Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vigne Alte Zeni 2017
Dry Wine: Unlike sweet wines, Amarone is a dry wine, characterized by its rich ruby color, longevity, and hints of red fruit
The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vigne Alte Zeni 2017 – Amarone is a powerful, concentrated dry red that is properly made from grapes that have been dried in airy barns. The Zeni family makes a superb example with mature, complex flavours.
Bouquet: Stylish and elegant, it offers preserved fruit notes (think dried fruits in alcohol) alongside hints of cocoa and spices.
Palate: Overwhelmingly harmonious, warm, and lingering—a true delight for the senses.
Amarone isn’t made from a single grape variety. Instead, it’s a blend of indigenous red grapes, including Corvina (the signature grape), Corvinone, and Rondinella. These grapes thrive in Valpolicella and contribute distinct flavors. The selected grapes undergo a unique drying process called appassimento. They are carefully laid out to dry for three to four months, concentrating their sugars, flavors, and aromas. Dry Wine: Unlike sweet wines, Amarone is a dry wine, characterized by its rich ruby color, longevity, and hints of red fruit. The quality of grape skin plays a crucial role in its tannins, color, and flavor intensity
The family owned Zeni Winery is situated a stone’s throw away from Lake Garda just up above the picturesque town of Bardolino. They were established in 1870. Fausto, Elena and Federica run the business following in their father Gaetano ‘Nino’ Zeni’s footsteps. Ideally situated in the heart of the region they have the pick of the bunch from the long-term contract growers they deal with to help supplement their own production.
They now manage 25 hectares of vineyards. They export over 80% of their production all over Europe, the US and Canada. Their winery also doubles as the local Wine Museum of Bardolino, which makes for a fascinating contrast to the modern winery they use to produce the wines they sell.
Corvina
Corvina is a juicy red grape native to the Veneto region in northeast Italy. They are thin-skinned, highly acidic, and have low to medium tannins.
Corvina is a versatile grape, used to produce a range of wines such as
Valpolicella: Often blended with Rondinella and Molinara, creating light to medium-bodied wines with floral red fruits and savory cherry/plum notes.
Amarone: Corvina contributes to the bold, dry, and fruited character of Amarone.
Bardolino: A lesser-known region where Corvina is blended with other grapes, producing lighter profiles compared to Valpolicella wines.
- Contains Sulphites
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The Country
Italian wine, with its rich diversity and quality, is a reflection of the country’s deep-rooted wine culture and the varied terroirs that span from the Alpine slopes in the north to the sun-drenched islands in the south. Italy is renowned for being the world’s largest wine producer, offering an array of wines that are as diverse as its cuisine. From the robust and age-worthy Barolo and Barbaresco wines of Piedmont to the light and zesty Pinot Grigio of the Veneto region, Italian wines are made to complement a wide range of foods and occasions. The country’s winemaking history dates back thousands of years, influenced by ancient civilizations such as the Etruscans and Romans, and continues to evolve today. Each region boasts its own indigenous grape varieties, with over 350 officially recognized by the Italian government, contributing to the unique character and flavor profiles of Italian wines. Whether it’s a Chianti Classico enjoyed with pasta in a Tuscan villa or a crisp Prosecco toasting a special moment, Italian wines encapsulate the essence of la dolce vita—the sweet life
The Region
Veneto, located in the northeast corner of Italy, is a substantial wine region known for its diverse offering such
- Valpolicella: Fruity red wines dominate here, with Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes. Valpolicella rivals Tuscany’s Chianti in production volume
- Soave: This region produces the eponymous dry white wine, which has gained international fame.
- Prosecco: From Conegliano Valdobbiadene, Prosecco is a sparkling gem loved worldwide.
- Amarone della Valpolicella: Known for its full-bodied richness, Amarone is crafted using the unique appassimento process.
The Producer
The family owned Zeni Winery is situated a stone’s throw away from Lake Garda just up above the picturesque town of Bardolino. They were established in 1870. Fausto, Elena and Federica run the business following in their father Gaetano ‘Nino’ Zeni’s footsteps. Ideally situated in the heart of the region they have the pick of the bunch from the long-term contract growers they deal with to help supplement their own production.
They now manage 25 hectares of vineyards. They export over 80% of their production all over Europe, the US and Canada. Their winery also doubles as the local Wine Museum of Bardolino, which makes for a fascinating contrast to the modern winery they use to produce the wines they sell.
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