Zenato

An attractive fruit bouquet spoils the nose, fine and elegant. On the palate rather delicate, soft and balanced with a beautiful final. SUPERIORE.DE

Light, sparkling white wine from the Trebbiano and Garganega grape varieties. Aromas reminiscent of pears, apples and herbs and the finely integrated acidity in the background give the Bianco di Custoza its light-hearted nature. SUPERIORE.DE

The extremely popular rosé classic from Lake Garda: cherry-red underlaid old pink colour, fresh on the nose of citrus and wild berries. Crisp and fresh on the palate, it is very suitable as an aperitif and with light meals as well as a summery companion in the afternoon. SUPERIORE.DE

Colombara is a beautiful Soave from the single vineyard of the same name: Bright straw yellow, the elegant bouquet is slightly sweet on the nose, then fruity, enriched with notes of toasted bread. On the palate, hints of acacia, followed by rich fruit of peach, apple and pineapple. A balanced Soave Classico, soft and carried by good freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

Part of the grapes of the Alanera are air-dried before fermentation in the appassimento process to promote the concentration of the aromas. Dark ruby red. On the nose, the scent of dried and fresh cherries, plus a little coffee and sweet tobacco. On the palate then berry-fresh with a nice acid wire and fine tannins. A full, round wine for many occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

"Loads of peppery and spicy, ripe cherry and berry character on the nose and palate. Hints of coffee and chocolate, too. Full to medium palate, where the spicy tannins push the fruit into a long finish. I like the full-throttle drive to this red. Will improve in the bottle." James Suckling

With the Lugana San Benedetto, Zenato shows every year anew how delicious the whites 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. On the palate, it is spicy, full and harmonious and the vibrant acidity blends freshly and well into the overall picture. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. In the nose nuances of banana and ripe stone fruit, then orange peel in the aftertaste, light muscat tone. On the palate fruity-sweet, balanced and elegant, with a persistent final." Falstaff

"Pure, mineral and incisive nose with limey, chalky character to the green-apple and citrus aromas. The palate is fresh and more supple, with a medium-to full-bodied frame to the generous citrus fruit. Zesty finish." James Suckling

Cormi, a blend of Corvina and Merlot, is a rich and engagingly soft wine. On the nose it shows floral and earthy notes, while the taste has an overwhelming fruitiness (berry aroma) and light spicy nuances. SUPERIORE.DE

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

A successful work from Zenato's Azienda Agricola Santa Cristina. Straw yellow with an expansive bouquet of flowers, honey and sweet spices and a full, fresh flavour that finishes with an elegant almond note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright but sparkling straw yellow. In the nose citrus notes, a hint of green apple and floral notes. Full-bodied and soft on the palate. Beautiful, mineral finish, carried by medium acidity." Falstaff

Zenato's world-famous Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore is a rich wine with the best value. Diverse aromas of dark fruits, coffee, liquorice and spices. Harmonious, long and round. A juicy blockbuster and on everyone's lips! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Ripassa is peppery with earth tones and crushed stone giving way to black cherries and savory herbs. There are depths of silken textures here offset by brisk acids, as ripe red and black fruits resonate under an air of lavender. This is so concentrated and intense, yet communicating elegance, while leaving the palate fresh with hints of violet candies that linger. The 2018 will need a short stay in the cellar to develop its aromatics. Well done." Vinous

"A rather deep nose, with a mineral twist jumping out from the black chocolate and tarry blackberries. Quite juicy on the medium-to full-bodied palate, rounded by firm and resolved tannins. Attractive freshness to the dark-berry fruit in the finish." 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

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

"A fresh, medium-bodied white with aromas of sliced apples, white flowers, white apricots and lemons. Very clean and pure, with a juicy finish." James Suckling

Elegant and extremely popular, full-bodied spumante from Zenato that confidently demonstrates what can be extracted from the terroir with its fragrant, fresh, soft and silky style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with fine, numerous perlage. Brioche and yeast pastry on the nose followed by ripe fruit and nutmeg. Full mouthfeel on the palate with fruity notes of stone fruit and exotic fruits with well-integrated acidity and a lingering finish." Falstaff

"A frothy and intense Spumante with brioche, cherries, some light plums and chalk that extend to the creamy palate, with a persistent mousse that carries the flavors well, from the entry to the finish. Rather dry and nicely austere." James Suckling

"White spring flower and white stone fruit aromas come to the forefront along with pastry cream notes. On the savory, tangy palate, a refined, continuous perlage accompanies creamy white peach, unsweetened lemon drop candy and a dollop of vanilla. Crisp acidity keeps it energized and focused." Wine Enthusiast

Brilliant golden yellow. On the nose, complex notes of light peach, fresh pineapple and poached apricot. On the palate, rich, creamy with accents of smoke and toasted almonds. The finish is long, mineral and herbal. This very focused white paints a pretty portrait of the refined side of the Trebbiano di Lugana grape, which is growing in popularity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light golden yellow. Elegant nose, shows notes of ripe peach and citrus fruits, then spicy vanilla nuances from the wood ageing, noble hazelnut. Melting and mouth-filling on the palate, juicy with well-integrated acidity, nice draw and fine fruity final, long and elegant." Falstaff

"Founded by Sergio Zenato in 1960, production is divided between Valpolicella and Lugana, where the family owns vines in some of the top sites of Peschiera. This is a single-vineyard selection, about two-thirds aged in mixed barrels. The excellent 2019 has late-harvest fruit with vanilla and milky almonds on the nose, a palate with a fleshy, low-yield concentration and a minerally, intense finish." Decanter

"Ripe, with almost a bit of honeyed citrus here, together with almond pie and a mineral punch. Very bright, round and flavorful, while remaining reserved and subtle. Mineral and taut finish with a fine twist of spice and cream." James Suckling

Cresasso - an exquisite, single-varietal Corvina. Intensely scented with dark fruits, rose petals and spices. A rich, concentrated fruit on the palate, silky, with remarkable inner sweetness. Striking and sensual. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fragrant nose of crushed dark raspberries, ripe blackcurrants, dark chocolate crust, cherry liquor and hints of dates and sweet spices. Full-bodied with velvety tannins, creating a smooth, flavorful palate that’s full of cocoa powder. Nice twist of bittersweet character to the finish." James Suckling

"The 2016 Corvina Cresasso is spicy and floral, with sugar-dusted cherries and red currant giving way to dried roses. This is undeniably elegant and opulent in feel, with ultra-ripe red and blue fruits motivated by juicy acidity. It tapers off lightly structured and saturating, drenching with concentration, yet with the acidity to keep the mouth watering. This is some serious juice, yet it’s powerful and lightly structured." Vinous

Zenato's Amarone is all about elegance, with ripe fruit at the centre of the inviting bouquet with light tones of aromatic herbs. Powerful, sparkling ruby. Very appealing and complex nose of plum, black cherry and a hint of leather. The palate shows its overripe power, a fine tannin and the warm, expansive taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich ruby red. Beautiful nose of candied citrus fruits, blood orange, also slightly of dried grapefruit, then cherries, roses, then again raspberry syrup and wild strawberries in the finish. On the palate compact and with a great melting, shows itself complex and yet accessible, juicy tannin envelops the clear fruit, very long final." Falstaff

"The 2018 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Ripassa is peppery with earth tones and crushed stone giving way to black cherries and savory herbs. There are depths of silken textures here offset by brisk acids, as ripe red and black fruits resonate under an air of lavender. This is so concentrated and intense, yet communicating elegance, while leaving the palate fresh with hints of violet candies that linger. The 2018 will need a short stay in the cellar to develop its aromatics. Well done." Vinous

"Complex and deep nose with blackberries and subtle black dates, Chinese herbal medicine, porcini, chili chocolate and cocoa beans. Classic Amarone palate with an excellent balance between juicy freshness and dried fruit. Outstanding tannin quality here, with lots of resolve and finesse. Long and rather subtle, too. Textbook reference for quality Amarone today, with some modern drinkability despite the 16.5% alcohol. Delicious now, but better to hold for extra complexity." James Suckling

"A potent wine with a big, fiery personality with great impact. A lighter, perfumed, violet-accented aroma opens to reveal intense black and red fruit flavours with a delightful touch of herbal complexity on the edges. The tannins are firm, but the concentration gives promise for further aging." Decanter

Sansonina is a strictly limited and very ambitious project of the Zenato family, using only the best grapes from their own vineyards. Only a small amount of it reaches the specialist trade each year in numbered bottles.

A textbook-like bouquet of a slightly mature Merlot with dark fruit depth and beautiful notes of graphite and flint. Warm and soft on the palate, yet punchy, very precise and dry, at the same time showing lots 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 be very curious about further years of bottle ageing! SUPERIORE.DE

"Exquisite aromas and flavors of black cherries, violets, chili chocolate and rosemary-like herbs. Full and very silky with well-integrated, chocolate-coated tannins, carrying a hint of balsamic, too. Long, delicious finish. So well balanced and refined. Complex." James Suckling

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

"Powerful, bright ruby. Opens on the nose with notes of spicy honey and pine needles, then lots of dark cherry, seems very fresh. On the palate grippy, gripping tannin, coated with sweet fruit, firm pressure, still needs ageing." Falstaff

"Violet, mature black-skinned fruit and new leather are some of the aromas you get on this big, bold red. Powerfully structured, the full-bodied palate features steeped prune, fruitcake and licorice framed in tightly knit, velvety tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Packaged in a pretty brown label, the Zenato 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato is very ripe and open with aged aromas of tarry smoke and baked fruit. This inky dark wine feels evolved and further down its evolutionary track than it should be. The 2015 vintage was hot and dry leading up to the appassimento process." Robert Parker

"This red is full-bodied yet bright and graceful, offering a rich range of baked black cherry, fragrant herb, dried fig and smoky mineral flavors, with lively acidity and sleek tannins providing a well-defined frame. Well-spiced and citrusy on the chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"Hand-graded grapes were left to dry for around four months, then fermented 15-20 days on the skins, the wine maturing for at least four years in large oak vessels before another year of ageing in bottle. Dense ruby in colour, this shows an impressively defined sense of terroir with its bright red-cherry fruit and black pepper – typical of Sant’Ambrogio Valpolicella – then the depth of dark chocolate, dried prunes and figs. Creaminess prevails on the off-dry (6g/L) palate, with elegant velvety tannins, refreshing high acidity and the final grip possibly from the Oseleta. A top example from the Classico area, this is a great example to pair with boiled meats and Italian mustard." Decanter

"The 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato is a massive and towering expression that straddles both savory and sweet with a heady display of plum sauce and crushed raspberries complemented by mentholated herbs, licorice and balsamic spice. There are depths of fresh red and black fruits that gain a polished feel as they coast across velvety textures, while vibrant acidity adds verve, further contrasted by a bitter twang of baker’s chocolate. There’s so much going on here that you hardly notice the 2015’s formidable structure up until the very end, where hints of cumin and ginger linger under an air of violet florals. I believe this opulent beauty deserves an official “Wow.” Drink the 2015 now for its primal intensity and extroverted fruit, or put it away for upwards of a decade. It’s a gorgeous Amarone Riserva." Vinous

"An Amarone for the future with terrific richness and tannin power, offering dried fruit, figs, blackberries, bark, mushrooms and hints of wood. Full-bodied and very structured with a powerful finish. It needs a lot of time to come around." James Suckling

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

"Dark purple. A pleasant bouquet with notes of blackberry jam, cocoa and herbs; juicy in the mouth, the tannins fine-grained and well integrated, pleasant, smooth finish to notes of cherry confit and vanilla. Very well done." Vinum

"An inky red, full-bodied and finely knit, layering lightly dusty, supple tannins with notes of black cherry coulis, date fruit, balsamic and iron. Long and silky on the palate, with the tannins emerging to firm the spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"This is a huge and impressive wine, but somehow graceful and subtle. It packs an eclectic array of brambleberry compote, violet essence, eucalyptus, oyster shell, pure iodine, vanilla, resin, tar, cassis, plum liqueur and hot stones. You can only stand back in awe as one shade of fruit appears after the next and a barrage of tannin coats your mouth. Yet, this is gentle, agile and flowing. Nevertheless, its main attraction remains its unashamed, monumental power and muscularity. A haunting wine that sends chills down your spine. An epoch-defining wine for Veneto that harks back to the legends of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Perhaps the best Amarone ever made. Impossible to resist now, but better in 2022." James Suckling

Cresasso - an exquisite, single-varietal Corvina. Intensely scented with dark fruits, rose petals and spices. A rich, concentrated fruit on the palate, silky, with remarkable inner sweetness. Striking and sensual. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fragrant nose of crushed dark raspberries, ripe blackcurrants, dark chocolate crust, cherry liquor and hints of dates and sweet spices. Full-bodied with velvety tannins, creating a smooth, flavorful palate that’s full of cocoa powder. Nice twist of bittersweet character to the finish." James Suckling

"The 2016 Corvina Cresasso is spicy and floral, with sugar-dusted cherries and red currant giving way to dried roses. This is undeniably elegant and opulent in feel, with ultra-ripe red and blue fruits motivated by juicy acidity. It tapers off lightly structured and saturating, drenching with concentration, yet with the acidity to keep the mouth watering. This is some serious juice, yet it’s powerful and lightly structured." 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

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

"Mouthwatering, with lush notes of black cherry coulis, raspberry ganache, strawberry preserves, ground anise and espresso. Fine-grained tannins frame this vibrant, silky red, with smoke, dried herb and spice notes echoing on the lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Blam. Loads of dark fruits, spices and shaved chocolate here. Turns minerally and pretty. Full body with soft and silky tannins and lots of spicy, dried fruit character. Balanced and very pretty. So delicious now but will improve with age." James Suckling

"Zenato's 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato is deeply intriguing. Truffles, tobacco, orange peel and incense all lend exotic dimensions of nuance and complexity. Impossibly young the 2007 is going to require at least a few years in bottle, but it will always remain an opulent wine built on texture and volume. All the elements fall into place in a striking wine endowed with gorgeous purity and depth. This is a fabulous showing from Zenato." Antonio Galloni

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." Robert Parker

"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

Deep bouquet of black berries and cocoa, violets and lavender. On the palate flavours 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

"Radiant, dark ruby red. In the nose a beautiful spectrum of aromas, finely balanced between fruit and spice, plum, cherry, cinnamon, roasted hazelnut, noble wood. On the palate wonderfully dense and polished, compact, very juicy and with elegant pressure, spans a finesse-rich arc, harmonious in approach and course until the long final." Falstaff

"The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato takes its time opening in the glass, dark and floral with a grumbling of exotic spices, dark chocolate and, with time, rosy red berries. It’s velvety-smooth and opulent in style, powerful yet soft and enveloping with masses of medicinal berries and exotic spice, dark chocolate and balsam herbs. It leaves a coating of grippy tannins through the heady finale, and yet, the expression remains remarkably fresh. Be aware that this is a richer and riper style of Amarone; but that said, it’s done remarkably well." Vinous

"This graceful, medium- to full-bodied red is finely knit and harmonious, with a pleasing juiciness to the flavors of black cherry and black plum reduction, sandalwood, citrus and brambly herbs. Shows supple, well-meshed tannins, which emerge on the lingering, spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"This remarkable Amarone won the very highest acclaim from its original judging panel and then sailed through every subsequent judging stage, to the extent that its appearance in our Best In Show collection was never seriously in doubt. It’s already over five years old, but is still very dark in the glass - and it's a wine of remarkable aromatic complexity, too. Amarone-lovers will know just how many allusions these wines are capable of evoking, and it’s not hard to make out mushrooms, forest underbrush, truffle, Havana leaf and even woodland violets as well as the more usual confit cherries and plums in this wine’s aromatic profile. In the mouth, the wine is remarkably concentrated yet elegant, carrying that bundle of allusions effortlessly and seamlessly through the palate. Fine-beaded tannins lend support, and the concentration of fruit is such that any overt acidity is almost an afterthought." Decanter

"Unfathomable depth and complexity here, with roasted dark licorice, blackberries, tar, porcini, mussels and black chocolate. A light hint of balsamic adds a savory edge, too. The seamless tannins build up gradually on the full-bodied palate. Great balance of ripeness, concentration and freshness, with a lasting finish. Drinkable now, but much better after 2025." James Suckling