Vintage’s update Zenato

Vintage’s update Zenato:

Valpolicella Superiore 2022 and Ripassa 2021 are available.

Made from vineyards in Valpolicella, this wine has an impressive lingering finish with rich flavor.

The blend is 85% Corvina Veronese, 10% Rondinella, and 5% Corvinone.

On the nose, it delivers delicate hints of almond and violet.

On the palate, it’s dry and smooth with good structure and wonderfully robust notes of cherry and prune.

As soon as the dried grapes for the winery’s Amarone have completed fermentation, a top selection of Valpolicella grapes “passes over” (ripassa) the Amarone pomace, thus resulting in a second brief fermentation.

This helps to obtain higher alcohol content, deeper color, and rich flavor and aroma. Af-ter aging in French tonneaux for 18-20 months, the wine is cellared for another 6 months in bottle before release.

The process makes for a refined and concentrated wine, extremely smooth and vel-vety, with vibrant red fruit aromas.

On the palate, it delivers fruity notes and elegant tannin with hints of chocolate and spice. Ripassa has played a highly important role in the Zenato winery’s evolution over the years.

Zenato. The soul of Lugana and the Heart of Valpolicella.

Two faces: One white, the other red, both emblems of high-quality wines that are born through a visceral passion for the land, through respect for time, through a family tradition that has championed local grape varieties for 60 years.

The Story
Zenato: the story of a family that firmly planted its roots in the land. It was made possible thanks to the passion and entrepreneurial vision of the estate’s founder, Sergio, who managed to fulfill his greatest dream: to create a winery capable of harvesting the fruits of the earth and transform them into emotions with matchless flavor.

Today, more than 60 years later, the results are testament to his extraordinary vision. A wonderful story took shape thanks to his vision and today its star is his family: Wife Carla and children Alberto and Nadia.
Their eyes and their heart continue down the path that Sergio laid out with great clarity as he steadied the course toward quality and love for their land. Over time, that land wasn’t just Lugana but also Valpolicella, with its celebrated red wines and their matchless aromas.

Valpolicella
 Taking over the Costalunga estate, in the heart of Valpolicella Classica, Sergio Zenato wanted to measure himself in a new venture, after making the most out of his Lugana vineyards: to make it a model vineyard, beautiful to look at, cared for in every detail, in which to apply modern agronomic techniques and at the same time resume the traditional methods that had defined the Valpolicella landscape.

In a thorough manner, Sergio Zenato drew the distribution on the land of the vines selected for the production of the different wines, going so far as to indicate the direction of the rows so that the vines could receive maximum benefits from the sun. He took special care to make the soil work well to achieve a dry and permeable soil without water retention.

A passionate dedication that we read in the construction of the characteristic dry-stone walls, at first sight elegant support structures, in actual fact an efficient containment system that guarantees the vine the three fundamental elements it needs: the warmth of the sun and the ventilation of air and water thanks to the gaps existing between the stones of the walls and the flaky crumbles of the subsurface.

Lugana
lugana territorio zenato

In the flash of an eye and the wonder of Lake Garda is all there: in the beauty of the landscape; in the naturalist, historic, and artistic value of the land; in the mild climate.

 

The secret of Trebbiano di Lugana, a native grape variety planted on the southern banks of Lake Garda, is hidden in its origins.

With the backdrop of this pristine setting, the gates of the Santa Cristina estate open up on to a broad road with elegant red rose bushes on either side. They are the silent sentinels to whom the Zenato family has entrusted their rows of vines.

All of the incredible things that have happened in this little corner of the world are thanks to the extraordinary intuition and entrepreneurial power of a grape grower who was in love with his land and absolutely convinced of the quality of the wines that only this land could produce. It all began with a white wine, Lugana: Sergio Zenato’s Challenge and Dream since the 1960s.

More info? Check their www

Cala Silente: the essence of Sardinian Vermentino

Cala Silente: the essence of Sardinian Vermentino

Cala Silente: The Essence of Sardinian Vermentino

Cala Silente is a distinguished white wine from Sardinia, Italy. It is crafted by the renowned Cantina Santadi winery. This wine is a 100% Vermentino di Sardegna DOC. It truly showcases the potential of Sardinia’s signature white grape. Its taste captures the unique spirit of its Mediterranean origin.

From the Heart of Sulcis, Sardinia

Cantina Santadi is located in the Sulcis district of southwestern Sardinia. The winery was founded in 1960 in the town of Santadi. In 2025, it proudly marks its 65th anniversary. The cooperative is a standard-bearer for quality Sardinian wine.

Unique terroir:  Their Cala Silente (“Silent Cove”) perfectly expresses this unique terroir. Vineyards in Sulcis benefit from a coastal climate. Summers are warm and dry, while winters remain mild.

The grapes grow in sandy and clay-loam soils. This specific soil composition gives the wine its distinct character.

Cala Silente: the essence of Sardinian Vermentino
Cala Silente: the essence of Sardinian Vermentino

Winemaking Process

The winemaking for Cala Silente is meticulous. The grapes are carefully selected Vermentino. They are harvested in early September in Sardinia. The grapes undergo a gentle pressing. Fermentation happens in cool stainless steel tanks. This process preserves the wine’s delicate fruit aromas. The wine then ages on its lees. This technique adds complexity, structure, and a richer mouthfeel.

Tasting Profile

-Appearance: Cala Silente shows a brilliant straw yellow color. It has subtle greenish-gold reflections.

-Aroma: The nose is intense and inviting. It offers a bouquet of fresh fruit aromas. You will notice crisp green apple, ripe peach, and zesty citrus. Hints of flowers and Sardinian minerality complete the scent.

Palate: The palate is both elegant and full-bodied. It balances fresh acidity with a pleasing roundness. Flavors of stone fruit and citrus carry through. A characteristic saline note points to its coastal Sardinian origin. The finish is long, persistent, and refreshing.

Food Pairing Suggestions:  Cala Silente is a versatile wine for food pairing. Its crispness is perfect for rich seafood and shellfish. This makes it a classic pairing choice. The wine also complements flavorful white meats and poultry. Try it with pasta dishes using vegetable or light cream sauces. For a true taste of Sardinia, pair it with local food. Enjoy it with Sardinian specialties like fregola with clams or grilled sea bass.

Cala Silente: the essence of Sardinian Vermentino

The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is a prestigious international competition, established in 1994, known for its rigorous standards and commitment to identifying the world’s finest wines and spirits. Split into various sessions and selections throughout the year, it evaluates over 15,000 entries annually. An exclusively professional tasting panel ensures a blind tasting process focused solely on quality, making the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles a globally recognized benchmark for excellence in wine and spirits. 

Italy delivered an exceptional performance during the 32nd edition of the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. With a total of 351 awards, the country confirmed its top position in the wine world. The Italian wines were decorated with 15 Grand Gold Medals, 132 Gold Medals, and 204 Silver Medals.

This year, the competition for red and white wines took place from June 10 to 12, 2025, in Yinchuan, the heart of China’s Ningxia wine region. An international jury of 375 experts blind-tasted over 7,165 wines. These wines came from 49 different countries, highlighting the global scale of the event.

The Cala Silente 2024 from Cantina di Santadi got a gold medal at this competition.

For more information about the winery, take a look at their website:

Gold for Masottina

Masottina awards
Masottina awards

EnoConegliano Wine Competition

Masottina received one gold and 2 bronze awards by the EnoConegliano wine competition that celebrates the wine-winery excellence of the Veneto territory.

The competition is organized by the “Associazione Dama Castellana di Conegliano”. The judging takes place in Conegliano, a city renowned as one of the capitals of Prosecco production.

EnoConegliano is a prestigious regional wine competition focused on selecting the best wines from the Veneto region of Italy. It is an officially recognized competition, authorized by the Italian Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies, which marks it as a significant and official event in the Italian wine industry.

Masottina award

Purpose of the Competition

The main objective of the competition is twofold:

  1. Promotion: To highlight the finest wines of the Veneto region to consumers, both nationally and internationally.
  2. Quality Improvement: To encourage wine producers to continuously enhance the quality of their products.

Which Wines Can Participate?

Only wines with an official designation of origin from the Veneto region are eligible to enter. These include:

*DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)

*DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)

*IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)

*Quality Sparkling Wines

VIAVENTI PROSECCO EXTRA BRUT DOC TREVISO

This wine comes from a single vineyard at Gorgo al Monticano, on the historic estate of the Dal Bianco family, where business began in 1946. A dry wine with a clear, lingering finish whose amazing elegance reveals an intriguing structure. It is made of grapes selected on the vine and in the winery, white vinified by the gravity method.

AI PALAZZI CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Often used with Merlot to subdue its softness, this version is vinified as a single variety to highlight its distinctive characteristics and to pay homage to Veneto’s oenological tradition, of which it has always been a part.

Extremely drinkable and fresh, its lush tannins entice into another sip.

Matures for at least 18 months, partly in Slavonian oak barrels and partly in French barriques that infuse pleasant hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

VIAVENTI PROSECCO ROSÉ BRUT DOC TREVISO

This wine blends the elegance of Pinot Noir and the versatility of Glera. The Glera grapes are white vinified, and the Pinot Noir red vinified, after brief pre-fermentation maceration of 24 – 36 hours. The two base wines are then blended before prise de mousse, which takes place on selected yeasts for at least ninety days. The wine ages in bottle for a month before distribution.

Story: Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Veneto region, Masottina represents a story of family passion, a deep connection to the land, and an unwavering commitment to quality in the world of Prosecco. For over seven decades, the Dal Bianco family has been the driving force behind this esteemed winery, transforming a modest post-war estate into an internationally recognized symbol of Italian sparkling wine excellence.

Ai Palazzi Estate: The winery’s origins trace back to 1946 when patriarch Epifanio Dal Bianco acquired the Ai Palazzi estate in Gorgo al Monticano. It was during the restoration of the farmhouse that a hidden inscription, “Casa Masottina,” was discovered, bestowing the burgeoning enterprise with its enduring name. From these humble beginnings, a legacy was born, one that would be meticulously nurtured by succeeding generations.

Unesco World Heritage: The family’s vision has led to the expansion of their vineyards to encompass nearly 300 hectares. These carefully tended plots are strategically located across the prestigious Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the fertile plains of the Piave River.

Rive di Ogliano: This deep-rooted connection to the territory is at the core of Masottina’s winemaking philosophy. The winery is particularly renowned for its work in the unique micro-terroir of the “Rive di Ogliano.” The term “Rive” designates wines crafted from grapes grown on the steepest, most challenging hillsides, a practice that yields fruit of exceptional character and complexity. Masottina’s “R.D.O.” collection, which has garnered international acclaim, is a testament to the family’s dedication to expressing the distinct soul of this special cru.

From the sun-drenched slopes of the Rive to the state-of-the-art cellar, Masottina is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

It is a wonderful story of a family’s enduring love for their land, their relentless pursuit of quality, and their desire to capture the essence of one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions in every bottle.

Gold for Grati’s Olive Oil

Gold for Grati's Olive Oil

Fratelli Grati's Olive Oil, honoured with a gold award

Fratelli Grati: A Family Tradition in the Heart of Tuscany

Nestled in the Tuscan countryside, this family-run estate is dedicated to producing exceptional wines and olive oil that honor their land and heritage.

Tuscan Wines, Rich in Character

From the historic estates—Galiga, Vetrice – they cultivate native grape varieties like Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo. Each bottle reflects their dedication to quality, expressing the vibrant terroir and timeless spirit of Chianti Rufina.

Award-Winning Olive Oil

Their extra virgin olive oil is a true taste of Tuscany: fruity, peppery, and beautifully balanced. Produced with a blend of tradition and innovation, it’s internationally celebrated for its purity and flavor—perfect for elevating any dish.

Oliviers & Co

Fratelli Grati’s extra virgin olive oil, crafted in the hills of Chianti Rufina, has earned international recognition for its purity and flavor. In France, it is proudly imported and distributed by Oliviers & Co, a renowned curator of the finest Mediterranean olive oils. Among their rigorous annual selection—where only a handful of oils are chosen from hundreds of artisanal producers—Grati’s olive oil stands out as one of the very best, celebrated for its vibrant character, impeccable freshness, and authentic Tuscan soul.

Global Recognition at the NYIOOC

Fratelli Grati’s extra virgin olive oil was honored at the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, the most prestigious international contest dedicated to olive oil quality. Held annually in New York, the NYIOOC brings together producers from over 30 countries, with thousands of entries judged by a panel of expert tasters. In the 2025 edition, Grati’s olive oil stood out among hundreds of submissions, earning a Gold Award for its exceptional flavor, purity, and craftsmanship. 

Why is the NYIOOC an important recognition?

The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is the most prestigious international competition for olive oil quality, where thousands of entries from over 30 countries are judged. Winning a Gold Award here places Fratelli Grati among the world’s elite olive oil producers!

What makes Fratelli Grati olive oil so special?

The oil is celebrated for its pure taste, vibrant character, impeccable freshness, and authentic Tuscan soul, derived from the traditional olive varieties Frantoio, Moraiolo, and Pendolino.”

For more information about Grati, their wines, olive oil and events they organize, take a look at their Facebook page or at the website: 

Masottina’s award winning Prosecco

Masottina R.D.O. Levante

Masottina’s flagship Prosecco, the R.D.O. Levante 2024, has been honored with the prestigious Corona award by the ViniBuoni d’Italia 2026 guide.
Recognized as one of the best Italian sparkling wines after a tasting of over 30,000 entries, this Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG has also secured a coveted spot in the national TOP 300 finals.

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World Lambrusco Day

World Lambrusco Day is coming up on June 21st! 
This annual celebration perfectly aligns with the summer solstice, highlighting the vibrant and refreshing nature of this Italian sparkling red wine.
Lambrusco is enjoyed for its bubbly character and delightful fruity notes of berries and cherries. 

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Lambrusco di Sorbara dry frizzante Radice

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Lambrusco dell’Emilia semisecco frizzante Solco

Download here below the factsheet

Logo Paltrinieri

Indulge in the world of Lambrusco and disover the magic that awaits in every bottle.

Cantina Paltrinieri has become synonymous with excellence in the world of Lambrusco. 

Their roots go back to the early 20th century when the Paltrinieri family began cultivating vineyards in the Emilia-Romagna region.
Over the years, their dedication to traditional winemaking techniques and a deep respect for the land has allowed them to produce wines of unparalleled quality.
Cantina Paltrinieri is today run by Alberto Paltrinieri and his family and  is recognized as a leading producer of Lambrusco wines.

Cantina Paltrinieri is located in Cristo di Sorbara, near the Modena state, in a small town, near the Secchia and Panaro rivers, the historic scene of the street.

The vines are located in an ideal position and they alone produce all the grapes from which the wines are made. Here we are at the heart of the Lambrusco di Sorbara production area in the province of Modena, in the region of Emilia.

Cantina Paltrinieri Lambrusco di Sorbara’s stand out for their finesse and distinctive taste.

Tradition. Passion. Love for wine.

 

”The satisfaction and the passion for our work derive from the care taken to ensure that everything is done well.  We have on the horizon a promise within our hearts, which goes beyond ourselves, which defies time. 
Like a trough carved from stone” 

Barbara & Alberto Paltrinieri