2020 Fattori Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Col de Bastia DOC, Veneto

Clear ruby red with a purple tinge. Cherry and raspberry on the nose, followed by violet and pepper. Lots of cherry juice on the palate, with ripe tannins and lively acidity. Juicy, persistent finish.

91 points Falstaff

Rather than chasing power alone, the Fattori family have built their reputation on producing wines that faithfully express the hills of eastern Veneto. For generations they have worked some of the region's finest vineyard sites, combining traditional methods with meticulous attention to detail to craft wines of balance, character and remarkable drinkability.

Col de Bastia Ripasso is produced using the traditional ripasso method, where Valpolicella is passed over the skins of Amarone, enriching the wine with greater depth, texture and complexity. Sourced from hillside vineyards with volcanic and limestone soils, the 2020 vintage beautifully balances ripe fruit with freshness, creating a classic expression of this much loved Venetian style.

The colour is a deep ruby garnet with vibrant crimson highlights. Aromas of black cherry, ripe plum and blackberry are layered with dried herbs, cocoa, sweet spice and a hint of tobacco. The palate is rich and velvety, combining succulent dark fruits with fine tannins and lively acidity. Notes of dark chocolate, liquorice and savoury spice unfold through the long, warming finish, delivering impressive depth without sacrificing elegance.

A superb companion to braised beef cheeks, slow cooked lamb shanks, mushroom risotto with parmesan, aged Asiago or venison pie. Drinking beautifully now while offering the structure to evolve gracefully over the next eight to ten years.