Press
Alpha Zeta
Alpha Zeta was started in 1999 when Liberty Wines set out to produce a range of modern, fruit driven wines from the hills outside Verona...
Working with leading New Zealand winemaker, Matt Thomson, our aim was to work with growers (rather than buy bulk wine, which is standard among most wines from Verona at this price) to obtain ripe grapes (by reducing yields and picking later) and then, using Matt’s expertise, preserve these flavours in the finished wines. The result is a realisation of the potential inherent in Veronese viniculture.
Vineyards
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.
Vintage information
After a fresh start to the growing season in June and July, August and September saw record-breaking temperatures throughout Italy with the north of the country experiencing the hottest temperatures since 1800. This was accompanied by a severe lack of rain which resulted in clean, healthy fruit that was concentrated and ripe. In the Veneto, harvest began approximately 7 days earlier than normal and yields were down 5% on 2010.
Vinification
The grapes were hand harvested, de-stemmed, crushed and chilled on the way to the press with no sulphur addition. The juice was naturally settled, racked and cultured yeasts were added to initiate fermentation which took place at 12-14°C. Half the wine was fermented in oak, while one third of the blend was put through malolactic fermentation in order to add complexity. Further complexity was derived from ageing on lees for six months.
Tasting Notes
Bright, straw yellow colour with a fresh, youthful bouquet with a mineral note adding complexity. On the palate it is well-balanced and clean, with a nice weight of ripe fruit and a crisp finish.
Vintage information
| Vintage | 2011 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Chardonnay |
| Region | Valpolicella, Veneto |
| Winemaker | Matt Thomson |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 13% |
| Acidity | 5.5g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 4.4g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.35 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.