco Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso

Run by Luca Degani since 1995, the Cantina Valpantena is now one of Italy’s best cooperative wineries, with 700 hectares of vineyard producing excellent quality fruit. Matt Thomson of Blank Canvas, who also makes some of the Alpha Zeta wines here, has worked closely with Luca at Cantina Valpantena since 1999.

Known as the ‘valley of god’ to the ancient Greeks, the Valpantena is well known for its quality red wines, due partly to the limestone soils, but also because of the cool breeze that blows down the valley from the foothills of the Dolomites.

Aromas of dried cherry and dark plums are followed by hints of mocha and dark chocolate on the nose. A powerful, full-bodied palate opens with a spiced fruit character and supportive tannins. Raisin and candied peel notes come from the ‘ripasso’ method and are layered with rounded, ripe cherry flavours. The finish is long with added spicy nutmeg notes.