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
The summer of 2012 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 till near then end of the harvest period. Selection and careful monitoring of vineyards was necessary this year as a result. Although yields were dramatically down, the quality of grapes harvested was excellent and very healthy and the wines are ripe and concentrated.
Vinification
This wine was made from juice drained from the skins before fermentation. After macerating on the skins for about 18 hours, the must was fermented at a relatively low temperature (14-15°C) in order to retain the delicate cherryish perfumes of Corvina. The wine was held in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks until bottling to maximise freshness.
Tasting Notes
Lovely light pink in appearance with a lifted perfume of wild strawberries, warm cherry pie and sherbet. Vibrant and fresh on the palate, with a fresh, lively cherry fruit character and a fragrant finish.
Vintage information
| Vintage | 2012 |
| Grape varieties |
40% Corvina/Corvinone 60% Molinara |
| Region | Valpolicella, Veneto |
| Winemaker | Matt Thomson |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 12% |
| Acidity | 5.4g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 5g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.4 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.