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

Zenato’s awards’ update

Zenato‘s awards’ update:  Yes, ZENATO DID IT AGAIN!

Nice ratings by James Suckling for theis Amarone Riserva, Amarone Archivio Storico and Lugana Riserva,

Produced only in top vintages, this graceful wine is made from a selection of Corvina and Rondinella grapes grown in the oldest vineyards in the township of Sant’Ambrogio in Valpolicella’s “classic” zone.

Following vinification, it undergoes long-term aging for at least 4 years in Slavonian oak casks.

It represents the very identity of the winery and its legacy throughout the world – a wine that can age and be enjoyed for more than 20 years.

With luminous and dense color, elegant complexity, and a wonderful touch of spice, it’s a wholehearted expression of the land where it is made.

The project: “Amarone Archivio Storico Zenato” was created to celebrate a history of caring, dedication and passion, which led to recognize worldwide the name of Zenato as a synonym of excellence and identity of a unique area: Valpolicella.

The first vintage,(2008) has rested for a decade in large oak barrels.
The milestone of this project that underlines the link to a territory in which we have believed and invested since the beginning.
This is a story of care, dedication and passion.

This Lugana Riserva is the fruit of the Zenato family’s genuine passion and a reflection of their history in the appellation.

The grapes for this wine come from the oldest vines on their Podere Massoni farm. They are harvested slightly late, around mid-October.

Fermentation takes place in oak cask (70%) and stainless steel (30%).

Light brilliant gold in color, this wine delivers intense multi-faceted aromas on the nose, with floral and citrus notes, spices, white plum, and vanilla.

On the palate, it’s rich in flavor, with great depth and balance. An ideal white for aging.

The Story:  Zenato is 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.

 

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.

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.

Lugana
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. 

More info? Check their www   

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.

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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Awards for Villa di Vetrice

Villa di Vetrice

Awards for Villa di Vetrice: their Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina 2005 has been awarded with a  Gold Medal, Best of class at the Los Angeles Wine Competition 2025.

Gold Medal

Best of Class

Points
0

Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina
A masterpiece where freshness and elegance  are combined with a thick mouthfeel

Fresh, focused and elegantly open with a thick and exqui­site mouth-feel. 
On the palate it shows harmonious, with oil, toffee, walnut, leather, caramel and dried apricot character. Dried fig and orange peel accents lead to an everlasting finish.

Well-known the perfect combination with cantucci (traditional almond biscuits from Tuscany) but very good also with other (nut based) cakes, liver-pate dishes and complex cheeses. thanks to its multiple layers, long finish, acidity and good structure.

Villa di Vetrice

Herebelow the list of all winners. You can find Villa di Vetrice’s in Santo on page 10.

How is the Vin Santo made? 

The vinsantaio, where vinsanto is made, hangs full of grape bunches, quite appropriately above the family chapel at Villa Vetrice, as ‘vinsanto or vino santo‘ means ‘holy wine’.

In the Grati family, it is a tradition that began over a hundred years ago, with which the great secret of vinsanto, the madre (mother), is also over a century old.

The madre is an aromatic sediment of inactive fine lees. She, a natural yeast, is ‘eterna’, for ever, because each new production uses some of the old that has multiplied at the end of the process and is then kept again.

Healthy bunches of grapes were picked in mid-September, and hung in the vinsantaio to slowly dry out for over three months.
70% of the grapes are white, Malvasia and Trebbiano, 30% are blue, Sangiovese.
Vinsanto is made only in years with extremely healthy grape material.
Sulfur is lit daily in the vinsantaio to clean the air of insects and unwanted critters. There is also the game of windows, which are open during the day and closed again at night, depending on the weather. The grapes have to dry properly and slowly. As an extra help, only if needed, ventilators can be used.

 

Villa di Vetrice: Vinsantaia

In December or January, when 30% of the original volume remains, the grapes are pressed. The must is then put into clean caratelli, small wooden barrels, on top of the madre. The caratelli are then sealed with cement, while 25% of the space remains empty.
Fermentation starts slowly in March, while temperatures rise and stops with the heat in summer. For three years in a row.  In winter, spontaneous clarification takes place, including the deposition of the madre.
The wine then remains in the unopened caratelli for at least ten years before being bottled.
Villa di Vetrice Vinsanto del Chianti Rùfina DOC comes with 17% alcohol and 100% class.

Villa di Vetrice: caratelli per vinsanto

Discover the other wines of Villa di Vetrice: Chianti Rufina and Chianti Rufina Riserva.

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