Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2020

Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2020 is a powerful, richly textured red from the heart of Valpolicella’s historic hillsides in Veneto. Crafted from carefully selected grapes that are partially dried before pressing, it delivers the depth and intensity that have made Amarone one of Italy’s most revered wines. This cuvée captures Zenato’s hallmark style: generous, polished and deeply rooted in local tradition.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Amarone shows a deep, garnet-ruby color with a dark, almost opaque core. The nose is immediately inviting, layered with ripe black cherry, dried plum and blackberry compote, intertwined with notes of fig, raisin, and sweet spices such as cinnamon and clove. Hints of cocoa, licorice, tobacco leaf and a touch of balsamic and dried herbs add complexity as it opens. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with the richness you expect from Amarone balanced by a vibrant line of acidity. Flavors of dark cherry, blackcurrant and stewed berries are wrapped in notes of dark chocolate, espresso, vanilla and a subtle savory, earthy undertone from the Corvina-led blend. The tannins are firm yet polished, giving structure without harshness. While already approachable in its youth, 2020 has the concentration and balance to evolve gracefully for 10–15 years or more, gaining further complexity, softness and tertiary notes of leather, truffle and dried fruit.

Production
The grapes for Zenato Amarone Classico 2020 come from the estate’s best sites in the Classico zone of Valpolicella, an area characterized by rolling hills, well-drained limestone and clay soils, and a mild climate influenced by nearby Lake Garda. Corvina, Rondinella, Croatina and Oseleta are all hand-harvested with meticulous selection in the vineyard. After picking, the bunches rest in small crates in traditional drying lofts, where they undergo the appassimento process—slowly losing water and concentrating sugars, aromas and flavors. Once the desired level of dehydration is reached, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented at controlled temperatures, followed by extended maturation in wood (typically large Slavonian oak and/or barriques) to integrate tannins, build texture and develop complexity before bottling.

Food & Serving
This Amarone is a superb match for rich, hearty dishes such as braised beef, osso buco, slow-cooked lamb, game (venison, wild boar) and aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano. It also pairs beautifully with truffle dishes, mushroom risotto and deeply flavored stews, and can be enjoyed on its own as a contemplative ‘vino da meditazione’. Serve at 18–20°C (64–68°F); decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended for the 2020 vintage to allow the wine to fully open and reveal its aromatic depth and silky texture.

Producer
Founded in 1960 by Sergio Zenato, the Zenato winery is one of the key names that helped elevate the reputation of Valpolicella and Lugana wines on the international stage. Based in San Benedetto di Lugana, the family-run estate manages prime vineyards around Lake Garda and in the Valpolicella Classico zone, combining meticulous vineyard work with carefully controlled, modern vinification. Zenato’s Amarone has long been a benchmark for the style, known for its consistency, richness and age-worthiness, and the estate has earned numerous accolades and high scores from leading wine critics and publications, reinforcing its status as a reference producer in Veneto.

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