Italy

Question 1

What is the ripasso process?

Answer 1

The pomace of leftover grapes and seeds from the fermentation of recioto or Amazon are added to a batch of Valpolicella for extended maceration, increasing the alcohol levels, tannins, glycerin and phenolic compounds.

Question 2

What are the levels of classification in Italy?

Answer 2

DOCG
DOC
IGT
VINO

Question 3

Explain the labelings

CLASSICO
RISERVA
SUPERIORE

Answer 3

CLASSICO
Traditional, superior vineyard area in a DOC/DOCG
RISERVA
Extended aging
Can denote lower yields and higher alcohol
SUPERIORE
Higher alcohol or longer aging