Superiore
⏳ Drinking Window
2022 - 2027
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Rich pasta dishes with meat ragù, grilled or roasted red meats, and aged Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino.
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the historic hills of the Valpolicella Classico zone in Veneto, Zenato's Superiore represents a masterful expression of traditional Veronese winemaking. Founded in 1960 by Sergio Zenato, the estate has played a pivotal role in reviving the global reputation of Veneto's native grapes. This red blend is crafted primarily from Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone grown in the clay and limestone soils of Sant'Ambrogio. The 'Superiore' designation denotes a wine of superior quality, achieved through lower yields, slightly higher natural alcohol, and patient aging—typically spending around 12 months in Slavonian oak casks. This process coaxes out vibrant notes of dark cherry, wild berries, and delicate baking spices, reflecting a winemaking heritage that dates back to Roman times when the region's wines were praised by poets like Virgil.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1960 by Sergio and Carla Zenato on the southern banks of Lake Garda, Zenato is an iconic dual-terroir estate celebrated for elevating the profile of Turbiana (Trebbiano di Lugana) as well as mastering classic Veronese reds. The family's viticultural footprint spans mineral-laden, compacted morainic clays in Lugana alongside hillside limestone and calcareous marl terraces at Tenuta Costalunga in Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella. Managed today by second-generation siblings Alberto and Nadia Zenato, the estate emphasizes certified sustainable viticulture under Equalitas frameworks, marrying regional traditions with meticulous modern precision. Winemaking prioritizes varietal clarity, structural longevity, and terroir fidelity, highlighted by temperature-controlled stainless steel aging for whites, wood maturation for selections, and refined appassimento techniques for red expressions. Benchmark labels include the flagship Lugana Riserva Sergio Zenato, Lugana San Benedetto, Metodo Classico Lugana Brut, and monumental red icons including Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva and Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore.
🍇 Grapes
Corvina (45-95%), Corvinone, Rondinella