Deep ruby color; cherry, spice, red berries, chocolate, tobacco on the nose; ripe cherry, plum, prune, oak, black pepper on the palate.
Dry; medium, spicy, velvety tannins; medium acidity (3.63 pH). Medium-plus body, but feels light and fresh in the mouth. Blend of 55% corvina, 25% rondinella, 10% carvinone, 5% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot from Valpolicella region—Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Costalunga vineyard.
Manual harvest of 20-30-year old vines. Half of the grapes are partially dried for 45-60 days, a variation on the traditional appassimento method. The result is impressive complexity and concentration, especially for a wine at this price point. Fermented in stainless steel. The wine spends a year in large barrels (some in stainless steel tanks) to round out the tannin structure. 13.5% ABV
The vineyard overlooks Verona and partially touches Lake Garda. Mount Baldo and the Lessinian mountains a nearby. Alanera is Italian for “black wing”, a reference to the raven “corvo” in Italian. Corvina is the indigenous black grape of the Valpolicella region.
Sergio and Carla Zenato founded the winery in 1960. The original focus was exclusively on trebbiano di lugana, but as their children, Alberto and Nadia have taken over the business they have expanded the vision. Today they also make amarone with grapes from Valpolicella region. Alberto is the winemaker while Nadia is in charge of marketing and promotional activities.
Zenato Alanera Rosso Veronese 2018 is delightfully smooth, delicious easy drinker with impressive layers of flavors. Velvety tannins and creamy finish delight the palate from start to finish of the tasting experience. Versatile with food. Superb QPR (quality-price ratio). Strong recommendation to try a bottle—and with 7,000 cases imported, there is a chance to find at local store and online. Pair with braised or roasted beef dishes; beef stews; pastas; robust ragus; lamb; wild game—venison, wild boar; cured meats; meaty fish—sea bass. Cheese—aged and medium-aged Italian cheeses. $16-18
U.S. importer of Zenato website
