Near picturesque Lake Garda in the Lugano DOC, the Zenato family tends to 95 hectares of vineyards that produce delicate, native vines including Trebbiano, Corvina, Rondinella, and Oseleta. With loving care and hard work, they have ensured that the unique expressions of these indigenous varietals can be shared with the world.
The Zenato family is patient. Over six decades, they have thoughtfully built their winery and business, focusing much of their time and effort on keeping classic Italian wine styles such as Amarone and Ripassa alive and in the hands of curious consumers.
Sergio Zenato is widely credited with introducing Trebbiano and other varietals indigenous to Veneto to the international marketplace. Zenato was one of Winebow’s first partners—we’ve been importing their wines to the U.S. since our founding in 1980.
These premium wines remain just unusual enough that for new and experienced wine drinkers alike, they can be a real treat to discover, taste, and gift. For consumers looking for a high-value wines with an interesting winemaking style and story, Zenato wines are excellent—and delicious—options.
The Sergio Zenato Amarone Classico della Valpolicella is rich, decadent, and unapologetic. The hand-harvested grapes are dried on mats for four months before fermentation, concentrating their flavors. The resulting full-bodied wine is dense and complex with layers of dark cherries, chocolate, and smoke with a long fruity and spicy finish.
A cousin to Amarone, the Ripassa-style wines are “repassed” over the Amarone lees, starting a second fermentation, deepening the color and concentrating the flavors. The Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore is a smooth and intense ruby red with aromas of blackberry, spice, and leather.
Equally complex in its own way, the flagship Sergio Zenato Lugana Riserva offers aromas of stone fruit, vanilla, and white blossoms. It was aged for eight months in French oak, adding heft and elegance to this 100% old vine Trebbiano.