Two gentlemen (or gentle wines) from Veneto

[wondersofwine]

2005 "I Quadretti" Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Azienda Agricola La Giaretti
15% abv. Aged for about two years in French barrels. Imported by Country Vintner, Oilville, VA.
Dark, dense and opaque.
Black cherry nose. Light to medium body. Attractive fruit of black cherries and blackberries. This gives a hint of Valpolicella's charm short of the ripasso or amarone level. Tastes rich, deep and satisfying. Suggested pairings are grilled meat, braised beef, cold meat or salami, mature cheeses and pasta with spicy sausage.

2007 Solane Santi Valpolicella Classcio Superiore Ripasso
13.5% abv. Purchased for $14.99 at the grocery store. It is listed on several bargain red wines from Italy lists. Imported by Frederick Wildman and Sons. Solane is produced from Corvina and Rondinella grapes, re-fermented on partially dry whole grapes. The wine is aged in wood for about 15 months. This was slightly more transparent than the "I Quadretti." Quite viscous. Seemed a little more tart than the "I Quadretti" and a little higher pitched. More boysenberry than black cherry but with some red cherry also. I prefered the "I Quadretti" (which was more expensive) but agree that the Solane from Santi is an acceptable QPR for everyday drinking or nongeek socializing.