Country: Italy  Region: Veneto  Vintage: 2018 Category: Red Wine  Color: Red Producer: Cantina Valpantena "Run by Luca Degani since 1995, the Cantina Valpantena is now one of Italy's best co-operatives, with 700 hectares of vineyard producing excellent quality fruit. Matt Thomson makes some of the Alpha Zeta wines here and has worked closely with them since 1999. Known as the 'valley of god' to the ancient Greeks, the Valpantena is well-known for its high quality red wines, due partly to the limestone soils but also because of the cool breeze that blows down the valley from the foothills of the Dolomites. The Torre del Falasco wines are the standard bearers of this co-operative. Their Valpolicella Valpantena, illustrates why this valley has always been regarded as at least as good as the Classico zone. The Ripasso is a fuller and riper style than Alpha Zeta, as is their Amarone." Product Features: Vegan;Vegetarian Winemaker: Luca Degani Vineyards: The grapes for the Valpolicella are grown on the steeply terraced hillside vineyards belonging to the co-op, where soils are chalky and poor. Vinification: The grapes were de-stemmed and crushed on arrival at the winery. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tank between 22-26°C followed by maceration for eight days. The wine remained in tank until bottling to retain its natural freshness. Tasting Notes: Youthful, ruby-cherry in appearance with bright, clean aromas of classic cherry and almond blossom. The wine is best served lightly chilled to enjoy the vibrant black cherry character, which is supported by supple, approachable tannins and a flavoursome finish. Food Suggestion: Great with simple Italian cuisine such as pizza or tomato-based pasta. Closure: Stelvin  ABV: 12.5%