2022 Zeni - Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (750ml)

The 2022 Zeni Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG translates Veneto’s traditional appassimento process into a structured, full-body red. Grapes ripen on flat vineyard trays before being slowly dried, concentrating sugars and aromatic compounds that carry through to a deep ruby glass with a distinct garnet edge. This concentration supports steady aging and delivers a wine built for richness rather than immediate drinking.

Tasting Notes: Deep dried cherry, sweet plum, and fresh fig lead the bouquet, unfolding into shaved cocoa, espresso roast, and clove on closer inspection. The mouthfeel is velvety and substantial, driven by concentrated berry extract and moderated by crisp, integrated tannins. Brisk mid-palate acidity keeps the dense layers of dark chocolate and roasted nut from feeling heavy, while the finish remains long, gently warming, and marked by a subtle balsamic lift.

Foods to Serve: Open the bottle 60 to 90 minutes before pouring to allow the tannin structure to relax and the aromatics to breathe. Serve at 60–65°F (15–18°C) to maintain clarity between the fruit concentration and the underlying spice. The wine’s weight and firm backbone pair cleanly with braised beef short ribs, venison ragù, and herb-roasted lamb. For vegetable-forward meals, match it with truffle-finished pasta or thick mushroom risotto. Keep aged Gouda, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or walnut-studded charcuterie on hand for straightforward cellar-ready evenings. Store horizontally in consistent conditions; the 2022 vintage shows clear potential for further textural integration over the next several years.