2023 Valpantena Valpolicella, Alpha Zeta

• Style: Bright, mineral-driven Corvina-led Valpolicella
• Taste: Cherry and stone fruit with fine tannins, dry finish
• Food: Grilled meats, mushroom risotto, aged cheese, braises
• Occasion: Weeknight dinner or Sunday lunch
• Serve: 16–18°C, no decanting needed

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Bright cherry and stone fruit with a savoury, mineral backbone. Fine-grained tannins and natural freshness define the palate; the finish stays dry and refreshing. This is Valpolicella built for the table—aromatic clarity and acidity from cool mountain nights, wrapped around ripe fruit that speaks to the 2023 vintage's intensity.

The Winery — Alpha Zeta

Founded in 1999 by Liberty Wines and New Zealand winemaker Matt Thomson, Alpha Zeta works directly with serious hillside growers in the Valpantena Valley rather than buying bulk wine—a rarity at this price point in Veneto. Thomson's expertise shapes every vintage: lower yields and later picking capture ripe grapes, while selective techniques—one third whole-bunch fermented for layered aromatics, another third briefly oaked for texture—preserve balance without overwhelming fruit character. The 2023 captured remarkable ripeness despite drought and heat, its altitude-grown Corvina (75%) forming the spine, with Rondinella and Corvinone adding depth. Nearly 25 years on, Alpha Zeta's philosophy remains unchanged: quality over volume, typicity with modern precision.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Pair with grilled chicken, roasted meats, mushroom risotto, game, venison, or stews and braises. The wine's acidity and tannin grip handle tomato-based pasta and aged hard cheeses like Grana Padano with equal ease. It works equally at the dinner table or as an evening glass, without demanding ceremony—perfect for weeknight suppers or Sunday lunch. This is one of the finest expressions of the region we've found, showing what Corvina can achieve when growers and winemakers collaborate on quality. Explore our Italy selection to discover how broadly that philosophy extends, and discover other Corvina & Corvinone wines in our Veneto range.