Valpolicella - Superiore - Valli di Mezzo - Zanoni

The Valpolicella Superiore DOC Valli di Mezzo by Zanoni is the everyday wine from a winery that also produces one of the most interesting Amarones in the catalogue — the 2016 with Oseleta in the blend and 24 months in French barriques. Seeing Zanoni offer a Valpolicella Superiore at €14 with the same artisan care and respect for the territory confirms a coherent production vision from entry level to the top.

"Valli di Mezzo" — the middle valleys, those that open between the hills of the Valpolicella — is the name Zanoni has chosen for this territorial wine, a tribute to the Veronese agricultural landscape of vineyards, olive trees and farmland tended with generational care. The Superiore is born from Corvina 70% and Rondinella 30% — the classic Valpolicella blend without Corvinone, which prioritises the freshness and fragrance of Corvina over a lighter tannic structure from the Rondinella.

The Superiore designation requires a minimum of 12 months ageing — respected here with 6 to 8 months in used French oak barriques, which gives the wine roundness and softness without imparting new wood notes, and 6 months of bottle ageing before release. The choice of used barriques is intelligent and modern — all the structural benefit of oak without the aromatic interference of new wood, which in a lighter Valpolicella like this would overwhelm the fruit.

On the nose it is fragrant and inviting: fresh cherry and marasca, raspberry, young blackberry, light spice, Veronese aromatic herbs and a delicate hint of vanilla and leather from the used barrique ageing. On the palate it is smooth and well-balanced — round and already integrated tannins, a lively fresh acidity that is the signature of quality Corvina, a harmonious glyceric sweetness and a clean medium-long finish with notes of red fruit and light spice. Serve at 16-17°C. A drinkable and satisfying Superiore, perfect for weekday meals without seeking the great occasion wine.

At €14 it represents one of the finest quality-to-price ratios in the Valpolicella Superiore tier of the entire catalogue.