🇮🇹 Zenato Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2021 (Veneto)

This is the red you pour when you want Italy to do the talking and you want to look effortlessly correct. Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2021 is smooth, savory-leaning, and way too easy to finish.

Wine Description

Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2021 is a classic Veneto red built on Corvina with Rondinella and Corvinone in support, aged 12 months in large French oak barrels. 

It’s not trying to be Amarone, it’s trying to be the bottle that disappears first at the table because it tastes like cherry, spice, and “one more glass.” The producer describes wild berries, black currant, black cherry, spice, and a hint of chocolate, with a dry, robust palate and velvety texture.

The Vibe

Candlelight energy without the cringe. This is the kind of red that makes a Tuesday pasta feel like a plan, and it’s confident enough to play nice with food instead of trying to be the main character.

What it tastes like

Bright cherry and berry fruit up front, then it leans into tobacco, tea-like savory notes, warm spice, and a subtle cocoa edge, staying fresh and structured instead of heavy. 

Pairing + When to drink it 

Zenato literally suggests antipasti, arrabbiata sauces, seared tuna, and orange-glazed duck, which is a very chaotic and very correct range. Drink it now while the fruit is lively, and give it a quick splash decant if you want it extra smooth. 

Quick Specs 

• Producer: Zenato 

• Region/Appellation: Veneto, Valpolicella Superiore (DOC) 

• Grapes: 85% Corvina Veronese, 10% Rondinella, 5% Corvinone 

• Vintage: 2021 Farming: Unknown

• Winemaking/Aging: Fermented in stainless steel; 12–15 days fermentation and maceration; aged 12 months in 50 hL French oak barrels

• ABV: 13.5% 

• Bottle size: 750 ml

• Import info (US): Selected & Imported by Winebow Inc., New York, NY 

Critic Reviews

• James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: 90 points
  Reviewed vintage: 2021
  Date: 3/26/2024 
  Short excerpt: Polished and contemporary, showing dark fruit with violet and camphor hints, with well-managed tannins and oak. 

• Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast: 89 points
  Reviewed vintage: 2021
  Date: Issue Date 4/1/2025 
  Short excerpt: Crushed strawberry and cherry with tea leaf, tobacco, and baking spice; tart cranberry and sour cherry on the palate, finishing bright and savory. 

FAQs 

Q: What grapes are in Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2021?
A: The tech sheet lists 85% Corvina Veronese, 10% Rondinella, and 5% Corvinone. 

Q: How is Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2021 aged?
A: It’s aged 12 months in large (50 hL) French oak barrels after stainless-steel fermentation. 

Q: What is the alcohol content of this wine?
A: 13.5% ABV. 

Q: Is there a reputable critic score for the 2021 vintage?
A: Yes. Wine Enthusiast rated the 2021 vintage 89 points, and James Suckling’s 90-point review is widely reprinted by major retailers for the 2021 vintage. 

Q: What foods pair best with Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2021?
A: The producer recommends antipasti, arrabbiata sauces, seared tuna, and orange-glazed duck.