Zenato Bardolino DOC

Zenato Bardolino is a lighter style of red wine from the Veneto wine-growing region of Italy. Perfect as an alternative to a Beaujolais or when you are looking for a lighter style of red wine. Available to buy now at Fareham Wine Cellar.

Zenato: Three Iconic Estates from Lugana to Valpolicella and Bolgheri

Zenato was established in 1960 by Sergio Zenato and his wife, Carla. The Zenato wine cellars are located at San Benedetto di Lugana, in the heart of the Lugana region, on Lake Garda. As well as Amarone, Zenato also produces some other fantastic red wines, including Zenato Bardolino and Zenato Ripassa, and some lovely white wines like their Pinot Grigio and Lugana.

Today, Zenato’s vineyards span three distinct estates.

• The 95-hectare Santa Cristina estate in San Benedetto di Lugana is dedicated to the Trebbiano di Lugana grape.
• In Valpolicella, the Costalunga estate is the birthplace of Zenato’s renowned Amarone, cultivated with the classic Corvina, Rondinella, and Oseleta varieties.
• Finally, in Tuscany, a small 3.8-hectare estate produces Zenato’s unique expression of the Bolgheri DOC, crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

A Family Affair

Today, the winery is in the capable hands of Sergio’s children, Alberto and Nadia, who have clearly inherited their father’s talents and wine-making passion. Zenato wines have gained international recognition for their exceptional quality and expression of the region’s terroir.

Zenato Bardolino Vineyards

The grapes for the Zenato Bardolino come from vineyards located between Bardolino and Peschiera; the vineyards lie in the foothills south-east of Lake Garda. The soils are limey clay, morainic and rich in rock fragments. After hand harvesting, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks followed by ageing for 6 months in oak barrels before release.

Winemaking

Zenato Bardolino is a blend of 65% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 10% Molinara. Corvina is the dominant grape in the blend, contributing to the wine’s fruity and floral character, Rondinella adds body and structure, whilst the Molinara enhances the wine’s acidity and freshness.