2013 Luigi Righetti Campolieti Valpolicella Ripasso

$20.15 btl / $241.80 cs (case of 12 x 750ml)

26 years ago a naive young Canadian man ventured into the Valpolicella hills in search of great wine. At the time, he had no experience importing international wine into Ontario, but hoped he would stumble upon a winery that would believe in his vision and ambition.

He drove for hours through the Valpolicella hills, not finding what he was looking for, and after making a wrong turn he stumbled upon a small winery. As he approached he prepared his pitch, using every bit of Italian he knew.

He was greeted by a young Italian man who was skeptical with his story, but nevertheless invited him in. They sat him down at their kitchen table as the entire family looked on with confused expressions. He tried the full range of wines and was blown away with the quality and value. He asked if he could import their wines into Ontario.

The family disappeared into the back room leaving the young Canadian man alone in the kitchen. After many minutes the family emerged this time with an older Italian man who merely looked at and nodded to the young Canadian. This was the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship where both parties have been a significant contributor to each other`s success over the years.

You may have guessed that the young Canadian man is Peter Wearing and the older Italian man is Luigi Righetti. This is the first winery The Small Winemakers Collection represented and the first order was just 3 cases. That relationship grew every year after that. Today, The Small Winemakers Collection imports more cases then Luigi Righetti’s annual production back then.

Today’s offer is the 2013 Luigi Righetti Campolieti Valpolicella. Valpolicella wines generally lean towards the lighter end of the scale, but local winemakers have employed various techniques to improve the depth and complexity of their cuvees. The ripasso method, whereby the young Valpolicella wine is given a second fermentation through contact with the leftover grape skins of Amarone, preserves the pleasant strawberry, cherry and plum aromas, but adds complex notes such as hints of leather, autumn leaves and spice. The palate is vibrantly fruity with light to medium tannins. Campolieti means “happy fields” and refers to the vineyards from which the grapes are harvested.

Price: Case of 12 at $241.80 ($20.15 per bottle)

Grapes varieties: Blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara

Drink: Now or over the next 3 years

Food Pairing: Roast or stewed red meat, a variety of pasta dishes, mushroom risotto, fried calamari and antipasto

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