We've always had a liking for wines from Alpha Zeta. A very consistent winemaker to say the least! Over time we've had a good number of their wines and they're always fantastic! Our current selection hosts three of their bottles so we thought a little look into them might be nice!
Alpha Zeta was started in 1999 when Liberty Wines set out to produce a range of modern, fruit driven wines from the hills outside Verona. Working with leading New Zealand winemaker, Matt Thomson, the aim was to work with growers (rather than buy bulk wine, which is standard among most wines from Verona at this price) to obtain ripe grapes (by reducing yields and picking later) and then, using Matt's expertise, preserve these flavours in the finished wines. The result is a realisation of the potential inherent in Veronese viniculture.
The vineyards are situated in the hills outside Verona in the Valpantena Valley. Cool currents blow down the valley from the foothills of the Dolomites, helping to moderate the climate and enabling the grapes to ripen slowly. This helps the grapes to retain their aromatic compounds and acidity. The soil is poor and chalky so the vines are put under stress helping to produce superior quality fruit.
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Alpha Zeta 'A' Amarone DOCG 2014 @ £26.95 - Buy it here!
Perfumes are of dried cherries and blueberries, with notes of spiced autumn fruit compote. A powerful but modern wine with a lovely balance of ripe tannins and spiced, savoury cherry fruit character. Grilled meat, especially venison or ‘tagliata’ of beef, will bring out the best in this wine. Also great with game dishes, or even a hunk of quality hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano.
Alpha Zeta 'R' Ripasso Superiore 2015 @ £13.95 - Buy it here!
Ruby red in colour, with a concentrated perfume of red and black cherries, with the ripasso adding a dried cherry intensity. Full-bodied on the palate, with a lovely balance between opulent cherry-pie character and supple structure. Good length with a mouthwatering bitter-cherry twist on the finish.
Alpha Zeta 'P' Pinot Grigio Terrapieno 2016 @ £11.95 - Buy it here!
A single vineyard Pinot Grigio with great intensity and balance. It has lifted aromas of pear and bread crust, classic for Pinot Grigio from this region. The nose gives way to lovely weight and a silky texture on the palate, with hints of delicate spice and biscuits. The wine finishes dry with zesty acidity to maintain freshness and an impressive length.
Maybe some more on the cards in the future... These guys are absolutely brilliant! Cheers!
