Zeni Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore “Marogne”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- This is a traditionally crafted Valpolicella Ripasso at a bargain price thanks to the Zeni family’s extensive vineyard holdings.
Varietal Composition: 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara
Elaboration: Hand selection of the best grape bunches originating from a hillside vineyard. The grapes picked at the beginning of the harvest, are collected in small crates and left to raisin before being vinified with the rest of the grapes picked by the end of the harvest. The next step in the process is traditional skin fermentation followed by a 2 week maceration period. After fermentation, the unpressed Amarone skins are added to the Valpolicella wine, according to the traditional Valpolicella “ripasso” technique. The wine then ages in oak barrels for about a year followed by a short stay in stainless steel vats.
Tasting Notes: Deep ruby red in color. Vinous, full-bodied, with hints of black cherry and well-ripened fruit. Rounded and velvety on the palate.
PRESS
2016 – 90 Decanter World Wine Awards (Silver) | 92 James Suckling
2019 – 92 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Sitting in the hills of Bardolino, the Zeni family has spent the last 140 years dedicating themselves to producing some of the finest wines in Verona. Zeni’s lineup is broad and includes releases from Bardolino, Custoza, Lugana, Valpolicella, and Soave. Land holdings amount to 60 hectares of vines, and the family operates two wineries, one located in Bardolino and the other in Valpolicella. Zeni’s world renowned wine museum drives attention to the company, receiving over 100,000 visitors a year.