Alpha Zeta 'S' Soave Veneto

The Valpolicella is vibrant and damsony, displaying none of the leanness that most of them do at this price level. (12 x 75 cl)

Alpha Zeta was established with winemaker Matt Thompson in 1999. The original aim was quite simple: to produce mid-priced Veronese wines using fruit from selected vineyards rather than by buying and blending bulk wine from the various co-operatives. Over the years, Matt has developed a great relationship with a series of growers, and has convinced them to lower yields and pick later. This has resulted in riper and more flavoursome grapes. The grapes for these wines are sourced from vineyards in the Valpantena and Monteforte d'Alpone valleys, both of which are to the east of Verona. Once the grapes arrive at the winery, it is then Matt's job to ensure that these flavours are retained in the finished wine, and this he does admirably. These are modern, innovative wines that express the real quality inherent in Veronese viniculture. 100% Lugana grape have produced a clean, fresh and very fragrant with beautiful balance on the palate between ripe, round fruit and a zesty, mineral freshness. (6 x 75 cl)

The Corvina, deep, rich spicy and supple, is a revelation. (12 x 75 cl)

A wine that is medium bodied with flavours of ripe peaches, spice and hints of honeysuckle. It is an attractive, quaffable wine that will appeal to those looking for something new from Italy. It has been bottled young to preserve its fresh fruit character. Winemaker Matt Thomson has thinks this is the best vintage yet of Garganega that he has produced. The superb weather in September and October ensured that the late ripening Garganega grapes reached maturity in ideal conditions. It was then Matt's job to retain these flavours, something he has done admirably. Greater ripeness and more flavour were obtained by reducing yields and picking later. (12 x 75 cl)

Fragrant, cherryish rosato of impressive quality. (12 x 75 cl)

Scented and spicy with a polished texture on the finish. (12 x 75 cl)

It is made in a rich and modern style with an attractive fresh perfume. On the palate it is full bodied and rich, with cherry, vanillin and coffee flavours. The tannins are supple and well balanced, and the wine finishes long (6 x 75 cl)

Alpha Zeta was established with winemaker Matt Thompson in 1999. The original aim was quite simple: to produce mid-priced Veronese wines using fruit from selected vineyards rather than by buying and blending bulk wine from the various co-operatives. Over the years, Matt has developed a great relationship with a series of growers, and has convinced them to lower yields and pick later. This has resulted in riper and more flavoursome grapes. The grapes for these wines are sourced from vineyards in the Valpantena and Monteforte d'Alpone valleys, both of which are to the east of Verona. Once the grapes arrive at the winery, it is then Matt's job to ensure that these flavours are retained in the finished wine, and this he does admirably. These are modern, innovative wines that express the real quality inherent in Veronese viniculture. Rich and modern with an attractive fresh perfume it is dispalying aromas of ripe black cherry, plum and hints of fruit cake. On the palate it is full bodied and rich, with cherry, vanillin and coffee flavours. Well balanced tannins and long finish mark this wine out. (6 x 75 cl)

The partially oaked Chardonnay, a portion of which was put through malolactic fermentation, has tremendous richness and character. (12 x 75 cl)