2021 · R Valpolicella Ripasso

Established in 1999 by UK wine importer David Gleave MW and New Zealand winemaker Matt Thomson, Alpha Zeta works in partnership with local grape growers in the hills outside Verona, across the Valpantena and Alpone valleys. Its grapes come from responsibly managed hillside vineyards at 100–400 metres, on poor chalky soils and south- to southeast-facing slopes, with vines trained in traditional Pergola Veronese and Guyot systems. The producer’s Prosecco is made using the Charmat method, with cool vineyard sites contributing to an especially fresh style marked by pear, white flowers, fine mousse and a refreshing finish. Winemaking is led by Matt Thomson, alongside Michele Peroni and Alessandro Donà.