Grape Juice

Corte Zovo — 2004 Sa’Solin Ripasso di Valpolicella

Posted on 30. Apr, 2008 by Erin in Italy, Tasting

Tasting Note: Corte Zovo — 2004 Sa’Solin Ripasso di Valpolicella

Country: Italy
Region: DOC Valpolicella, Veneto
Producer: Corte Zovo
Blend: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $16.95(CDN)

I snagged this one at the liquor store based on it’s very friendly looking price, brought it home, and hit the internet to see if I had just wasted some cash, or potentially made a hot random pick. Turns out that everyone is ga-ga for this wine, and has been since it first graced Canadian shores. The 2003 in particular was fawned over with delighted praise and while the 2004 is priced a little bit higher, all signs pointed to this being one of the best unexpected pleasures in Grape Juice history.

A major credit to this wine — and this is something I say extremely rarely — is that it somehow manages to integrate its 14.5% alcohol in a thoroughly pleasant way that neither leaves a fire in your belly or clunks around on the nose and palate. Big cherry, craisins, tied up in a pretty little package of licorice, licorice and more black licorice.

I can see what people were getting at, and for the price it’s an interesting, but approachable wine with a fit little structure and plenty of character. That being said, I found it bumpy and disproportionate in some places, particularly towards the finish and while I have no problem recommending this wine to people, it probably won’t find its way into my cellar.

Erin’s Rating: I’d Hit It (+)

Michelle’s Rating: I’d Hit It

Other Opinions:

Tags: 2004, Italy, red, Ripasso, Sa'Solin, Valpolicella, Veneto, wine