BERTANI 2007 SECCO-BERTANI *RIPASSO* VALPOLICELLA VALPANTENA, ITALY 750ML

87 POINTS ROBERT PARKER:
The 2007 Valpolicella Ripasso Valpantena shows good refinement and balance in its red fruits, flowers, herbs, chocolate and spices. Silky, polished tannins round out the long finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. 87 points, Antonio Galloni for Robert Parker's Wine Advocate #190

Secco-Bertani has been in continuous production for over 150 years and is rightly extolled as the "grandfather" of ripasso-technique Veronese wines. With the classic ripasso process, grape must is left to rest for a few days in spring on freshly drawn lees from Bertani's Recioto Amarone wine. Launched in the late 1850s, Secco-Bertani was in all likelihood the first ripasso Valpolicella to earn a substantial following outside its native Italy.

Bertani is headquartered at the palatial neo-classical Villa Novare north of Verona in Italy's Veneto region. One of northeast Italy's most prestigious wine producers, Bertani owns all its own vineyards from which it produces an array of estate-grown wines. Founded in 1857, this family-owned estate has enjoyed a reputation for quality from the start. Bertani Amarone is justly celebrated as a standard bearer for its category.

Production Area
From prime estate vineyards in the heart of Verona's Valpolicella Valpantena wine district.

Grape Varieties
Corvina Veronese 70%; Rondinella 25%; Molinara 5%

Vinification
The wine undergoes an 11-day maceration in vats at a controlled temperature and with programmed remontages. In March it is refermented over Recioto Amarone skins, following the traditional Veronese technique called "Ripasso". 75% of the wine ages in large Slavonian oak casks, 25% in French oak barriques, for approximately 18 months; it is refined in bottle for a minimum of 90 days.

Bertani is headquartered at the palatial neo-classical Villa Novare just north of Verona in Italy's Veneto region. One of northeast Italy's most prestigious wine producers, Bertani owns all its own vineyards from which it produces an array of estate-grown wines. Founded in 1857, this family-owned winery has enjoyed a reputation for quality from the start. Bertani Amarone is justly celebrated as a standard bearer for its category.