Zenato

An attractive fruity bouquet pampers the nose, fine and elegant. The flavour is rather delicate, soft and balanced with a beautiful final. SUPERIORE.DE

The extremely flavoursome rosé classic from Lake Garda: Chiaretto Bardolino is floral, sweet and nuanced in the glass, with notes of wild strawberries and candied citrus fruits. It is soft and supple, with a brilliant acidity that maintains balance and crisp red fruits that resonate beneath the rosy inner flowers. Lasts an impressively long time and remains completely refreshing. A subtle hint of minerality remains. Excellent as an aperitif and with light dishes as well as a summery accompaniment in the afternoon. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling salmon pink. Reminiscent of sour cherries and wild strawberries on the nose, with a subtle aftertaste of mint and ice candy. Full-bodied and creamy on the palate, with a rich fruit centre and floral hints." Falstaff

"Light salmon pink. Rosehip, red fruit, herbal notes, dried peach. Elderflower. Juicy on the palate, full of tension, fennel herb, delicate, the acidity is well integrated and leads the development. Has a bit of everything, suitably complex. Very well balanced." Vinum

"The 2023 Chiaretto has everything I expect from a rosé wine: bright fruit, tart acidity, a little zest and just enough complexity to beguile the senses if you choose to think rather than drink. A hint of freshly sliced peach lingers on the finish, bordered by a certain bitterness that keeps things in check. This wine is stylish and casual." Vinous

This Bardolino certainly cannot be denied its own personality. It caresses the nose with floral notes. The fruity flavour is fresh and palatable with a hint of Mediterranean scrub. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby, light red; vegetal-fruity, blossoms, inviting; juicy, crisp tartness, fruit, good length." (JLF) Merum

Colombara is a wonderful Soave from the single vineyard of the same name: bright straw yellow in colour, the elegant aroma is slightly sweet on the nose, then fruity, enriched with notes of toasted bread. On the palate, there are hints of acacia, followed by rich fruit flavours of peach, apple and pineapple. A well-balanced Soave Classico, soft and characterised by good freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light yellow; floral notes, fruity; juicy acidity, subtly fruity, roses, delicately tart, good length." (JLF) Merum

Some of the Alanera grapes are air-dried before fermentation using the appassimento method to promote the concentration of flavours. Dark ruby red in colour. On the nose, the aroma of dried and fresh cherries, with a hint of coffee and sweet tobacco. The palate is berry-fresh with a lovely acid wire and fine tannins. A full, round wine for many occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

"A well-balanced, medium-bodied version, with light, creamy tannins. A touch of plum skin acidity enlivens this red's flavors of black and red cherry, woodsy spices, dried thyme and smoke." Wine Spectator

"Crushed blackberries, sage, and hints of white smoke form a dusty bouquet as the 2021 Rosso Veronese Alanera opens in the glass. It is soothingly round and supple, with ripe red and blue fruits complicated by white pepper and saline minerals toward the close. Suggestions of tart cranberry and citrus mingle as the 2021 finishes with medium length and a gentle tug of fine tannin." Vinous

"Aromas of raspberries, game, licorice and smoke. Full-bodied with dense, silky tannins and crisp acidity. Savory, ripe fruit with a slightly cooked finish, otherwise enjoyable and easy to drink. Drink now." James Suckling

Santa Cristina Chardonnay has a colourful bouquet of aromas of dried quince, lemon, almond and minerals. The interesting flavour is well balanced and harmonious. A delicious wine with great drinkability. SUPERIORE.DE

With the Lugana San Benedetto, Zenato shows anew every year how delicious the white wines from Lake Garda can be. Crisp apples, pears, flowers and spices are just some of the notes that flow from this graceful, very pleasing white wine. The flavour is spicy, full and harmonious and the vibrant acidity blends freshly and well-balanced into the overall picture. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow colour. Fragrant nose of cut grass, white peach and green apple. Juicy on the palate, fresh pomaceous fruit and gooseberry, animating acidity, currently still a little young and ends delicately bitter." Falstaff

Brilliant ruby colour with a dense rim. Delicately scented with plum jam, cherry, black pepper, violets and gingerbread. Also soft on the palate, with notes of nuts, sultanas and lovely juicy fruit. A real flatterer, wonderfully balanced with great drinking flow, and one of our bestsellers for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Good Superiore. Polished and contemporary without quite hitting the sour, red-fruited notes of the better traditionalists. Shows dark fruit and reductive notes of violets and camphor, with well-managed tannins and oak." James Suckling

Bright ruby red, fine notes of cherries and chocolate on the nose and a delicate scent of spices. Balanced, fresh, crisp on the palate and with its fine spicy note a versatile food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

Elegant and extremely popular, full-bodied Spumante from Zenato, which confidently demonstrates what can be achieved from the terroir with its fragrant, fresh, soft and silky style. Aged on the lees for three years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling yellow-green colour, delicate perlage. Opens with notes of yeast biscuits, grapefruit and lemon in the background. Juicy and savoury on the palate, crisp citrus fruit, stimulating, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"An air of sweet smoke and spice mixes with crushed yellow apples and hints of cardamom as the 2020 Brut Metodo Classico Lugana evolves in the glass. This shows lovely balance as juicy acidity mixes with a fine bead of silken bubbles. Salty mineral tones contrast ripe pit fruits on the palate. It finishes on a savory note, leaving an air of custard and nuances of almond paste that linger." Vinous

The world-famous Valpolicella Superiore from Zenato, produced using the Ripasso method, is a rich wine with the best value. It is peppery, with earthy tones and gravel giving way to black cherries and savoury herbs. It reveals deep, silky textures balanced by vibrant acids, while ripe red and black fruits resonate under a hint of lavender. Zenato's Ripassa is concentrated and intense, but at the same time conveys elegance and leaves a fresh note of violet candy on the palate that lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"An aromatic, savory streak of tarry smoke and leather offers a subtle underpinning for the rich mesh of Amarena cherry, cured tobacco, licorice and warm spices on display in this harmonious red, with supple, well-knit tannins." Wine Spectator

"An excellent Ripasso. A full-bodied wine polished by a smooth veneer of winemaking. Liquorice root, violet, clove, sassafras and dark cherry accent the oak. The sweetness is in the cherry range, but the tannic clip ensures that it is not excessive. This is a wine for those who like power and polish." James Suckling

Sansonina (Lugana and Merlot) is a strictly limited and very ambitious project by the Zenato family, in which only the best grapes from their own vineyards are used. Only a small number of these are sold in numbered bottles each year.

This spontaneously fermented Lugana from the Sansonina winery is a masterpiece with a broad aroma of exotic fruits. In addition to the intense fruit, there is enough room on the palate for a fine minerality and freshness. It is undisputedly one of the most serious Lugana wines we know. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, light straw yellow colour. Shows some greenish notes of basil and marjoram on the nose, followed by green peach and yeast. Lots of juicy peach fruit on the palate, some apricot, nice bite on the final." Falstaff

Brilliant golden yellow colour. Complex notes of light peach, fresh pineapple and poached apricot on the nose. Rich and creamy on the palate with accents of smoke and toasted almonds. The finish is long-lasting, mineral and herb-accentuated. This very focussed and complex white paints a beautiful portrait of the refined side of the Trebbiano di Lugana grape, which is becoming increasingly popular. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright straw yellow with a golden centre. Complex nose with notes of pickled peach and camomile, delicate smoky notes in the background. Taut on the palate, ripe fruit and crisp acidity, unfortunately a noticeable use of wood on the final, still needs to age." Falstaff

"Aromas of toast and pineapple fruit. The attack is soft and smooth, with a silky texture, a glycerine layer, refreshing acidity and a light to medium body. Cedar that is lean on the finish. Drinkable now, but it has potential for aging." James Suckling

"Rich flavors of toasted hazelnut, patisserie apple and pear, lemon curd and vanilla are chiseled by well-honed acidity and a streak of salinity in this white, which shows focus and tension. Tightly meshed today, this will unfurl nicely with some bottle age or in the glass." Wine Spectator

Cresasso - an exquisite, single-varietal Corvina. Intense aromas of dark fruit, rose petals and spices. Rich, concentrated fruit on the palate, silky, with a remarkable inner sweetness. Distinctive and sensual. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of plum sauce and raspberry ripple across the palate, underscored by loamy earth and mineral accents in this medium-bodied red, which is firmed by lightly chewy tannins. A well-meshed version, with hints of warm spices, cocoa powder and medicinal herbs on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Dark and intense, the 2018 Corvina Veronese Cresasso smolders up with an array of crushed ashen stone, dried flowers, licorice and dusty black currants. It sweeps across the palate with textures of pure silk, elegant and refined, as a wave of polished red and black fruits washes across. A collection of crunchy minerals amasses toward the close. Violet inner florals and hints of lavender drive the finish, as a tinge of sour citrus adds contrast and sweet tannins resonate. I expect the 2018 Cresasso to enjoy a long and broad drinking window. Bravo." Vinous

Sansonina (Lugana and Merlot) is a strictly limited and very ambitious project by the Zenato family, in which only the best grapes from their own vineyards are used. Only a small number of these are sold in numbered bottles each year.

An almost textbook bouquet of a slightly mature Merlot with dark fruit depth and beautiful notes of graphite and flint. Warm and soft on the palate, yet powerful, very precise and dry, with plenty of dark cherries and a fine sweet spiciness. You can literally feel the Lake Garda climate in its fresh and extremely harmonious character and you can look forward to further years of ageing in the bottle! SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, bright ruby red colour. Forest berries, ripe raspberries, rose hip tea on the nose, with fine light spices, cold smoke and a milk chocolate aftertaste. Beautifully juicy on the palate, elegant on the tongue, precise, with a certain elegance, also slightly salty, good length, pleasant pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Lush blackberries, dark cherries, ground spices and hints of wet stones. Firm and textured, with a medium body and ripe, velvety tannins. It’s succulent with good fruit concentration in the middle and a lively aftertaste." James Suckling

A wine of remarkable aromatic complexity. Amarone aficionados know how many allusions these wines are capable of evoking, and it is not difficult to discern mushrooms, forest undergrowth, truffles, Havana leaves and even wild violets in this wine's aromatic profile, as well as the usual confit cherries and plums. In the mouth, the wine is remarkably concentrated yet elegant, carrying this bundle of allusions effortlessly and seamlessly through the palate. The fine pearly tannins give it support and the concentration of fruit is so great that the acidity almost fades into the background. A dense, polished and stately wine of the highest calibre. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, dark ruby red colour with a violet core. Very complex on the nose, dark cherry and plum, leather, cocoa and a hint of black tea, underlaid with bay leaf. Very dense and elegant on the palate with a great fruity centre and a beautiful melting texture, the tannins are grippy and end on a spicy note in the long final." Falstaff

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato 2018 takes the finesse and airy vigour of the vintage and combines it with the opulence of the Zenato style. Sweet spices, incense, sugared cherries, cloves and mint form a seductive bouquet. The character is surprisingly feminine and juicy, with a core of tart forest fruits complemented by a hint of cedar and rosy flowers that develop towards the end. The 2018 finishes savoury and long, with just a hint of fine tannins and a pleasantly acidic sensation that tickles the cheeks." Vinous

"Flavours of baked black cherries, macerated strawberries, singed orange peel and medicinal herbs are concentrated and expressive in this rich red wine, nicely tamed by fine-grained tannins and fresh plum skin acidity. Long and fragrant, with notes of dried flowers, spices, cocoa powder and more dried herbs on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Dense garnet red in colour, with a nose of walnut shells, roasted black pepper, sour cherries and ash. Soft and supple on the palate, with a full body and ripe, silky tannins balanced by zesty acidity. Beautiful fruit with a very long, nutty aftertaste. Very attractive." James Suckling

"Rich fruit flavours of black cherry jam, black berries, tobacco, mint. Rich, elegant, fine, very delicate tannins, intense and long final." Decanter

Cresasso - an exquisite, pure Corvina. Intense aromas of dark fruit, rose petals and spices. Rich, concentrated fruit on the palate, silky, with a remarkable inner sweetness. Distinctive and sensual. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried cherry, dried blueberries and spices with a smoky and meaty character, powerful with an intense finish and very pure." Decanter

"This wine showcases why Corvina is at the heart of so many red wines from the Veneto. It's densely concentrated, with aromas of black cherry and baked plums covered in sweet baking spices from the oak the wine is aged in. The wine is polished and elegant on the palate, with tannins that are firm but will soften with some time. The primary fruit will give way to more savory notes that are only just peeking their heads out currently." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine is full of spicy red and black fruits, almost exotic, with notes of fresh dates, passion fruit, raspberries and a hint of chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied with an ever more vibrant fruit that clings to the very fine and slightly firm tannins, resulting in a flawless finish with plenty of flavour and good length." James Suckling

"The 2017 Corvina Cresasso is aromatically stunning, with a captivating blend of raspberry and cherry sauce accompanied by a pinch of sweet spice and cocoa. This model of elegance rolls on silky waves of texture over a core of vibrant acidity, while masses of mineral-tinged red and blue fruits saturate the senses. The 2017 finishes structured and grippy with a primary concentration that lingers as tart red plums and rosy flowers slowly fade away. This single-varietal Corvina is fantastic, but it will need cellaring to show its best side." Vinous

Amarone Sergio Zenato Riserva - seductive complexity. Deep bouquet of black berries and cocoa, violets and lavender. The taste with aromas of cherries, blackberries and wild berries, in the long finish the invigorating fresh impressions of medicinal herbs. A noble wine of the upper class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, shiny ruby. Opened with slightly earthy notes, of porcini mushrooms and dried tomatoes, pickled cherries, chocolate. Dense and compact on the palate, opening with many layers of soft and dense tannin, dark berry fruit, in the finale to noble dark chocolate." Falstaff

"Dried thyme and rosemary are a fragrant entry point for this sleek, sculpted red, cloaking muscular tannins in a well-spiced robe of currant pâte de fruit, tarry mineral, fruit cake and rich hints of melted licorice and mocha." Wine Spectator

"This Amarone shows shaved-chocolate, dried-strawberry and burnt-orange undertones. Full-bodied, round and juicy. Soft tannins. Very intense and flavorful. A complex, layered riserva Amarone." James Suckling

Sansonina (Lugana and Merlot) is a strictly limited and very ambitious project by the Zenato family, in which only the best grapes from their own vineyards are used. Only a small number of these are sold in numbered bottles each year.

This spontaneously fermented Lugana from the Sansonina winery is a masterpiece with a broad aroma of exotic fruits. In addition to the intense fruit, there is enough room on the palate for a fine minerality and freshness. It is undisputedly one of the most serious Lugana wines we know. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, light straw yellow colour. Shows some greenish notes of basil and marjoram on the nose, followed by green peach and yeast. Lots of juicy peach fruit on the palate, some apricot, nice bite on the final." Falstaff

Amarone Sergio Zenato Riserva - seductive complexity. Deep bouquet of black berries and cocoa, violets and lavender. The taste with aromas of cherries, blackberries and wild berries, in the long finish the invigorating fresh impressions of medicinal herbs. A stately wine of the upper class. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a real palate pleaser with lush notes of black cherry coulis, raspberry ganache, strawberry jam, ground anise and espresso. Fine-grained tannins frame this lively, silky red, with notes of smoke, dried herbs and spices that linger on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato 2007 by Zenato is of great fascination. Truffles, tobacco, orange peel and incense give it exotic dimensions, nuances and complexity. The incredibly young 2007 will need at least a few years in the bottle, but it will always remain an opulent wine built on texture and volume. All the elements come together to create a remarkable wine that stands out for its purity and depth. This is a fabulous achievement by Zenato." VINOUS

"Tertiary aromas laden with mahogany, toasted chestnut, varnish and umami, like dried porcini rolled in coffee grind. A forceful thrust of fruit and parry of impeccably hewn tannins. An impressive wine that is as hedonistic as it is intellectual. The style is contextually dry, powerful and layered." James Suckling

The showpiece of the Zenato winery from the terrific year 2006 with a perfect balance between expressiveness, elegance and almost infinite length. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a real beauty, with huge intensity and loads of deep chocolate fudge, black cherry, cola, barbecue and black licorice flavors. It manages contrasting tones of sweet versus savory that pleasure the tastebuds. The palate is rich, smooth and superconcentrated." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato wraps around the palate with layers of mocha, espresso, Morello cherries, spices, mint and new leather. It is a wonderfully plush, expressive wine loaded with aromatic and flavor complexity. There is plenty of inner perfume and sweetness, but what impresses most is the wine's sense of structure and length. Darker notes flesh out on the finish adding a baritone register to the fruit that is highly appealing. This is a fabulous showing from Zenato." Wine Advocate

"Incredible nose of wet earth, spices, dark chocolate and blueberries. Stunning. Full body, with superfine tannins and polished texture. Balance and harmony. Better in three or four years." James Suckling

Cresasso - an exquisite, single-varietal Corvina. Intense aromas of dark fruit, rose petals and spices. Rich, concentrated fruit on the palate, silky, with a remarkable inner sweetness. Distinctive and sensual. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of plum sauce and raspberry ripple across the palate, underscored by loamy earth and mineral accents in this medium-bodied red, which is firmed by lightly chewy tannins. A well-meshed version, with hints of warm spices, cocoa powder and medicinal herbs on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Dark and intense, the 2018 Corvina Veronese Cresasso smolders up with an array of crushed ashen stone, dried flowers, licorice and dusty black currants. It sweeps across the palate with textures of pure silk, elegant and refined, as a wave of polished red and black fruits washes across. A collection of crunchy minerals amasses toward the close. Violet inner florals and hints of lavender drive the finish, as a tinge of sour citrus adds contrast and sweet tannins resonate. I expect the 2018 Cresasso to enjoy a long and broad drinking window. Bravo." Vinous

The heartfelt project "Archivio Storico Zenato" was brought to life by Nadia Zenato in order to pay special attention to the excellence of an entire region. Just 2,000 0.75-litre bottles and 400 magnums are sold in selected specialist shops.

The grapes for this jewel come from the oldest vines on the hills of Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella. During and after the harvest, a strict selection of the grapes takes place, then the grapes dry in small wooden boxes (fruttai) in well-ventilated rooms and are gently pressed after the appassimento process is finished. Fermentation takes place on the skins for about 20 days, after which the wine is aged for 10 years in a large Slavonian oak barrel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, dark ruby red. In the nose open-hearted and accessible, of cranberry jam, bright spicy notes, cloves, anise, then Amarena cherries, mint, a hint of prune, toasted walnut, complex and multilayered. On the palate juicy, dark fruit, then tightly woven, punchy tannin, with a slightly salty undertone, endlessly long." Falstaff

"A rich, harmonious red, offering a lovely, detailed range of baked cherry, toffee, dried lemon thyme, fig cake and toasted cardamom flavors, with a subtle smoky underpinning. Soft, citrus peel acidity and seamlessly integrated creamy tannins provide a fine, supple frame. This is aging gracefully." Wine Spectator

"The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Archivio Storico Zenato is available in numbered bottles (I tasted bottle 0237 of 2,500 made). The packaging is elegant, and the bottle is made with heavy glass. The contents are rich and almost overdone with spice, jammy ripe fruit and blackberry preserves. Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta and Croatina grapes are dried for 120 days. Despite the wine's large and heavy frame, it does carry itself with impressive elegance and grace." Wine Advocate

"This is an amazing Amarone with incredible aromas of dried fruit, raisins, chocolate and spice. Intense dried flowers. Fruit tea. Minerals. Full-bodied with a deep and rich finish. Juicy and chewy. Incredible structure. Dry finish. One to age for decades ahead in the cellar. Only 2,000 bottles made." James Suckling