My Top 100 Italian Wines: Zenato – Amarone Classico della Valpolicella

James visited Zenato winery in Veneto, northeastern Italy and tasted a range of their Amarones - the most prestigious red wine from the Veneto region. The range went from 1988 to 2006 including a few earlier vintages like 1980 and 1983.

Amarone wines are made with a local variety called Corvina and a local sub-variety called Corvinone. Normally the grapes after the harvest are left to dry to remove water and to retain concentration and aromas. Amarones are well known for their intense flavors and deep red color.

In this video, Nadia Zenato, owner of Zenato, and James discuss what makes Amarone a great wine and what is the style that defines the Zenato Amarones.

One of Zenato’s Amarone Classico della Valpolicella made it to this year's top 100 Italian wines. Check out the tasting note below.

Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Sergio Zenato Riserva 2006