Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oakbarrel aged

Drinking window

Best 8 to 30 years from vintage.
vintage8 yrs30 yrs32 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: dried cherry, tobacco, dark chocolate, spice, leather, cedar

Palate: dried plum, espresso, tobacco leaf, cedar, dark chocolate, iron

Zenato's Classico Amarone incorporates 20% Oseleta adding firm pepper tannin and dark fruit spice to the Corvina-led blend; aged in a combination of large Slavonian and small French oak that bridges traditional and modern styles.

What it pairs with

  • Wild boar with polenta taragna
    Gamey boar and buckwheat polenta demand the weight and spice the Oseleta provides.
  • Braised beef cheeks with root vegetables
    Long-braised collagen-rich beef aligns with the wine's dried-fruit concentration and tannin.

How to serve Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
  2. Serve at 12-14°C. Cellar temperature (12-14°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a small dessert-wine glass (3-5oz pour) , the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Wild boar with polenta taragna, Braised beef cheeks with root vegetables. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Founded by Sergio Zenato, the estate began producing Classico Amarone in 1967 and was among the early producers to incorporate Oseleta into their blend, the native but often-overlooked variety that adds spice and colour depth. Now run by Alberto and Nadia Zenato.

  1. 1967: First Zenato Amarone Classico vintage under Sergio Zenato
  2. 2000: Alberto Zenato takes over winemaking direction

Facts

Producer
Zenato · visiting guide
Grapes
Corvina (60%), Oseleta (20%), Rondinella (15%), Molinara (5%)
Classification
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
Oak
Aged 3 years in large Slavonian oak casks; followed by 1 year in small French oak barriques
ABV
15.5%
Price
€70-110 at retail
Drinking window
8-30 from vintage
First vintage
1967

Frequently asked about Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

What does Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico taste like?

On the nose, dried cherry, tobacco, dark chocolate, spice, leather. On the palate, dried plum, espresso, tobacco leaf, cedar, dark chocolate. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. Zenato's Classico Amarone incorporates 20% Oseleta adding firm pepper tannin and dark fruit spice to the Corvina-led blend; aged in a combination of large Slavonian and small French oak that bridges traditional and modern styles.

When should I drink Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?

Drink 8-30 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?

Wild boar with polenta taragna is the canonical pairing; Braised beef cheeks with root vegetables is the other strong match. Gamey boar and buckwheat polenta demand the weight and spice the Oseleta provides.

What grapes are in Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico?

The blend is Corvina (60%), Oseleta (20%), Rondinella (15%), Molinara (5%). The wine is classified as Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG.

Tags

cellar worthy corvina dessert passito dry firm tannin full body high acid iconic molinara mood bold mood rustic occasion dinner party occasion special old world oseleta pairs with aged cheese pairs with game pairs with red meat price premium rondinella

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