Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOCG Sergio Zenato 2019 - Zenato

Named after the estate’s founder, Sergio Zenato, this Riserva is produced in selected vintages from some of the most highly regarded vineyard parcels in Valpolicella Classica. The 2019 vintage combines the depth achieved by traditional grape drying with a long, measured maturation. It is a distinctive Amarone for those interested in the craftsmanship behind a structured, age-worthy Italian red, rather than power alone.

Historic vineyards in Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella

The grapes are grown on hillsides in Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, in the province of Verona, within the historic Classico area. The winery describes stony, Cretaceous limestone soils, south-east to south-west exposures and vineyards at approximately 300–350 metres above sea level. Its technical information lists an average vine age of around thirty years, Guyot training, roughly 5,000 vines per hectare, 6–7 buds per vine and indicative yields of 80 quintals per hectare.

The 2019 blend and the drying of the grapes

Vintage-specific information identifies 85% Corvina, 10% Rondinella and a remaining 5% made up of Croatina and Oseleta. The grapes are carefully hand-picked in September and October, placed in small crates and taken to well-ventilated drying lofts. Over approximately four months of appassimento, gradual water loss concentrates fruit compounds and contributes to the texture and intensity associated with traditional Amarone. The dried grapes are pressed, generally in January, before a slow fermentation with skin contact.

Winemaking and extended ageing

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, with the estate describing approximately 15–20 days of skin maceration. The 2019 importer technical sheet specifies 48 months in oak casks followed by 12 months of bottle ageing. Zenato describes its large Slavonian oak casks as the hallmark of the Riserva’s slow maturation, allowing tannins and layered aromas to develop while preserving the identity of the fruit.

Tasting profile

Deep ruby red, developing garnet reflections with time, this Amarone reveals dark cherry, sour cherry, ripe plum and forest berries, followed by raisin, dried fig, cocoa, liquorice, sweet tobacco, spice and balsamic accents. The palate is substantial and warming, with ripe tannins, a long finish and sufficient freshness to balance its concentration. The 2019 vintage is recorded at 17% ABV in its importer’s vintage-specific technical sheet.

Analytical information for the 2019 vintage

The vintage-specific importer sheet lists pH 3.52, total acidity 6.1 g/L, residual sugar 4.1 g/L and dry extract 37.8 g/L, with total sulphur dioxide at 80 mg/L. These figures help describe how the wine’s richness is supported by acidity and extract.

Critical recognition, food and cellaring

The 2019 received 96/100 from James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast, 95/100 from Wine Spectator and Falstaff, and 92/100 from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. The estate also lists Bibenda’s 5 Grappoli and Gambero Rosso’s 2 Bicchieri for this vintage. Pair with roast meat, game, slow-braised beef, grilled steak or aged cheeses, or enjoy on its own after dinner. Serve at around 18°C in a generous glass. Under proper cellar conditions, the producer considers the wine capable of developing for more than twenty years.