Villa Girardi Bure Alto Ripasso Valpolicella Classico 2022 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 90/100

The Villa Girardi Bure Alto Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore from the Veneto is a hand-harvested, medium-to-full-bodied red made from Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara grapes, re-fermented on the sun-dried pomace left over from Amarone production before spending 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks, which lends the wine a generous, layered richness without sacrificing freshness. It is dry and beautifully structured, with an inviting nose of macerated black cherry, crushed violet and a ribbon of warm baking spice, while the palate delivers flavors of dried plum, roasted coffee and a whisper of dark cocoa, all framed by velvety tannins and a long, satisfying finish. Serve it slightly below room temperature, decanting for an hour before serving, and enjoy now through 2032. Owner and winemaker Franco Tommasi founded Villa Girardi in 1986 within a magnificent 18th-century Venetian villa designed by renowned architect Luigi Trezza, and the Bure Alto Ripasso has long been affectionately nicknamed the baby Amarone by wine lovers for the way it captures the opulence of its famous big brother at a fraction of the price. Pour it alongside a slow-braised veal tenderloin with a rich tomato and olive sauce, where the wine's depth and dark fruit echo the savory richness of the dish, or match it with a hearty pasta in a wild mushroom and pancetta ragu, where the wine's earthy warmth ties the whole plate together beautifully.

Ripasso Valpolicella Classico food pairings: veal tenderloin, rich tomato sauce and pasta, roast rabbit.

Voluptuous Veal Wine

This Villa Girardi Bure Alto Ripasso Valpolicella Classico 2022 was reviewed on March 21, 2026 by Natalie MacLean

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Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

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