Alpha Zeta 'A' Amarone della Valpolicella, 2021

Alpha Zeta originated in 1999 within the Veneto region of north-eastern Italy, founded collaboratively by UK wine importer and Master of Wine, David Gleave, alongside New Zealand winemaker Matt Thomson. The name "Alpha Zeta" was deliberately selected, as it symbolizes their comprehensive approach encompassing every letter from A to Z, each reflecting a facet of their winemaking philosophy. Their core principle revolves around capturing the essence of both the grape variety and the terrain, all while making these wines accessible for everyday enjoyment.

The diverse range of vineyards at their disposal empowers Alpha Zeta to fully explore the region's potential. The resulting wines are fruit-forward and contemporary, highlighting the inherent qualities of the grapes while incorporating modern innovation. These offerings serve as a genuine expression of the Veneto's essence, reflecting its soul while delivering exceptional value for wine enthusiasts.

Selected grapes were hand-harvested in mid-September and left to dry in specially ventilated rooms until the end of January. During this period, the grapes lost about 40% of their natural weight. This Amarone was aged in French oak barriques for 18 months and then transferred to concrete tanks for final filtration before bottling.

This Amarone offers a deep and intense nose with aromas of dried cherries, plums, spiced autumn fruit compote, and chocolate. On the palate, it is powerful, showcasing a lovely balance of ripe, silky tannins and a spiced, concentrated savoruy cherry fruit character. A hint of woodsmoke completes the long finish.