Alpha Zeta
Veneto
Alpha Zeta believes it is possible to make great wines in the Veneto at everyday prices that express the character of both the grape variety and the land. The project was created in 1999 by UK wine importer, David Gleave MW, and New Zealand winemaker, Matt Thomson. They realized that the key is to marry local grape growers with impeccable winemaking. All Alpha Zeta wines are made from responsibly managed grapes grown in the hills north-east of Verona. The flavors of the grape shine through in the glass offering great value, quality and balance.
Matt works with local Veronese grape growers in hillside vineyards to select parcels of fruit, rather than buying in bulk wine. They have worked together to reduce yields and the grapes are now picked later. In this way, they have been able to improve grape quality and obtain riper flavors. The fruit for the wines comes from vineyards situated in the hills north and east of Verona in the Valpantena and Alpone valleys. Cool breezes blow down the valleys off the foothills of the Dolomites, making the area ideal for cultivating vines and olives. Both the cool currents and the proximity to Lake Garda help moderate the climate, giving a long growing season so the grapes ripen slowly, helping retain their aromatic compounds and acidity.
Wines
“C” Chardonnay
Veneto
Cool breezes blow down the Valpantena Valley from the foothills of the Dolomites, which moderate the climate, enabling the grapes to ripen slowly. This helps the grapes to retain their aromatic compounds and acidity. Bright straw yellow in the glass, this wine is aromatic and concentrated with a thread of minerality.
Prosecco
Prosecco
Crafted in the traditional Charmat method, Alpha Zeta’s Prosecco takes advantage of some notably cool sites to produce and exceedingly fresh style of wine. Notes of pear and white flower permeate the wine, with a notably fine mousse and refreshing finish.
“S” Soave
Soave
The fruit for this wine is grown in selected old vineyards with excellent south-east exposure, where growers have reduced their yields quite considerably to produce excellent quality fruit. With fresh acidity, the palate is ripe and concentrated, full of apple and pear flavors.
“P” Pinot Grigio
Veneto
The fruit for this wine is grown in selected old vineyards with excellent south-east exposure, where growers have reduced their yields considerably to produce excellent quality fruit. On the palate, it is rich and well-balanced, with a refreshing finish.
People
David Gleave, MW
David originated the Alpha Zeta project in 1999 to leverage his close connections with farmers in the Veneto and to share their high quality fruit.
Matt Thomson
A New Zealander, Matt brings decades of winemaking experience to the Alpha Zeta project.
