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
Garganega is the grape that gives Soave its character. 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, destemmed, crushed and chilled on the way to the press with no sulphur addition. The juice was naturally settled and after racking, cultured yeasts were added to initiate fermentation, which took place at 12-14°C. These relatively low fermentation temperatures help preserve the fresh fruit character of the grapes. 20% was fermented in large format oak. The wine was held in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks until bottling.
Tasting Notes
Bright, pale lemon in colour with a fresh, aromatic nose with perfumes of almond blossom and a touch of acacia. On the palate, it is lively and crisp, with a delicate honey and almond character. Clean, zesty finish with a twist of lime.
Vintage information
| Vintage | 2011 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Garganega |
| Region | Veneto |
| Winemaker | Matt Thomson |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 12.5% |
| Acidity | 5.4g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 4.5g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.38 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.