Amarone Riserva 1997 DOCG Sergio Zenato
Amarone Riserva Sergio Zenato is only made in vintages of excellence from the selection of the best Corvina, Rondinella and Oseleta grapes from the oldest vineyards cultivated in S. Ambrogio, in the heart of Valpolicella Classica.
A wine of extreme balance and suitable for long ageing.
Grape varieties: 80% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta.
Geographical location and vineyard characteristics:S. Ambrogio di Valpolicella, hilly area, south-east facing.Average altitude of the land:300/350 m above sea level.
Soil type: predominantly cretaceous, calcareous.
Training system and planting density: guyot.
Average age of vines:20 years.Bud load:6/7 per plant.Yield per hectare: 80 quintals.
Harvest time and conduction: first ten days of October.
Vinification: after manual harvesting and sorting into small 5 kg crates, the grapes are left to dry for about four months in dry, well-ventilated drying lofts. Only in January, after the natural drying process, are the grapes pressed.
This is followed by a slow fermentation for 15-20 days on the skins and ageing for at least four years in large oak barrels and bottle ageing for at least one year.
Colour: deep ruby red, tending to garnet with age.
Nose: extraordinarily intense, very spicy, from very ripe undergrowth fruit.
Taste: warm, full, with great depth.Serving temperature: at 18-20°C, taking care to open it at least an hour before serving.
Food pairings: ideal with roast game, grilled red meat and mature cheeses, but also excellent as a meditation wine.
