The Valpolicella Alpha Zeta Ripasspo 2010 is bright ruby in colour, with perfumes of bitter cherries and a slight smokiness. Full and rich on the palate, with a spicy cherry character, sweet vanilla and dark chocolate, balanced by smooth, rounded tannins. Supple and long, with a bitter twist on the finish. Pair with grilled white meats and cold cuts.

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.