Alpha Zeta "G" Garganega 2010
Producer
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, their 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, and these grapes were grown in the hills outside Verona. Several vineyards in
excellent sites where the growers had reduced the crop quite significantly to ensure the best possible quality were selected.
Vintage Information
The Veneto winter was characterised by cold, wet weather which gave way to a cool, rainy spring. Conditions improved in late May with
a hot, dry June with good diurnal temperature differences. Harvest was approximately a week later than 2009 and the grapes were
picked in good condition with good acidity levels, better pH than 2009 and lovely aromatic qualities.
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 Note
Bright, pale lemon in colour with a fresh, aromatic nose with perfumes of almond blossom and a touch of acacia. On the palate, the 2010 is
lively and crisp, with a delicate honey and almond character. Clean, zesty finish with a twist of lime.
