2016 Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (750ml)

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is the jewel of Zenato’s production. It is made from a selection of top grapes from Valpolicella Classica grown in Sant’Ambrogio township (Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, and Croatina).

"There’s something about the Zenato style that has always kept me gravitating toward the portfolio. The bigger wines are spicy and vibrant yet unmistakably Amarone, and the Ripasso (or as they call it, “Ripassa”) is almost always a standout and great value in its category. The Zenato winery is located in Sant'Ambrogio at their Costalunga estate within the Valpolicella Classica zone, where they sustainably tend to 35 hectares. Overall, the portfolio is traditional in style yet open-minded. Zenato uses natural air drying for the grapes (unless the vintage conditions threaten the health of the fruit), indigenous yeasts (unless alcohol levels begin to rise too high) and their own design of oval-shaped Slavonian oak casks, from 300 to 750 liters, for refinement of their Amarone, Amarone Riserva and Ripasso. This is a well-delineated portfolio that offers a little something for everyone and plays from strength to strength. Just as I mentioned the spicy vibrancy of the Amarone, the Riserva (an old-vines selection that spends an extra year in oak) communicates a darker, richer, softer, and, dare I say, old-school yet wonderfully enjoyable expression.

"Zesty, vibrant and exotic, the 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico makes a serious impression with its unique bouquet of dried roses, lime zest, cherry sauce, plums and a dusting of crushed violet candies. It’s silky and pliant in texture, motivated by juicy acids, with a mix of ripe strawberry, pomegranate and cranberry sauce, as balsamic spices and hints of almond come forward toward the close. There is so much going on here, as the 2016 resonates on wild berry fruit and sweet inner florals. This may be a more opulent expression of the vintage, but it’s built to last, and sure to win a lot of fans." 94 points - Eric Guido (Vinous, February 2021)