Wines of Italy Archives

Why Zenato’s Amarone 2019 and Zenato’s Lugana Brut Make the Perfect Holiday Wine Pairing

Why I Chose Zenato’s Holiday Gift Pack

Holiday wine choices need range, not redundancy. Zenato’s two-bottle holiday gift pack, which includes Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019 and Zenato Lugana Brut Classico, delivers that: a refined sparkling white for celebratory openings and a powerful, age-worthy red for the table’s main event.

Lugana Brut Classico brings freshness, finesse, and aperitivo appeal, while Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019 offers depth, warmth, and long-form pleasure. Together, they cover the full arc of the holiday season, from first toast to final pour, making this pairing both practical and elevated.

Roots + Terroir

Zenato was founded in 1960 by Sergio Zenato and his wife Carla on the southern shore of Lake Garda, in the village of San Benedetto di Lugana.

From modest beginnings, the estate expanded steadily over the decades. Today, Zenato owns approximately 95 hectares across two key sites: the Santa Cristina estate in Lugana, devoted primarily to the indigenous white grape Trebbiano di Lugana, and the Costalunga estate in the hills of Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, located within the Valpolicella Classico zone, where soils are rich in limestone and clay and distinctly mineral-driven.

This dual identity lies at the heart of Zenato’s philosophy: “The soul of Lugana and the heart of Valpolicella.”

The vineyards benefit from the moderating influence of Lake Garda for white wines, while the varied, elevated terrain of the Valpolicella hills provides ideal growing conditions for red varieties, contributing both structure and complexity.

Under the stewardship of Sergio’s children: Alberto Zenato, who manages production, and Nadia Zenato, who oversees sales and marketing, the estate has refined and expanded its portfolio, blending respect for tradition with modern winemaking precision.

Zenato stands among the most recognized family-owned estates in northern Italy, offering a range that spans crisp whites and sparkling Lugana to structured Ripasso and opulent Amarone, embodying both regional heritage and strong international appeal.

Wine Tourism

Zenato offers winery tours and tastings from San Benedetto, an ideal setting for wine tourism, combining lakeside ambience, vineyard tradition, and easy access from Verona.

With its dual terroirs, Lugana and Valpolicella, visitors can experience two distinct expressions of Veneto wines: refined sparkling and still whites from the lake region, and serious, age-worthy reds from the hills.

As global interest in Italian native grape varieties and sustainable, terroir-driven wines continues to grow, particularly among wine travellers and influencers, Zenato’s long history, regional focus, and family-run authenticity provide a compelling and credible narrative.

Tasting Notes + Holiday Pairings

Zenato Lugana Brut Classico

This wine is made from 100% Trebbiano di Lugana (Turbiana), sourced from lakeshore vineyards.

Tasting Notes:

Fine perlage and an elegant mousse. The colour is pale straw-yellow with subtle golden highlights. On the nose, the wine is bright and clean, showing notes of white flowers, green apple, pear, citrus, a hint of soft stone fruit, and delicate biscuity nuances. On the palate, it is vibrant, with a soft, pleasant mousse and a mineral-tinged finish.

Food Pairing:

Seafood, shellfish, light seafood pasta, and sushi. An excellent aperitivo for the holiday season.

Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019

Zenato’s flagship red is crafted from a selection of Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, and a small proportion of Croatina, sourced from vineyards in Sant’Ambrogio. The grapes are dried for approximately four months, pressed in January, and undergo slow fermentation with extended skin contact. The wine is aged for 36 months in large-format Slavonian oak casks, followed by further refinement in bottle prior to release.

This meticulous process results in a complex, full-bodied, and age-worthy wine that stands as a classic expression of Amarone della Valpolicella.

Tasting Notes:

On the nose, the wine is elegant and spicy, with aromas of dark cherries, prunes, and dried fruits, layered with warm spice undertones. On the palate, it is full-bodied, rounded, velvety, and enveloping, offering layers of dark plum, cherry, and cocoa, with a long, lingering finish.

Food Pairing:

This rich Amarone pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats, hearty pasta dishes with meat sauces, game, aged cheeses, and rich risottos. It is also excellent as a contemplative “meditation wine” on its own.

Final Perspective

Zenato serves as a strong model for what a mid-century regional winery can evolve into: a producer that successfully balances tradition with modern marketing, local identity with global reach, and focused vineyard expression with diversified terroir experiences – appealing equally to seasoned connoisseurs and the next generation of curious wine travellers.

Why Bottega has earned a place on my holiday table

When I curate my holiday sparkling wine selections, I look for producers that balance heritage with contemporary relevance, wines that perform beautifully in the glass, and brands that understand today’s global wine culture – where aesthetics, accessibility, and experience matter as much as craftsmanship. Bottega S.p.A. consistently delivers on all three. Its sparkling wines combine technical precision with visual presence, making them equally compelling for holiday celebrations, intimate gatherings, and gifting. This year, Bottega Rose Gold Brut, Bottega White Gold Venezia, and the Bottega Mini Sparkling Icebag Set stood out for their versatility, polish, and unmistakable sense of occasion – exactly what the holiday season calls for.

Location & Estate Philosophy

Bottega’s main operations are located in Bibano di Godega, near Venice, at the heart of the Prosecco DOC area. Family-owned vineyards remain central to production, anchoring the brand firmly in its Veneto roots.

The estate is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, set against the gently rolling hills of northern Veneto. It includes:

Vineyards in the Prosecco DOC and DOCG zones, supporting Bottega’s flagship Glera-based sparkling wines

Distillation facilities, reflecting the family’s long-standing expertise in grappa and liqueurs

Ornamental gardens and rural architecture, expressing Bottega’s philosophy of Italian style, sustainability, and aesthetic harmony

Bottega: Venetian Sparkle, Global Ambition, and Wine Tourism

In a region where history clings to the landscape as richly as the wines themselves, Bottega S.p.A. has carved out a distinctly modern identity. While many northern Italian producers lean heavily on medium aevum origins, Bottega’s rise is decisively contemporary.

Instantly recognizable worldwide, Bottega has become synonymous not only with quality sparkling wine, but with its iconic metallic bottles: gold, rose-gold, platinum, and white, designed to capture attention in an increasingly visual wine culture. Distributed in over 150 countries, the brand stands today as one of Italy’s most visible ambassadors of Italian sparkling wine and contemporary lifestyle branding.

Tasting Notes and Pairing

Bottega Rose Gold Brut

Crafted from Pinot Noir, this wine opens with an expressive bouquet of mixed berries, currants, and wild strawberries, layered with delicate floral notes.

On the palate, it is fresh, supple, and finely structured, offering vibrant red fruit flavours supported by balanced acidity and a refined, persistent finish.

It is perfect as an aperitif and pairs effortlessly with vegetarian and fish-based dishes, sushi, and crudités, while also complementing white meats, soft or aged cheeses, and light, fruit-forward desserts. This is a sparkling wine designed for celebration without compromise.

Bottega White Gold Venezia

This wine offers a more linear, mineral-driven expression, wrapped in a polished white-metal bottle that signals elegance before the cork is even pulled. Aromatically, it leans toward white flowers, citrus zest, subtle mineral notes, and a delicate brioche nuance.

The palate is precise and structured, with bright acidity and flavours of lemon curd, green apple, chalk, and delicate pastry notes.

This wine shines as an aperitif and pairs beautifully with seafood, shellfish, risotto, grilled fish, and lighter poultry dishes. Its freshness and restraint make it a sophisticated choice for extended holiday meals and refined entertaining.

Bottega Mini Sparkling Icebag Set

The Bottega Mini Sparkling Icebag Set, featuring Gold, Rose Gold, Vino dei Poeti Prosecco, and Petalo Moscato, represents one of Bottega’s most successful modern innovations. These mini bottles are chic, portable, and impeccably styled, perfectly aligned with contemporary gifting and entertaining trends, making them ideal hostess gifts.

Wine Tourism in 2025

Bottega’s hospitality and tourism initiatives reflect broader shifts shaping global wine tourism in 2025, where immersive storytelling, design-forward spaces, and cultural engagement now define luxury.

Experiences include:

Guided winery tours exploring sparkling wine production, distillation heritage, and vineyard landscapes

The “Bottega Wine & Art” concept, where curated art installations position the winery as a cultural destination blending wine, design, and craftsmanship

Gastronomic tastings and pairings rooted in Veneto’s culinary identity, featuring local cheeses, seafood, and seasonal specialties

High-visibility travel retail experiences extending wine tourism into airports, cruise lines, and luxury hotels worldwide

Bottega in 2025: A Sparkling Holiday Essential

As sparkling wine continues its global rise and wine tourism evolves into a fully immersive lifestyle experience, Bottega S.p.A. occupies a compelling space between tradition and modernity. Its wines offer freshness and precision, its bottles deliver undeniable theatre, and its Venetian-rooted identity provides authenticity. For the holidays and into 2026, Bottega proves that bubbles, substance, and style can exist in perfect balance.

The 34th edition of Benvenuto Brunello: Italy’s premier wine preview showcases a vintage of elegance and restraint

Montalcino opened its historic cellars and welcomed the world once again for the 34th edition of Benvenuto Brunello, held November 20–24 at the Chiostro di Sant’Agostino. As Italy’s longest-running wine preview event, this year’s gathering brought the international wine community together to taste the highly anticipated Brunello di Montalcino 2021, alongside Brunello Riserva 2020 and Rosso di Montalcino 2024. With 122 wineries presenting their wines and approximately 100 journalists and industry professionals in attendance, the event underscored Brunello’s enduring status as one of Italy’s most prestigious wine denominations. The international presence was particularly notable, with nearly half of the attending journalists coming from abroad, reflecting Brunello’s truly global appeal.

The event maintained its successful dual format pioneered in previous years. The first three days (November 20–22) were reserved for trade and media, featuring technical tastings. The final two days opened to Italian and international wine lovers, restaurant professionals, wine merchants, and sommeliers for walk-around sessions where they could meet producers directly.

Brunello’s continued market strength

Brunello di Montalcino has achieved what few wine denominations can claim: sustained growth in both prestige and commercial success over the past half-century. The denomination’s popularity continues to expand in world markets, driven by rising average prices, stable volumes, and growth in strategic regions. Recent data from Wine Intelligence confirms Brunello’s exceptional brand recognition in Italy, where it is known by two out of three consumers, surpassing in notoriety even neighbouring Tuscan appellations.

Rosso di Montalcino continues to show impressive growth. Following the expansion of vineyard area, bottlings in the first ten months reached nearly 4 million State Seals issued, marking a 29% year-on-year increase. This secondary appellation has become an important entry point for consumers discovering the territory while also serving as an earlier-drinking expression of Montalcino’s terroir. The Consorzio announced plans to launch a new promotional program for the denomination in 2026, involving collective participation in primary markets, particularly the United States, as well as additional strategic destinations. The aim is to diversify business opportunities for producers as much as possible, ensuring the denomination’s continued growth across multiple markets rather than relying too heavily on any single region.

Understanding the 2021 vintage

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the 2021 vintage characteristics through Brunello Forma, the Consorzio’s comprehensive technical analysis program. Now utilizing data from 60 weather stations (a 54% increase over 2020) and comparable to the 30-year historical average (1996–2025), the analysis provided detailed insights into what shaped this distinctive vintage. The 2021 growing season was defined by two main weather anomalies: a notably colder spring than historical norms, especially during March, April, and May, and a significantly warmer, drier September.

What made 2021 particularly unusual was the complete absence of rain between late August and early September, a pattern atypical for the Montalcino area. The vintage narrative began dramatically on April 8 with one of the most severe spring frosts of the past two decades. Following an early budbreak prompted by rapidly increasing temperatures from March 24 onward, the sudden plunge in minimum temperatures, exacerbated by a strong North Atlantic cold front, delayed the entire vegetative cycle and significantly reduced yields in some areas.

Summer brought a pronounced water deficit rather than thermal excess. Despite the persistent drought, maximum temperatures remained moderate, with only brief heatwaves observed. This restraint proved crucial to wine quality. The marked diurnal temperature variation, combined with the absence of prolonged heat stress, allowed the grapes to maintain freshness and aromatic complexity even under challenging conditions. Harvest commenced in the second half of September under clear skies and concluded rapidly in early October, with all fruit brought in before the first significant rainfall arrived after October 5. The resulting wines reflect a vintage shaped by discipline and precision: approachable yet structured, elegant yet concentrated, offering immediate appeal while promising graceful evolution over time.

A unique territory for the pure expression of Sangiovese

The Brunello production area corresponds to the historical limits of the Municipality of Montalcino, a picturesque village just 40 km south of Siena, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and historical sites. The Montalcino district comprises 3,500 hectares of vineyards registered under the DOC and DOCG designations. The production area is shaped like a square around the town, and it’s fascinating to observe the microclimate differences in such a compact territory.

This is a dry land encompassing a multitude of microclimates and soils. Generally speaking, grapes located in the cooler northern areas of the DOCG tend to ripen more slowly. These vineyard sites are located at higher elevations (but never over 600 meters) and are planted in gravelly Galestro soil. On the south side, the grapes grow in an entirely different environment. The soils are richer, such as clay; the sunlight is more intense; sea breezes blow from the Tyrrhenian Sea; and the resulting wines are more powerful. Furthermore, the presence of Mount Amiata (1,740 m) to the south has an important influence by shielding the grapes from strong atmospheric phenomena and providing breezes that help keep the climate dry and the vines healthy.

Tasting impressions of the 2021 vintage

After tasting most of the Brunello di Montalcino 2021 samples, the overall impression is of a vintage that shows approachable drinkability supported by good structure and finesse. The wines reflect the character of a season defined by moderate temperatures, marked diurnal variation, and water stress without extreme heat. The result is a Brunello that balances freshness with concentration, offering elegance and refinement that will continue to evolve beautifully over time.

The Sangiovese Grosso: the fingerprint of Brunello

Brunello di Montalcino is a 100% Sangiovese-based wine that needs long periods of aging before reaching its quality peak, but once achieved, it represents a true champion of balance, complexity, and maturity. Sangiovese is the only grape allowed in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. It is a very sensitive native grape and one of the highest-quality varieties, requiring careful practice and impeccable attention throughout its production process, harvest, and vinification.

It is a variety that shows fragrant notes of cherry and plum, hints of spice, and an extraordinary texture. The natural tannic structure and high acidity levels of Sangiovese are the main factors behind its longevity. It performs differently in each site and changes depending on its environment. The terroir, combined with the play of time, has always produced elegant wines with perfectly balanced, rich bouquets. Brunello di Montalcino never fails to surprise. It is an example of impressive year-by-year quality persistence, and every vintage reveals a different profile of Sangiovese’s beauty, showcasing a new nuance of its character each time.

Montalcino: a year-round wine destination

Montalcino was historically an important stop on the Via Francigena, a road that ran from England to Rome, and therefore it welcomed and hosted influential figures, including nobles, politicians, and popes. The great wines of Montalcino were crafted to satisfy the illustrious visitors traveling to the Eternal City, which is why the hamlet has displayed absolute quality winemaking for centuries.

Montalcino today is internationally recognized as an authentic, high-end wine destination. Visiting Montalcino is not just about tasting. It is connected to the history of its people and helps visitors understand why wine is so deeply integrated into the culture of its inhabitants, who, from generation to generation, continue to pass on their passion and know-how.

While Benvenuto Brunello represents a highlight in Montalcino’s calendar, the region offers exceptional wine experiences throughout the year. Many of the 122 participating wineries welcome visitors year-round, though reservations are essential. Experiences range from basic tastings to elaborate tours, including vertical tastings of multiple vintages, vineyard walks with detailed explanations of different terroirs, barrel tastings in historic cellars, and food-and-wine pairing experiences. Some estates offer helicopter tours of the denomination and harvest experiences during September and October.

The territory hosts several notable events beyond Benvenuto Brunello. The Brunello Crossing in February features competitive and recreational hiking trails through the vineyards, offering routes ranging from 10 to 44 kilometers. The Jazz & Wine Festival in July combines world-class jazz performances with wine tastings in historic settings. L’Eroica in October, the famous vintage bicycle race traversing the scenic white roads of Tuscany, includes a special route through the Brunello vineyards. Honey Week in September celebrates local honey production with tastings and pairings with Moscadello di Montalcino.

The surrounding UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Val d’Orcia offers activities for every interest, from hiking and biking trails to the iconic cypress-lined roads featured in countless photographs and films. Historic abbeys, including Sant’Antimo, where Gregorian chants still echo through the stone halls—natural hot springs in nearby Bagno Vignoni and San Filippo, and the artistic treasures of Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia provide rich cultural experiences.

The town welcomes many visitors, and the care devoted to hospitality has become just as important as the attention given to its wine. Ancient buildings and modern B&Bs, luxurious accommodations within wine estates, and impeccable hotels offer diverse lodging options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Filippo Magnani

Dimora Cottanera: A Sicilian Escape in the Heart of Etna’s Vineyards

Perched on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Dimora Cottanera is more than a wine resort; it’s an unforgettable escape that breathes in the rhythms of the volcano, vineyard-lined horizons, and refined Sicilian hospitality. My one-night stay revealed an intimate side of this property, where elegance meets serenity.

A Sense of Place
Dimora Cottanera is a restored country estate that exudes quiet sophistication. Its design blends rustic charm: stone walls, exposed wooden beams, and historic character, with curated modern touches that feel effortless. Each room is unique, yet all share a common gift: views that frame the living landscape of Etna, with vines stretching to the horizon and the volcano’s majestic silhouette ever-present.

Outside, the gardens set the tone for slow exploration. Lavender drifts through the air, citrus groves nod to Sicily’s agricultural heart, and hidden corners invite quiet reflection. At the center of it all lies the infinity pool, a tranquil, infinity-style basin that seems to melt into the surrounding vineyards. It’s the kind of place where time surrenders, and lingering with a glass of wine feels like the only sensible agenda.

Poolside Indulgence
Lunch by the pool was an elegant yet relaxed affair. Seasonal produce, local cheeses, and delicately prepared dishes echoed the freshness of the estate, paired effortlessly with a crisp glass of Cottanera Etna Bianco. Lunch here isn’t about ceremony; it’s about savouring the simplicity of Sicilian flavours against a backdrop of rippling water, views of Mount Etna, soft mountain breezes, and vineyards glowing under the midday sun.

It was a moment of understated luxury: no rush, no excess, just pure enjoyment in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.

Sunset Dining in the Winter Garden Restaurant
As the day shifted, so did the mood. When the sun began to set, the Winter Garden Restaurant revealed its magic. Inside, the atmosphere glowed with warmth, stone walls bathed in soft lamplight, rustic beams overhead, and candles casting an intimate glow.

Dinner was a journey through Sicily’s culinary heritage, elevated with refinement: handmade pasta flecked with truffles, tender lamb infused with local herbs, and citrus-forward desserts that spoke to the island’s zest for life. Each course was paired perfectly with Cottanera wines, their elegance deepening as the night lingered.

The true luxury lay in the moment itself, glasses catching candlelight, flavours in harmony with the land, and just beyond the windows, Etna silhouetted against the evening sky.

A Sicilian Escape to Remember
Dimora Cottanera is more than a place to stay; it’s a destination that embodies the essence of luxury travel. Here, indulgence is subtle, rooted in authenticity, and framed by the raw beauty of nature. Whether it’s a leisurely poolside lunch, a candlelit dinner in the Winter Garden Restaurant, or simply watching the play of light across the vineyards, every experience feels curated yet natural.

Why Go:
For an intimate Sicilian escape where luxury is defined by authenticity, vineyards, volcanic views, and timeless hospitality.

Best For:
Wine lovers, design-conscious travelers, and couples seeking a romantic retreat framed by nature.

Highlights:
• Infinity pool overlooking Etna’s vineyards
• Gardens scented with lavender, exotic flowers, and citrus groves
• Seasonal, locally inspired dining experiences
• Cozy Winter Garden Restaurant with fireplaces and candlelight—perfect for sunset views
• Exceptional pairings with Cottanera’s acclaimed Etna wines

Insider Tips:
Book a room facing the volcano for sunrise views that rival the sunsets. A glass of Etna Rosso in hand makes the moment unforgettable.

Reflections
My brief stay at Dimora Cottanera was a reminder of why Sicily has become such a beacon for wine tourism. It’s not only about the wines, though they are expressive and elegant; it’s about how a place can embody the soul of its land. From poolside lunches to sunset dinners, every detail was designed to immerse guests in the spirit of Etna.

Dimora Cottanera offers more than hospitality; it offers a dialogue with the land. And in that dialogue, over a glass of wine and a view of the volcano, one finds both comfort and wonder.

Etna Days 2025: Showcasing Etna DOC Wines and Volcanic Terroir

Etna Days 2025 marked a record-breaking edition, celebrating the cultural, environmental, and enological richness of Sicily’s iconic volcano. Hosted at Il Picciolo Golf Resort, Castiglione di Sicilia, the event united global wine professionals for tastings, vineyard visits, and dialogue on the evolution of Etna DOC wines.

This event reinforced Mount Etna as the heart of Sicilian viticulture and a leading European wine region. Held September 18 – 20, it brought together producers, journalists, importers, and wine professionals to explore the terroir, tradition, and innovation shaping Etna DOC. Over ninety wineries showcased the volcano’s diverse microclimates and vineyard districts, highlighting Etna’s expanding global influence.

Francesco Cambria, President of the Consorzio di Tutela Vini Etna DOC, emphasized the event’s deeper purpose: “Etna Days is the culmination of our collective work: over these three days, we want to showcase not just wines, but a cultural heritage and identity that belongs to the volcano’s communities.”

The Venue: Il Picciolo Golf Resort, Castiglione di Sicilia

Nestled among the black lava terraces and verdant vineyards of Etna’s northern slopes, Il Picciolo Golf Resort served as the event’s official venue. Its panoramic setting provided an ideal backdrop for tastings, discussions, and networking. Beyond its picturesque location, the resort represented a synthesis of Sicilian hospitality and the elegance of wine culture; it was a perfect reflection of Etna DOC’s spirit.

Program Highlights: Tastings and Technical Sessions

The program opened with a presentation by the Consorzio, tracing Etna DOC’s historical evolution and strategic direction. This was followed by technical and walk-around tastings showcasing over five hundred Etna DOC wines. From Carricante-based Etna Bianco to Nerello Mascalese-driven Etna Rosso, each wine expressed the minerality, precision, and freshness characteristic of volcanic viticulture.

The tastings served as a critical platform for analysis and exchange, where sommeliers, journalists, and buyers engaged directly with producers to discuss winemaking philosophies, clonal selections, and sustainability practices.

Dining Under the Stars

An unforgettable moment unfolded under the stars at Il Picciolo Golf Resort, where producers, international guests, Management and Jury of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles all gathered for an evening that celebrated the unity of Etna’s wine community. Local culinary artistry met expressive volcanic wines in a setting illuminated by the night sky and framed by the silhouette of the volcano.

Vineyard and Winery Visits: The Contrade of Etna

The following two days were dedicated to immersive vineyard and winery visits across Etna’s diverse contrade. From centuries-old ungrafted vines to new high-altitude plantings, these excursions revealed the geological and cultural mosaic underpinning Etna’s viticultural identity.

Producers highlighted the challenges of working in such a dynamic environment, ranging from steep slopes to unpredictable volcanic activity, while showcasing innovations in organic farming and micro-vinification. The result was a living laboratory of sustainability, where past and future meet in every glass.

Wineries visited: Benanti, Terra Costantino, Verderame, Terrazze dell’Etna, Bugia Nen, and Murgo.

Etna’s Role as a Global Model

Salvatore Barbagallo, Councillor for Agriculture of the Sicilian Region, described Etna as “a natural laboratory of sustainability and biodiversity.” This year’s event demonstrated how Etna’s producers are redefining quality through ecological awareness and territorial integrity. The initiative, partially supported by the Sicilian Regional Department of Agriculture, illustrated the power of collaboration in promoting regional excellence on an international scale.

Consorzio Director Maurizio Lunetta concluded: “We are recording significant numbers that confirm the international stature of the denomination. The goal for the future is to grow with an integrated vision that goes beyond winemaking, involving hospitality, gastronomy, and typical products.”

Looking Forward To 2026

Looking ahead to Etna Days 2026, the event is poised to further strengthen Etna’s international reputation. The region’s story of resilience, beauty, and innovation continues to unfold, rooted in one of the world’s most remarkable volcanic terroirs.