Red wines · Valpolicella
Buy Amarone & Ripasso
The great red wines of Valpolicella: Amarone made from dried grapes and its more approachable sibling Ripasso, personally selected and tasted.
The answer in brief
Amarone della Valpolicella is made using the appassimento method: after harvest, the grapes dry for several months before being pressed. This produces concentrated, velvety red wines with great ageing potential. Ripasso is the more accessible variant from the same region. Both are available from Weinshop365, personally tasted, delivered throughout Switzerland (free from CHF 200.–) or collected in Ramsei with a 5% discount for cash payment from CHF 200.–.
Appassimento: wine from dried grapes
No other method produces such concentrated wines from grapes: what is lost in water through drying, the Amarone gains in depth.
Selection
Only healthy, loose-berried grapes from the best sites in Valpolicella are considered for Amarone.
Drying
The grapes dry in the air for several months. They lose water: sugar, colour and aromas become concentrated.
Pressing
Only in winter are the raisined grapes pressed and slowly fermented. This produces a dry, powerful wine.
Ageing
Long ageing in oak and in the bottle rounds off the Amarone: velvety, deep and exceptionally long-lived.
"With Ripasso, the Valpolicella goes through the process a second time: it ferments again on the Amarone's pomace, hence the name, the repeated one."
Amarone or Ripasso?
Both come from Valpolicella north of Verona. The difference lies in the path the grapes take.
The great wine
Amarone della Valpolicella
- Pressed entirely from dried grapes
- Powerful, velvety and concentrated, with noticeably more alcohol
- Great ageing potential, gains depth over the years
- With braised meats, game and mature cheese, or on its own as a contemplative wine
The approachable brother
Ripasso della Valpolicella
- Valpolicella, fermented again on the Amarone pomace
- Takes on the structure, spice and richness of the Amarone
- Ready to drink earlier and noticeably lower in price
- The ideal introduction to the world of Appassimento
Amarone & Ripasso in our range
Personally tasted and selected: our wines from the Valpolicella.
How to enjoy Amarone at its best
- Decant Amarone 1 to 2 hours before serving: it needs air to open up.
- Serve at 16 to 18 °C, not warmer: this keeps fruit and freshness to the fore.
- Large, rounded glasses allow the broad nose to come into its own.
- Ripasso is less complicated: uncork, let it breathe briefly, and enjoy.
Wine shop Ramsei · Emmental
Great wines, short distances
Amarone and Ripasso are stored by us in Ramsei in the Emmental: collect with a 5% discount for cash payment from CHF 200.– or have it delivered within 2 to 3 working days, with telephone notice.
- Wyhus Aemme, Sumiswaldstrasse 15, 3435 Ramsei
- Mon–Fri 08.00–11.45 / 13.00–17.00, Sat 09.00–12.00
- 034 402 78 24
Questions about Amarone & Ripasso
What makes Amarone so special?
Amarone della Valpolicella is made entirely from dried grapes (Appassimento): the months-long drying concentrates sugar, colour and aromas. The result is powerful, velvety red wines with great ageing potential.
What is the difference between Amarone and Ripasso?
Ripasso is a Valpolicella that is fermented a second time on the Amarone's pomace, picking up structure and spice along the way, hence «ripassato», the repeated one. It is ready to drink sooner and more affordable; the Amarone remains the great, concentrated wine of the region.
How should I serve Amarone correctly?
Decant Amarone 1 to 2 hours before serving and serve at 16 to 18 °C in large, bulbous glasses. Ripasso is less complicated: uncork, let it breathe briefly, enjoy.
How long can I cellar Amarone?
Stored well, Amarone continues to mature for many years, depending on the wine and vintage. Details on ageing potential can be found for each wine on the product page, and if you have any questions we are happy to advise you personally.
Does Amarone make a good gift?
Yes, Amarone is a classic among wine gifts. Suitable gift packaging can be found in our range, and from CHF 200.– we deliver free throughout Switzerland.
Venetia's greatness, brought to the glass
Whether it's a velvety Amarone for the cellar or a Ripasso for this evening: order online or ask for advice at the wine shop.