G’day, tuck into the Cantine di Ora Valpolicella Ripasso DOC 2022 from the Ora cooperative in the hills outside Verona, Italy, where ripe Valpolicella fruit runs through spent Amarone skins, creating a rich, smoky red with serious depth and a hit of Alpine lift. This is textbook Ripasso done right, with the structure to cellar but the juiciness to pour tonight.

You’ll find bright red cherry and cranberry up front, backed by dried fig, mocha and a whisper of sweet spice, while subtle balsamic, rosemary and leather notes give it an aromatic edge that keeps drawing you back in. The palate is medium to full bodied with rounded, chewy tannins and a grippy yet polished finish that begs for food.

Think hearty winter plates and weeknight feasts for the Cantine di Ora Valpolicella Ripasso DOC 2022 – it’s killer with osso buco, slow‑braised beef cheeks, mushroom risotto or a covered‑with‑melted‑cheese validating burger. If you’re after a versatile Italian red that reads more expensive than the price tag, this Ripasso from the Valpolicella hills near Verona is your go‑to.