2019 Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico, Veneto

Very complex nose of bay leaves, dried prunes and blackberry jam, enhanced with leather and a bit of restrained chocolate. Velvety tannins flow on the palate, with a full body, zesty and cleansing acidity and a savory finish of toasted black pepper and chocolate. Drinkable now, but best from 2029.

95 points jamessuckling.com

The Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella is a benchmark wine from one of the most respected families in the Veneto, celebrated for its richness, complexity and depth. The Zenato family, led by Sergio Zenato until his passing in 2008 and now by his children Alberto and Nadia, has been crafting Amarone since the 1960s, helping to establish it as one of Italy’s most prestigious reds. Their vineyards are located in the Valpolicella Classico zone, planted on limestone and clay soils where Corvina, Rondinella and Oseleta thrive.

Amarone is made using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are hand-harvested and dried for several months in airy lofts, concentrating sugars and flavours before slow fermentation. The result is a wine of both power and elegance.

In the glass, Zenato Amarone shows an intense ruby garnet colour. The bouquet is rich and layered, with aromas of dried cherry, plum, blackberry, fig and raisin, accented by cocoa, liquorice, sweet spice, leather and a hint of balsamic. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, brimming with concentrated dark fruit, dried fruit richness, mocha and savoury spice. Firm yet polished tannins support the weight of the wine, while fresh acidity provides lift, leading to a long, warming and harmonious finish.

Food pairings highlight the wine’s intensity: slow-braised beef short ribs, osso buco, venison stew, roast duck with cherry glaze, or mature cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano and gorgonzola dolce. Amarone is also a classic fireside wine, made for contemplation on its own. With 15 to 20 years of cellaring potential, Zenato Amarone develops into a more savoury, complex wine, gaining notes of tobacco, truffle and dried herbs.