Amarone della Valpolicella Alpha Zeta 2009 is dark purple in colour, with rich 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, a long finish with firm tannins and good acidity. Pair with red meats and mature cheeses.

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.