The Vino Vino Situation reviews Zenato Valpolicella Classico from the Veneto region

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I would like to recommend this wine because I think it is one of the best Valpolicella Classico. It is produced in the same region (Veneto) of the famous wine Amarone of Valpolicella. Even if the grapes are more or less the same, this wine is undoubtedly more approachable, but at the same time not ordinary.

Valpolicella Classico requires 12 months of barreling in oak, which gives complexity to it. It is also less alcoholic than Amarone, because it’s not produced with the drying method. Amarone sometimes contains as much as 17% alcohol by volume!

Zenato is a historical enterprise in Valpolicella. It is a family winery, still run by the founder’s wife and sons.

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This Valpolicella has an intense ruby colour, its smell reminds of red fruits and flowers like the violet. It is full bodied and not too much tannic, as opposed to the wines from Piemonte. Think Barolo, for example, or Barbaresco.

It’s perfect for a barbecue with friends, because you can get to enjoy a full-bodied and fragrant wine without collapsing because of the alcohol content! The recommended serving temperature is between 60 and 65 F, but I personally like it a little bit colder.

To avoid any gaffe with your guests, let me remind you that Valpolicella is the name of the specific place where this wonderful wine is produced. The grapes are Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, and Sangiovese. “Classico” is a geographic term applied to DOC or DOCG wines, and refers to the core area of a production zone.

Enjoy your wine!

Producer: Cantina Zenato
Name: Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC
Region: Veneto
Type: Still red wine
Price: About $15
Grapes: Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, Sangiovese

Working in wineries across Italy, I get to see how much passion goes into each bottle. With the Vino Vino Situation, every week I present a great Italian wine at a reasonable price. My reviews are unsponsored and unsolicited. Salute!