2018 Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato

The 2017 Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato is the flagship wine of one of Veneto’s most respected producers – a powerful, ageworthy Amarone crafted only in exceptional vintages. Made from rigorously selected, hand-harvested grapes that are dried for months before vinification, it delivers remarkable concentration, depth and elegance. Named in honor of founder Sergio Zenato, this Riserva represents the pinnacle of the estate’s work in Valpolicella Classico and stands as a benchmark for traditional Amarone.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Sergio Zenato Riserva shows a deep, dense ruby-red color with garnet reflections at the rim, a visual clue to both its richness and its long aging. The nose is intense and layered, opening with ripe wild cherries, black plums and dried figs, followed by notes of dark chocolate, espresso, sweet tobacco and aromatic herbs, with a subtle hint of baking spice and dried rose. On the palate, this Amarone is full-bodied, warm and enveloping, yet finely balanced by lively acidity and firm, velvety tannins. Flavors of macerated cherries, blackberry compote and prune intertwine with cocoa, licorice, cedar and a touch of balsamic herbs. The finish is long, persistent and savory-sweet, with lingering notes of dark fruit and chocolate. Already complex and inviting, it has excellent aging potential: 10–20+ years from vintage in a good cellar, during which it will gain even more tertiary notes of leather, truffle and dried flowers while further integrating its structure.

Production
The grapes for this Riserva come from Zenato’s best vineyards in the historic Valpolicella Classico zone, where hillside sites with calcareous and clay-limestone soils, good drainage and optimal sun exposure give naturally low yields and concentrated fruit. Only the ripest, healthiest bunches of mainly Corvina, complemented by Rondinella and a touch of Sangiovese, are hand-harvested and carefully selected. The grapes are then laid out to dry using the traditional appassimento method for several months, allowing water to evaporate and sugars and flavors to concentrate. After a slow, temperature-controlled fermentation of these semi-dried grapes, the wine matures for around four years in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by an additional 12 months of bottle aging before release, ensuring depth, harmony and complexity.

Food & Serving
This is a natural partner for rich, hearty dishes and contemplative drinking. Serve alongside grilled or roasted red meats (especially Fiorentina steak), braised beef, game, lamb shanks and slow-cooked stews, or match it with aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano or mature pecorino. It also works beautifully with dishes that feature truffles, mushrooms or dark chocolate accents. Serve at around 18 °C (64–66 °F) and decant 1–2 hours before serving to allow the wine to open fully and reveal its aromatic depth and textural finesse.

Producer
Zenato was founded in 1960 by Sergio Zenato on the shores of Lake Garda, driven by his vision to elevate the native grape varieties of Veneto through meticulous vineyard work and modern yet respectful winemaking. What began as a small family project has grown into one of the region’s most recognized and respected estates, with a strong presence not only in Valpolicella but also in Lugana. Today, Sergio’s wife Carla and their children Alberto and Nadia continue his legacy, crafting wines that are exported to more than 60 countries and consistently earn critical acclaim. The Sergio Zenato Amarone Riserva stands as a tribute to the founder and a flagship wine that underscores Zenato’s importance as a reference producer for Amarone della Valpolicella Classico.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.