Zenato’s Alanera Rosso Veronese IGT 2018 received 93 points from James Suckling
The wine Alanera Rosso Veronese IGT 2018 from Zenato Azienda Vitivinicola recently received 93 points from James Suckling:
Alanera is a tribute to Sergio Zenatos legacy of bringing understanding, wisdom and rigorous work to viticulture in Valpolicella. Alanera’s fruit hails from the Costalunga vineyard. The site’s landscape is remarkable as it overlooks the city of Verona, while partly hugging Lake Garda and being seemingly embraced by the impressive Monte Baldo and Lessinian mountain ranges.
Alanera’s Three Swallows serve as symbol to these landscape elements as well to its trio of native grapes: Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone.
Tasting note:
“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.”
The wine and it’s making – what’s old is new again
By perfecting the appassimento winemaking process for generations, the Zenato family demonstrates its talent for making an ancient process new again.
Grape-drying comes naturally here, and in typical Veronese style, the appassimento process of partially drying grapes, prior to fermentations achieves the desired effect of concentrating flavors and aromas.
Alanera (“black wing”) takes its inspiration from the Veneto’s core red fine wine variety – Corvina- meaning little raven and known for its dark coloration.
Alanera calls the grapes to the stage, each bringing individual character, so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Corvina boasts its beguiling cherry scents while Corvinone offers deeper colour and acidity, while Rondinella playing along with its partners to underscore the distinct cherre fruit profile.
Food pairing:
This wine perfectly combines with braised or roasted red meats, but also with game, robust ragus and aged Italian cheeses.
Click on ‘Alanera’ for the factsheet with more detailed information about this fabulous red wine.
Previously awarded vintages:
- 2015: James Suckling: 93 Points
- 2015: MundusVini – Spring tasting: Gold Medal
- 2012: MundusVini: 84 Points
- 2012: Robert Parker: 90 Point