Zeni Valpolicella Classico 2024

The Valpolicella Classico cuvée comes from the historic area of Valpolicella Classica, located in the hills north of Verona. The vines thrive in soils based on detrital, calcareous, marly, and basaltic formations, a terroir particularly conducive to the expression of the Corvina and Rondinella grape varieties. This hilly landscape benefits from a temperate climate that promotes a progressive and balanced ripening of the grapes, giving rise to wines characterized by freshness, elegance, and purity of fruit, emblematic characteristics of traditional Valpolicella.

The grapes are harvested manually in a single picking, when their ripeness is optimal. After destemming, winemaking is based on traditional fermentation with skin maceration for 5 to 7 days, allowing for delicate extraction of color, aromas, and tannins. This method favors the finesse and varietal expression of the grape varieties. At the end of fermentation, the wine is stored and aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks, a choice that preserves all the aromatic freshness, liveliness, and purity of the fruit.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry, sour cherry, and raspberry, complemented by floral nuances of violet and a hint of sweet spices. On the palate, the attack is supple and fresh, carried by a balanced acidity that brings dynamism and elegance. The tannins are fine and discreet, giving way to a harmonious and fluid texture. The finish is fruity and delicately spicy, offering an authentic and refined expression of traditional Valpolicella.

Ah Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, people of the Dolce Vita, but what difficulty in understanding its wine organization! The key to understanding the naming system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous country because each region has its own naming system. Italy can, however, give wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles filled with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines which are sold under their most useful and commercially reputable name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others...



But let's talk a little history, viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and it originated in Greece. The Etruscans would have planted vines and Greek immigrants would have improved and modified the grape varieties who subsequently called this country "Oenotria": the country of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life and certain regions already stood out for the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible testimony to their invasion.



Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic areas. The northern mountains experience a fairly harsh mountain climate. The “middle of the boot” plain is the domain of the continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "southern part of the Italian boot" the Mediterranean climate reigns with very hot and very dry summers without forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces wines of great variety thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originate from their lands. It is a country just as complex as its wines which deserve to be explored!