WTN: 2 Masi Ripassos

[geo t.]

2001 Masi Campofiorin Ripasso ® Nectar Angelorum Hominibus Rosso del Veronese I.G.T., 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Molinara, $14.99, 13% alc.: This ruby dark garnet is Masi's expression of the ancient vinification method known as refermentation, for which they coined the name "Ripasso". Using a technique in which the basic wine undergoes a second fermentation on the residual pomace of the dried grapes used to make Amarone, the resulting "Ripasso" gains increased color, alcohol, complexity, structure and fruit. Essentially a "baby Amarone," this is aged mostly in 3,000 liter barrels, along with some 600 liter barrels, in order to avoid excessive wood in the flavor profile. Tasting this on the heels of the Masi Valpolicella certainly emphasizes the point, as the wine is bigger, being medium full bodied, with deeper, darker flavors and aromas of tarry black cherry, along with some raisiny notes. Moderately tannic, with good acidity, and rich and round in the mouth, this is the kind of wine that I can definitely cozy up to, and it shows good prospects for development with some time in the bottle.

1998 Masi Brolo de Campofiorin Rosso del Veronese I.G.T., 75 - 80% Corvina, 20 - 25% Rondinella, $27.99, 13.5% alc.: The term "Brolo" corresponds to the French term "clos," and refers to vineyards surrounded by stone walls, in this case, located at Valgatara di Marano, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico. A special selection of Campofiorin, this contains no molinara, resulting in less acidity and more complexity. After refermentation, the wine is aged in mostly Slavonian 600 liter oak barrels, which impart more delicate nuances than French oak, although some Allier oak is also employed. The dark garnet colored wine gives up a rich, almost floral cherry and black cherry bouquet, accented with notes of coffee, chocolate and earth; these follow through on the palate with medium full to full body, good structure and good prospects for aging, at least three to five years worth. Definitely a step up from the previous model, and even more to this taster's liking, this is very nice indeed.

-from Ah, Appassimento ~ or ~ Mostly Masi, Tasting Notes from the Underground

Reporting from Day-twah,

geo t.