Azienda Vitivinicola Zenato – Wines from Lake Garda and Valpolicella
Azienda Vitivinicola Zenato was founded in 1960 by Sergio Zenato in San Benedetto di Lugana on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Today, the family winery is primarily associated with two wine regions: Lugana and Valpolicella Classica. While the white wine tradition centred on Trebbiano di Lugana, also known as Turbiana, takes centre stage around Lake Garda, Valpolicella is renowned for its traditional red wines. This combination continues to define Zenato today. The range extends from fresh white wines and structured Lugana to Valpolicella, Ripassa and Amarone, complemented by further wines from Veneto.
Sergio Zenato and the Roots in Lugana
The history of Zenato begins in San Benedetto di Lugana on the southern shore of Lake Garda. As early as the 1960s, Sergio Zenato recognised the potential of the then little-known Lugana region and the Trebbiano di Lugana grape grown there. He was among the producers who became involved early on in the development and recognition of the area. Lugana DOC was established in 1967. An important point of reference for the winery’s white wines is Podere Massoni in the municipality of Peschiera del Garda. This is the historic base of Zenato’s Lugana production. The grape variety is represented in the range through different styles – from the fresh Lugana San Benedetto DOC to the more structured and longer-ageing Lugana DOC Riserva Sergio Zenato.
The Terroir: Lake Garda and Valpolicella
The vineyards in the Lugana area lie south of Lake Garda. The climate is influenced by the large lake, which helps moderate temperatures in the surrounding vineyards. The soils of the Lugana zone are characterised primarily by clay-rich deposits and provide favourable conditions for white wines with freshness, structure and ageing potential.
Valpolicella Classica near Verona offers a different environment. Around the Costalunga estate in Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella, the vineyards are situated on hilly terrain. Limestone-rich and stony soils with varying proportions of clay are combined with warm days and good air circulation. These conditions provide the basis for different styles of red wine – from classic Valpolicella and Ripassa to the more concentrated Amarone.
Philosophy: Origin, Grape Varieties and Tradition
Zenato’s work is based on the family’s many years of experience and a close connection with the respective regions of origin. Grape variety, vineyard site and the character of the wine determine how the grapes are handled and how the wines are aged. The winery combines traditional methods with precise vinification tailored to each individual wine.
Today, Alberto and Nadia Zenato continue the family’s work. The historic roots in San Benedetto di Lugana and the connection with Valpolicella remain the foundation of the winery.
Wines from Azienda Vitivinicola Zenato at a Glance
The range at buonvino.gmbh includes selected wines from Zenato that showcase different facets of Veneto and the family winery:
- Soave Classico DOC – fresh white wine made from Garganega and Trebbiano di Lugana, with a delicately fruity and refreshing style
- Pinot Grigio Venezie DOC – Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay with fruit, freshness and balanced richness
- Lugana San Benedetto DOC – 100% Trebbiano di Lugana with a fresh, clean style
- Lugana DOC Riserva Sergio Zenato – structured Lugana made from Trebbiano di Lugana, with greater richness and ageing potential
- Valpolicella Superiore DOC – classic red wine from Valpolicella with red fruit, fine spice and an approachable structure
- Alanera Veneto IGT– Blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with ripe fruit and a spicy structure.
- Merlot Garda DOC– varietal Merlot with ripe berry fruit and a powerful, elegant style
- Cresasso Veronese IGT – varietal Corvina with concentrated fruit, structure and a long finish
- Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC – Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella made using the Ripasso method, with ripe fruit and spicy depth
- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG– classic Amarone made from dried grapes, with concentrated fruit, structure and ageing potential
Ripassa and Amarone are also available at buonvino in various bottle sizes. The selection therefore ranges from smaller formats and the classic 75 cl bottle to large-format bottles for shared meals and special occasions.
Origin, Style and Character
Zenato combines the white wine tradition of southern Lake Garda with the red wines of Valpolicella and other wine regions of Veneto. The range is correspondingly diverse: from fresh, clean white wines and structured, age-worthy Lugana to fruity, spicy and more concentrated red wines. Despite this diversity, origin, grape variety and the individual style of each wine remain at the heart of the winery.