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Item Number: 6491

UPC: 8015822000611

Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Appellation/AVA: Veronese IGT
Vintage: 2011
Grape(s): Corvina
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Screwcap
Alc by Vol(%): 13


Vineyard Information: The vineyards are situated in the hills outside Verona in the Valpantena Valley. Cool currents blow down the valley from the foothills of the Dolomites, which helps to moderate the climate, enabling the grapes to ripen slowly. This helps the grapes to retain their aromatic compounds and acidity. The soil is poor and chalky so the vines are put under stress helping to produce superior quality fruit.

Veneto Vintage Notes: The summer was hot and very dry right through till the start of harvest for the early varieties. The first rain for some time occurred just as they were completing the Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay harvests, which was very welcome as it breathed life in to the later varieties such as Garganega and Corvina. The rain continued to fall in sporadic bursts through to near then end of the harvest period. Selection and careful monitoring of vineyards was necessary this year as a result. Although yields are dramatically down, the quality of grapes harvested was excellent and very healthy and the wines are ripe and concentrated.

Winemaking Notes: The grapes for the Alpha Zeta Corvina were harvested by hand, destemmed and crushed and pumped to stainless steel tanks purpose built for fermenting red wine. 25% of the juice was drained from the tank in order to increase the ratio of skins to juice, which in turn resulted in a wine with greater color and flavor. The Corvina was pumped over automatically every hour in the early stages to increase extraction further. The wine was left in contact with the skins for seven days, and fermentation took place at up to 30°C. Malolactic fermentation took place in large oak, in which the wine was aged for a further six months prior to bottling. As a great deal of effort went into growing and ripening the grapes used to make this wine, the wine was not subject to severe treatments or filtration that ensure stability but strip flavor, color and character. As a result, it may throw a light but harmless natural deposit in bottle.

Tasting Notes: Alpha Zeta Covina is a youthful wine with bright ruby red color. Fresh aromas are of ripe cherries and red berries. The palate is balanced and juicy with a supple structure and attractive lively finish.