In the glass
Aroma: dried cherry concentrate, dark chocolate, tobacco, cedar, dried plum, spice
Palate: dried black cherry, espresso, mocha, cedar, sweet dark spice, iron
Zyme's Kairos is a modern interpretation of Classico Amarone; former Quintarelli cellarmaster Celestino Gaspari applies small French oak ageing to produce a polished, concentrated expression that bridges traditional intensity with contemporary oak integration.
What it pairs with
-
Brasato with porcini mushrooms and polenta
The wine's espresso-cedar profile with firm tannin is a natural match for rich braised beef and mushrooms. -
Aged Parmigiano Reggiano
Crystalline salt and umami of Parmigiano amplify the wine's concentrated fruit.
How to serve Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Kairos
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 12-14°C. Cellar temperature (12-14°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a small dessert-wine glass (3-5oz pour) , the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Brasato with porcini mushrooms and polenta, Aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Celestino Gaspari founded Zyme in 2001 after years as cellarmaster at Quintarelli. Kairos was developed from the early vintages as the estate's flagship expression of Classico Amarone, applying Gaspari's experience of extreme appassimento to a smaller French oak ageing regime.
- 2001 — Zyme founded by Celestino Gaspari
- 2004 — First Kairos Amarone Classico release
Facts
- Producer
- Zyme
- Grapes
- Corvina, Corvinone, Oseleta, Rondinella
- Classification
- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
- Oak
- Aged 2 years in French barriques (225L) and 2 years in larger French tonneaux
- ABV
- 15.5%
- Price
- €100-180 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10-25 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2004
Frequently asked about Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Kairos
What does Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Kairos taste like?
On the nose, dried cherry concentrate, dark chocolate, tobacco, cedar, dried plum. On the palate, dried black cherry, espresso, mocha, cedar, sweet dark spice. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. Zyme's Kairos is a modern interpretation of Classico Amarone; former Quintarelli cellarmaster Celestino Gaspari applies small French oak ageing to produce a polished, concentrated expression that bridges traditional intensity with contemporary oak integration.
When should I drink Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Kairos?
Drink 10-25 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Kairos?
Brasato with porcini mushrooms and polenta is the canonical pairing; Aged Parmigiano Reggiano is the other strong match. The wine's espresso-cedar profile with firm tannin is a natural match for rich braised beef and mushrooms.
What grapes are in Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Kairos?
The blend is Corvina, Corvinone, Oseleta, Rondinella. The wine is classified as Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG.