Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018

Drink today or cellar for up to 15 years. Decant before drinking.

Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Valpolicella is 95 hectares of top vineyards in what is considered the classic zone of both Lugana and Valpolicella. Founded by Sergio Zenato, the vineyards include two faces: One white, the other red. Sergio’s connection to the land, his people, and his commitment to championing local grape varieties has made Zenato integral in preserving tradition and sustainability in the region. For more than 60 years, the Zenato family has preserved the land and traditions so special to Laguna and Valpolicella.

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is made in the traditional Amarone way where the grapes are dried before being processed into wine. In the case of this wine, the grapes are dried for 4 months and the actual crushing does not happen until January. The grapes stay on skin for a slow fermentation and then the wine is aged for 36 months in large-format Slavonian casks. Utilizing the classic grapes of Amarone, Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, and Croatina, this wine is intense yet well-balanced.

The nose shows rich aromas of dried blackberries and bay leaves, leather, dark chocolate, vanilla and a touch of smoke. On the palate is licorice, mocha, dried prunes, and sweet fruitcake as this wine is semi off dry and opulent. The tannins are soft and supple with a creamy finish on the back palate. Enjoy with hearty pasta dishes, red meat, mature cheeses, or a chocolatey dessert.