Zenato Valpolicella 2022

Zenato Valpolicella Superiore originates from Italy, within the Veneto region and the historic Valpolicella Classico zone situated in the hills north of Verona. Founded in 1960 by Sergio Zenato, the family estate—now directed by his children, Alberto and Nadia—controls roughly 95 hectares across top terroirs in both Lugana and Valpolicella. Operating with a philosophy rooted in the expression of indigenous Venetian grape varieties, Zenato crafts its Valpolicella Superiore from select hillside plots near Sant'Ambrogio. The winemaking approach balances the bright, vibrant fruit character of Corvina with traditional oak maturation, yielding a wine renowned for its structural harmony, versatility, and classical Venetian charm.

Wine Description

This red wine presents a luminous, deep ruby-red appearance in the glass with vivid purple and garnet reflections. It possesses a medium-bodied, supple, and well-balanced structure framed by a silky, mouth-coating texture. The sensory profile is highly aromatic and fruit-driven, opening with an inviting bouquet of fresh red cherries, wild raspberries, and red plums, seamlessly interwoven with subtle notes of crushed violet blossoms, black pepper, tobacco leaf, and toasted almond. On the palate, it delivers a lively, concentrated core of bright red fruits, supported by a line of refreshing natural acidity and fine-grained, smooth tannins. The finish is clean, harmonious, and persistent, leaving lingering echoes of red berry fruit, cocoa, and gentle oak spice.

• Varietal Composition: Typically 80% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, and 10% Oseleta.

• Stylistic Notes: Hand-harvested from select hillside vineyards in the Valpolicella Classica zone. Following temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats with systematic pumping over to extract color and soft tannins, the wine undergoes aging for approximately 12 months in large traditional Slavonian oak casks (botti), followed by bottle maturation prior to release.

• ABV: Typically 13.5%.