Over 60 years ago in San Benedetto di Lugana, Sergio Zenato brought his vision to reality when he founded Zenato Winery. His family’s roots run deep here and for decades the family has been dedicated to producing high-quality wines using grapes native to their land. Constantly innovating in vineyard management and winemaking techniques, Zenato Winery has grown to encompass 95 hectares of vineyards in Lugana and the classic Valpolicella zone. Hence the winery’s heartfelt tagline…
“The Soul of Lugana and the Heart of Valpolicella”
Corvina, Rondinella, and Oseleta grow in the latter zone with lots of sunshine days to develop vibrant fruit flavors for which Valpolicella, Amarone, and Ripasso wines are known. Here, Zenato Winery’s classic reds are mainly cultivated in Costalunga in the Sant’Ambrogio Commune.
Their estate vineyards in Lugana benefit from the moderating influences of Lake Garda, which help extend the growing season allowing grapes to reach full maturation.
Additionally, the Zenato estate extends south into Tuscany where the winery has a quaint 3.8-hectare vineyard. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grow here and are transformed into Bolgheri DOC wines under Zenato’s masterful skill.
Explore the full portfolio of Zenato Winery here.
Lugana DOC
Lugana is a small denomination nestled on the southern banks of Lake Garda straddling the regional border between Lombardy and the Veneto. Monastic influences in the area during the Middle Ages resulted in village names like San Benedetto di Lugana. Trebbiano di Lugana is the DOC’s main white grape, which was historically known as Turbiano. All wines made under the Lugana D.O.C. must be made from at least 90% of this variety. The temperature moderating influence of Italy’s largest lake combined with Lugana’s calcareous clay soils and the surrounding low morainic hills yield wines known for their freshness, balance, and structure.
Tasting Notes: Zenato Lugana San Benedetto
- Delicate aromas of apricot, white peach, citrus, banana and white florals.
- Super fresh, medium-bodied palate with bright, crisp acidity, white grapefruit, Meyer lemon, peach, and herbal flavors.
Recommended Wine Pairings for Lugana
The Lugana San Benedetto from Zenato Winery pairs beautifully with herb risotto, grilled white fish marinated in citrus or served with chimichurri, fresh sushi, and vibrant salads.
Bardolino Chiaretto DOC
If you’re looking for a rosé which successfully pleases the palate during summer, fall, winter, or spring, then look no further than Bardolino Chiaretto. The Bardolino DOC was originally known for its highly quaffable rosso wines made from Corvina, Rondinella, and other native red grape varieties. Yet in recent years this DOC has risen to acclaim thanks in large part to its pink Chiaretto wines. These rosés are made from the same grape varieties as their red wine counterparts. They exhibit lively freshness from the influences of Lake Garda and the calcareous clay soils in which they grow.
Moreover, the 2021 Zenato Bardolino Chiaretto obtained a coveted spot (#15) on Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Best Buys of 2022 list.
Tasting Notes: 2021 Zenato Bardolino Chiaretto
- 65% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 10% Molinara
- Aromas of white grapefruit, strawberry, redcurrant, cranberry, sea spray, wet stone
- Medium bodied with citrus, tart cherry flavors and juicy acidity
- A bright, zippy palate with lovely structure that keeps you coming back for me
Recommended Wine Pairings for Bardolino Chiaretto DOC
The Zenato Winery Bardolino Chiaretto is delicious on its own, but is also the ideal match for aperitivo, seafood, and white meat. Try this wine with bruschetta, wild mushroom crostini, or these goat cheese tarts with walnuts and thyme. Bardolino Chiaretto is also a great match for miso roasted salmon, mahi mahi fish tacos, or roasted branzino stuffed with cherry tomatoes, lemon, and fresh herbs.
Valpolicella DOC
Valpolicella is generally an entry level Italian red wine from the Veneto made from Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, and other red varieties indigenous to the region. The classic Valpolicella zone, where Zenato’s vineyards lie, includes the communes of Fumane, Marano, Negrar, San Pietro in Cariano, and Sant’Ambrogio. Yet just because they are affordable, accessible, and the base of the designated hierarchy for the denomination doesn’t mean they aren’t quality wines.
In fact, Valpolicella is the one of my go-to weeknight wines or the red wine I turn to when in need of a tasty red to pair with all sorts of takeout. Plus, this bottle from Zenato delivers high-quality and likability at an accessible price point. Additionally, Zenato Winery produces an Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG and a Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore if you’re looking to level up in concentration. Plus, they offer a Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG Classico for fans of sweet wines.
Tasting Notes: 2019 Zenato Valplicella DOC Superiore
- 85% Corvina Veronese, 10% Rondinella, and 5% Corvinone
- Aromas of red cherry, black cherry, macchia, juniper, medicinal herbs, violet, dried rose petals
- Juicy acidity, medium body, robust flavors of cherry and prune with inviting tannins
Recommended Wine Pairings for Valpolicella DOC
Thanks to this Italian red wine’s vibrant acidity and succulent red fruit flavors, Valpolicella pairs beautifully with a variety of foods. From cream-based dishes to herb-laden recipes and those with zippy tomato sauce, this is the perfect red wine to rely on when what to uncork is in doubt. Try pairing Valpolicella with butternut squash pasta or ravioli, homemade lasagna, chicken saltimbocca, or herb, rice, and cheese stuffed portabella mushrooms.
