Liz Palmer

Category: Wines of Italy

  • Chianti Classico Collection – Where Wine Meets Culture in Italy’s Iconic Wine Region

    Chianti Classico Collection – Where Wine Meets Culture in Italy’s Iconic Wine Region

    The annual wine-tasting event returned to Florence this February with a powerful message: wine is culture. On February 16 and 17, 2026, the 33rd Chianti Classico Collection opened its doors at the historic Stazione Leopolda, bringing together 223 wineries presenting their latest vintages to the press, industry professionals, and wine enthusiasts.

    The tastings focused on three key tiers of Chianti Classico DOCG, each corresponding to its required aging period:

    • Chianti Classico Annata 2024
    • Chianti Classico Riserva 2023 and 2022
    • Gran Selezione wines from multiple vintages

    This year’s theme, “Wine Is Culture,” is grounded in historical reality rather than philosophy. Since 1716, when the denomination’s official boundaries were first defined, Chianti Classico has been a region where wine directly expresses centuries of cultural evolution.

    Medieval disputes between Florence and Siena – followed by the flourishing Renaissance beginning in the 14th century – left this territory with an extraordinary architectural and cultural legacy. Defensive fortresses gradually evolved into elegant villas and noble residences, while more than 150 historic farmhouses continue to dot the countryside.

    Precious artifacts, archival documents, agricultural structures, and curated tree collections offer further insight into the region’s long-standing agricultural traditions. From medieval Siena to Renaissance Florence, the Chianti hills connect two symbolic capitals through a landscape rich in protected heritage sites. Today, more than 300 cultural landmarks populate the region and its surrounding countryside.

    This cultural wealth has been cultivated and safeguarded over centuries, creating a rare sense of belonging and custodianship within an agricultural area that remains economically vital. The commitment to conserving and transmitting this heritage continues today, with winegrowers serving not only as agricultural producers but also as environmental stewards and custodians of collective cultural assets.

    In Chianti Classico, wine represents far more than an agricultural product. It is the result of a complex network of history, landscape, rural architecture, inherited knowledge, and shared vision. Few wine regions embody this relationship more clearly. Here, wine is not separate from culture – it is an integral, living part of everyday life.

    The Collection’s Numbers

    The scale of the Chianti Classico Collection illustrates the denomination’s vitality. The event featured 551 labels, including 165 Chianti Classico Riserva wines and 163 Gran Selezione wines.

    These premium categories now represent 43% of production volume and 55.2% of value, highlighting the denomination’s continued movement toward higher-value wines.
    The event also celebrated the region’s “green gold” – Chianti Classico DOP olive oil.

    Visitors sampled 32 different olive oils at a dedicated tasting counter, while six producers hosted their own stands throughout the exhibition hall.

    The Collection partnered with prominent Italian food and wine producers through Associazione Origin, bringing together several of Italy’s most iconic gastronomic products, including:

    • Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP
    • Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP
    • Arancia Rossa di Sicilia IGP
    • Burrata di Andria IGP
    • Lenticchia di Altamura IGP
    • Oliva La Bella della Daunia DOP
    • Pane di Altamura DOP
    • Parmigiano Reggiano DOP
    • Pesca di Verona IGP
    • Pomodoro di Pachino IGP
    • Riso Delta del Po IGP

    Despite an increasingly complex global market environment, the Chianti Classico denomination continued to grow in 2025, gaining more than one percentage point in production volume compared with the previous year. This confirms a positive growth trajectory sustained over the past three years.

    The denomination has also seen steady increases in turnover and value, characterized by stable, continuous advancement rather than sudden spikes.

    North America continues to lead exports, with the United States and Canada accounting for 49% of export volume.

    • The United States increased from 36% to 37% of export volume.
    • Canada grew from 10% to 12%, representing a 33% increase.

    Both markets demonstrated strong interest in premium styles. In the United States, Chianti Classico Riserva sales grew by 14%, while Gran Selezione increased by 20%. In Canada, consumption of both categories rose by nearly 30%.

    European markets also performed strongly. Germany and Scandinavia recorded increases in value terms, aligning with Italy’s approach to more quality-focused consumption.

    Sweden stood out in particular, showing growth of nearly 7%, primarily driven by the base Chianti Classico category.

    In France, appreciation for Gran Selezione wines increased notably, with both volumes and average prices rising significantly.

    Further east, markets such as China, Singapore, and Hong Kong showed growth primarily through increased turnover rather than large volume gains. Nevertheless, the Consorzio’s targeted promotional efforts are establishing a solid foundation for future expansion.

    Overall, the Chianti Classico Collection once again served as a vibrant celebration of the passion, craftsmanship, and diversity that define this iconic Italian wine territory.

    Discovering Chianti Classico: A Traveler’s Paradise

    The Chianti Classico territory offers wine lovers and travelers one of Italy’s most captivating landscapes.

    Rolling hills dotted with medieval villages, ancient cypress trees, and weathered stone farmhouses create a setting that has inspired artists and writers for centuries.

    Hilltop towns such as Greve, Radda, Gaiole, and Castellina preserve centuries of history through fortified walls, Renaissance palazzos, and cobblestone piazzas where local life unfolds much as it has for generations.

    Located between Florence and Siena, the region ranges in elevation from 200 to 800 meters, creating a diverse microclimate ideal for cultivating Sangiovese, the signature grape of Chianti Classico.

    The same landscape that produces exceptional wines also creates some of Italy’s most scenic drives. Winding roads pass through oak forests, chestnut groves, and carefully tended vineyards, offering spectacular views throughout the year.

    • Spring brings wildflowers and vibrant green vineyards.
    • Summer offers long golden evenings perfect for outdoor tastings.
    • Autumn transforms the hills into warm tones during harvest season.
    • Winter reveals the region’s essential character without the crowds.

    Wine tourism in Chianti Classico is highly developed. Visitors can explore restored medieval castles with historic wine cellars, stay at wine estates converted into boutique hotels, or enjoy private tastings with multi-generational family producers.

    Many wineries extend their experiences beyond the tasting room, offering:

    • vineyard walks with winemakers
    • cooking classes featuring local ingredients
    • olive oil mill visits
    • estate-to-table dining prepared by regional chefs

    Whether planning a short tasting visit or a week-long stay, Chianti Classico offers experiences for every level of wine enthusiast – from curious beginners to collectors seeking rare bottles.

    The Black Rooster symbol, which marks every bottle of Chianti Classico, serves as an invitation to discover not just a wine but an entire cultural landscape.

    Events such as the Chianti Classico Collection in Florence provide an excellent introduction to the denomination’s diversity. Yet the territory itself remains the true destination – where wine and culture exist inseparably, and every glass reflects centuries of history while remaining vibrantly alive today.

    Filippo Magnani

  • Montepulciano’s Pieve Revolution: Ancient Parishes Meet Authentic Wine

    Montepulciano’s Pieve Revolution: Ancient Parishes Meet Authentic Wine

    Every February, wine professionals and enthusiasts converge on Montepulciano for one of Italy’s longest-running wine events. The Anteprima di Vino Nobile, now in its 32nd year, takes place within the atmospheric walls of the Fortezza di Montepulciano, where industry insiders and dedicated collectors gather to taste the latest vintage prepared for market release.

    This year’s preview featured the 2023 Vino Nobile, which has completed its mandatory two-year aging period and is now cleared for commercial release. The first day focused on the 2023 vintage alongside the 2022 Riserva and the region’s two DOC wines: Rosso di Montepulciano and Vin Santo di Montepulciano. The second day was dedicated to the Pieve wines, allowing attendees to explore these distinctive parish-designated bottlings in depth.

    Yet beyond the annual tasting ritual, something more significant is taking place.

    The Pieve classification system has moved from concept to market reality. Wines from the 2021 vintage, bearing specific parish designations, are now appearing on retail shelves and restaurant lists worldwide.

    This is not merely another wine category. Montepulciano has looked to its medieval past to create a contemporary terroir classification system, dividing the appellation into twelve zones based on ancient parish boundaries. These were not arbitrary administrative divisions.

    Historically, both Roman and Lombard territorial organization often followed natural geological formations, watersheds, and microclimates. In many ways, these earlier civilizations understood terroir long before the modern vocabulary existed to describe it.

    How the Pieve System Works

    The regulatory framework behind the Pieve designation is both clear and demanding.

    A wine must be produced from 100 percent Sangiovese grown within estate vineyards located in a single parish zone. The same estate must cultivate the grapes, vinify the wine, and bottle it, with a minimum aging period of 36 months.

    In practical terms, this eliminates the possibility of purchasing fruit from outside the designated area and labeling it as Pieve. Each wine must also pass review by the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano’s technical commission before certification is granted.
    The result is an unusually high level of traceability and accountability.

    When a bottle carries the designation Pieve di Gracciano or Pieve di Valiano, buyers can identify precisely where the grapes were grown and who produced the wine. For professionals navigating the broader Vino Nobile category, this geographical precision provides an important tool for differentiation.

    Market analysts currently project retail pricing between €40 and €70 for most Pieve wines, while reserve bottlings may reach €70 to €100 or more.

    The Consortium has also supported the classification through educational initiatives. A dedicated web series profiles each Pieve zone, explaining the geological and climatic factors that shape its wines. For trade professionals and consumers alike, the project offers valuable context for understanding these emerging sub-appellations.
    This initiative aligns with Montepulciano’s broader sustainability strategy. In May 2022, the denomination became Italy’s first Equalitas-certified appellation, committing producers to measurable standards involving carbon footprint reduction, water management, and labor practices. Across the territory, 50 weather stations now collect environmental data used to support climate-adaptation planning.

    The Numbers Behind the Wine

    Although relatively compact, Montepulciano represents a significant wine economy.

    The municipality covers 16,500 hectares, of which 2,000 hectares are planted to vineyards. Within this area, 1,411 hectares are registered under the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, while 587 hectares produce Rosso di Montepulciano DOC.

    The region includes 82 estates bottling wine and approximately 250 grape growers, collectively supporting around 1,000 permanent jobs, in addition to seasonal agricultural labor.

    Annual production value is estimated at €65 million, while the total asset base – including land, infrastructure, and inventory – approaches €1 billion.

    Sales figures remain robust. In 2025, production reached 6.4 million bottles of Vino Nobile and 2.5 million bottles of Rosso di Montepulciano.

    Export markets account for 64.5 percent of total production, with Germany representing 36 percent and the United States 27.5 percent.
    Organic certification also continues to expand. Approximately 50 percent of domestic sales are now certified organic, while export markets have reached 34 percent. What was once considered niche has become a clear indicator of evolving consumer preferences.

    What to Expect When Visiting Montepulciano

    The town of Montepulciano sits atop a limestone ridge between the Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia valleys. Its historic center has remained largely unchanged since the sixteenth century.

    In Piazza Grande, the seventeenth-century Duomo anchors the town’s architectural core. Just beyond the city walls stands the Temple of San Biagio, framed by the iconic Tuscan cypress-lined approach.

    Within the historic center, visitors encounter a layered landscape of Etruscan ruins, Renaissance palazzi, historic churches housing significant artworks, and the Teatro Poliziano, which continues to host cultural performances.

    One of the most innovative recent developments is the Pilgrimage program, created by the Consortium. The initiative organizes hiking routes through the twelve Pieve territories, culminating in evening tastings featuring wines produced in the zones visitors have just traversed.

    The concept effectively connects landscape with sensory experience. Visitors spend the day walking through vineyards and terrain before tasting the wines that emerge from those soils. The physical experience deepens the understanding of terroir.

    For traditional wine tourism, Montepulciano offers a wide range of possibilities. Some estates operate cellars beneath medieval buildings, while others showcase contemporary winery architecture. Most visits require appointments, although the Consortium’s enoteca within the restored fortress provides accessible walk-in tastings representing the broader appellation.

    Accommodation ranges from rooms on working wine estates to boutique hotels within the centro storico.

    Many visitors return repeatedly, each trip revealing a new dimension of the region. First visits often focus on the town’s art, architecture, and historical orientation. Subsequent journeys typically extend into the countryside to explore individual producers and understand the distinctions among the parish zones.

    Why Montepulciano Matters Now

    Tuscany offers no shortage of picturesque hill towns producing excellent wine. What distinguishes Montepulciano is its rigorous commitment to terroir expression and its transparency about how that expression is defined.

    The Pieve classification is not simply a marketing construct. It represents a serious attempt to map the nuanced differences among vineyard sites within a relatively compact appellation.

    For trade buyers, this creates meaningful opportunities. Instead of presenting a generalized Vino Nobile, merchants and sommeliers can discuss specific parish zones and the characteristics that distinguish them.

    At the same time, the region’s organic production and Equalitas sustainability certification address growing market expectations surrounding responsible sourcing.

    From a pricing perspective, Vino Nobile occupies a strategic position between Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, offering both quality credibility and relative value.

    For wine travellers, the appeal is equally compelling.
    Unlike some Tuscan destinations that have become heavily dominated by tourism, Montepulciano remains fundamentally anchored in agriculture. Wine production continues to drive the local economy, and many residents maintain generational ties to viticulture.

    The result is a destination where wine tourism feels authentic rather than staged.

    Visitors can spend mornings exploring Etruscan artifacts and Renaissance art, afternoons walking through vineyards, and evenings tasting wines shaped by the landscape they have just experienced.

    The Pieve system reinforces this connection.

    These twelve zones are not invented categories but historical territories that correspond closely to geological realities. When wines from different Pieve areas are tasted side by side, the distinctions become evident: variations in limestone composition, altitude, sun exposure, and microclimate all influence how Sangiovese expresses itself.

    After more than three decades of hosting its annual preview event, Montepulciano has evolved from a respected regional producer into a sophisticated appellation with clearly defined internal geography.
    The Pieve classification provides precision, the sustainability initiatives address contemporary environmental concerns, and the town itself offers enough cultural depth to transform wine tourism into an educational experience.

    For travellers seeking to look beyond Tuscany’s most familiar destinations, Montepulciano represents a place where history, landscape, and wine remain profoundly interconnected.

    Filippo Magnani

  • Territory, Tourism, and Market Evolution Shape New Strategy as Valpolicella Celebrates Sustainability Milestone at Amarone Opera Prima, Verona

    Territory, Tourism, and Market Evolution Shape New Strategy as Valpolicella Celebrates Sustainability Milestone at Amarone Opera Prima, Verona

    Valpolicella has reached a historic turning point in environmental stewardship, with certified sustainable practices now covering the majority of its vineyards for the first time. Speaking at Amarone Opera Prima in Verona, Christian Marchesini, President of the Valpolicella Wine Protection Consortium, announced that 53% of the denomination’s vineyard area is now certified, representing nearly 4,666 hectares of the region’s total 8,600 hectares.

    The two-day event, held at the Gallerie Mercatali on January 31 and February 1, unveiled the 2021 vintage while highlighting a decisive shift toward sustainability as a strategic pillar for long-term competitiveness. The milestone reflects a broader recalibration of Valpolicella’s identity—one that integrates territorial heritage, environmental responsibility, and evolving market dynamics.

    Representing more than 2,400 businesses across 19 municipalities in the province of Verona, the Valpolicella Wine Protection Consortium serves as the authoritative voice of one of Italy’s most distinguished wine regions. With annual revenues exceeding €600 million, largely driven by Amarone’s global success, the Consortium plays a central role in safeguarding and promoting the denomination both domestically and internationally.

    The Future of Amarone: Sustainability and Market Resilience

    At Amarone Opera Prima, 70 producers presented the new vintage, underscoring sustainability’s dual function as both an environmental imperative and a market asset.

    “In an increasingly competitive landscape, Valpolicella is investing heavily in sustainability. It is a green asset for the territory and also a powerful market lever across key demand areas, from Northern Europe to North America, where it is perceived as a value-added factor,” Marchesini noted.

    The rapid expansion of certified viticulture reflects this strategic commitment. Voluntary SQNPI certification (National Quality System for Integrated Production), which promotes sustainable practices in both vineyard and cellar, increased by 47% in 2025 alone and by 110% over the past three years. Of the certified area, approximately 1,100 hectares are organic, while nearly 3,500 hectares carry the Ministry of Agriculture’s official sustainability label.

    Despite challenging market conditions in 2025, the denomination demonstrated notable resilience. Bottled volumes experienced modest declines—Amarone down 2.4% to approximately 102,000 hectolitres, Valpolicella down 2.7% to 123,800 hectolitres, and Ripasso down 3.7% to just over 205,000 hectolitres. However, export performance outpaced national trends.

    Veneto PDO red wines in Valpolicella’s segment recorded a value decline of only 2.1% in the first ten months of the year, significantly outperforming the national red wine category’s 6.2% drop. Key international markets posted positive growth, including Canada (+4.8%), Germany (+5.1%), Sweden (+4.7%), the United Kingdom (+8.9%), and the Netherlands (+12%).

    Regional Identity, Terroir, and Classification

    Valpolicella’s distinctiveness derives from its unique geographical position between the Dolomites and Lake Garda. The Monti Lessini plateau shields vineyards from Alpine cold, while Lake Garda moderates temperatures and provides natural ventilation. This combination enables extended growing seasons and supports the production of concentrated wines with vibrant acidity.

    The region’s flagship Amarone is produced using the traditional appassimento method, whereby grapes are dried before fermentation to concentrate sugars, aromas, and structure. This centuries-old technique remains central to Valpolicella’s identity.

    Unusually, all four principal styles of Valpolicella wine are produced throughout the region using the same limited selection of native grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara.

    By regulation, Valpolicella DOC wines must contain between 45% and 95% Corvina. Corvinone may substitute up to 50% of the required Corvina, contributing round, characteristic cherry notes. Rondinella constitutes 5% to 30% of the blend and is valued for its floral aromatics and resilience. Molinara, though used less frequently today, provides lean acidity and freshness.

    The resulting wines are distinguished by their bright, lively, and balanced profile, marked by savoury sour cherry flavours and elegant structure.

    The region produces four principal wines: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC, and Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG. These may originate from three territories: Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella DOC Classico, and Valpolicella DOC Valpantena.

    Experiencing Valpolicella: Culture, Cuisine, and Landscape
    Beyond viticulture, Valpolicella offers a rich cultural and experiential landscape. Historic villages such as San Giorgio di Valpolicella showcase Romanesque architecture, while Fumane features the preserved Maso degli Orzi rural complex. San Pietro in Cariano’s Villa Serego Alighieri functions as both winery and museum.

    Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides an ideal base for exploration, with landmarks including the Roman Arena, Juliet’s House, and Piazza delle Erbe. Nearby Lake Garda offers water sports, scenic villages, and recreational opportunities.

    Local gastronomy further enhances the visitor experience, with regional specialties such as bigoli with duck ragù and paparotte (cabbage and bean soup) complementing Valpolicella’s wines.

    Heritage and the Path Forward

    The Valpolicella community is currently seeking UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for its appassimento tradition. Rather than pursuing commercial advantage, the initiative aims to preserve and safeguard this cultural practice for future generations.

    The application process has strengthened regional cohesion while allowing for diverse interpretations of tradition and innovation. Visitors can engage with this heritage through a wide range of accommodations, from family-run farmhouses to luxury wine resorts housed in restored Renaissance villas, all within easy reach of Verona.

    My choices of Valpolicella’s producers

    Below are a few notable producers that caught my eye, and palate, during this year’s Amarone Opera Prima event. They range from historic estates to new state-of-the-art wineries and small, passionate producers focused on terroir and sustainability.

    Corte Figaretto — www.cortefigaretto.it

    Mauro Bustaggi and his daughter Sofia lead this family-run estate in Valpantena. Known for elegant, terroir-driven wines, Corte Figaretto produces Amarone della Valpolicella Brolo del Figaretto and Valpolicella Superiore Alte Quare, noted for balance, finesse, and volcanic-limestone expression.

    Cà la Bionda — www.calabionda.it

    Founded in 1902, this historic estate in Marano di Valpolicella is managed by Alessandro and Nicola Castellani. Their Amarone Classico and single-vineyard Casalvegri exemplify traditional methods and limestone-driven minerality.

    Villa Della Torre — www.villadellatorre.it

    Owned by the Allegrini family, this Renaissance estate in Fumane serves as both cultural centre and winery. Production focuses on the historic Brolo vineyards, combining architectural heritage with precision winemaking.

    Novaia — www.novaia.it

    The Vaona family has stewarded this 15th-century estate since 1700. Certified organic, Novaia produces wines of freshness and mineral depth, including Amarone Corte Vaona and Amarone Riserva Le Balze.

    Le Guaite di Noemi — www.leguaite.it

    Noemi Pizzighella represents a new generation of Veneto winemakers. Her wines emphasize purity, balance, and restrained elegance, distancing themselves from excessive opulence.

    La Collina dei Ciliegi — www.lacollinadeiciliegi.it

    Founded by Massimo Gianolli, this high-altitude Valpantena estate produces wines with notable acidity and minerality. The restored Ca’ Del Moro offers immersive hospitality experiences.

    Massimago — www.massimago.com

    Dating to 1883, Massimago blends historic roots with contemporary hospitality. Under Camilla Rossi Chauvenet, the estate has developed a Wine Relais and diverse experiential programs.

    Tenuta Villa Bellini — www.tenutavillabellini.com

    A pioneer of organic viticulture in Valpolicella, this historic estate introduced wild yeast fermentation in the early 1990s and continues to emphasize biodynamic principles.

    Zýmē — www.zyme.it

    Founded by Celestino Gaspari in 1999, Zýmē is built within a former sandstone quarry. The winery embodies a synthesis of tradition, innovation, and environmental integration, producing wines that transparently express terroir.

    Valpolicella’s evolution illustrates how historic wine regions can adapt to contemporary challenges without compromising identity. By integrating sustainability, market intelligence, and cultural preservation, the denomination is positioning itself for long-term relevance in a rapidly changing global landscape.

    As Amarone Opera Prima demonstrated, Valpolicella’s future lies not in abandoning tradition, but in refining it—aligning environmental responsibility with excellence, resilience, and place-based authenticity.

    Filippo Magnani

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

    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

    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.