Tenuta Zai is a family-run winery located in Alonte, Italy.

Di Carol Agostini

The winery is situated on a hill called “Colle del Corin” and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Colli Berici. The grapes used to produce Tenuta Zai’s wines are hand-picked and processed in a winery located close to the vineyards.

The focus of the winery is on producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the terroir and the authenticity of a small producer. The winery has about 4 hectares of vineyards and an additional hectare of forest, which promotes biodiversity and enhances the environment.

They offer a variety of enotourism activities including vineyard walks, picnics among the olive trees, guided tastings, winery tours, and wellness activities such as yoga and forest bathing. The winery is relatively new, having started its first harvest in 2017, but has already received positive recognition for its wines. The soil is clay and limestone and is well suited for growing red grapes, particularly merlot which makes up the majority of their production.

In addition to the enotourism activities, Tenuta Zai also hosts events and gatherings such as wine tastings and dinners. They also offer the opportunity to participate in the winemaking process, from grape picking to bottling, for those who want to experience the behind-the-scenes of winemaking.

The winery is committed to sustainable practices and is constantly seeking ways to reduce its environmental impact. This includes using organic methods in the vineyard, recycling materials, and minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Tenuta Zai’s wines are available for purchase at the winery, through their website, and at select wine shops and restaurants. They also offer wine club memberships for those who want to receive regular shipments of their wines. Overall, Tenuta Zai offers an authentic and immersive wine-tasting experience, providing visitors with a chance to learn about the winemaking process, the terroir and the culture of the region, and to taste the wines that reflect the passion, genuineness, creativity and sharing of the family.

In addition to their commitment to sustainable practices, Tenuta Zai also places a strong emphasis on traditional winemaking techniques. This includes using natural fermentation methods, aging the wines in oak barrels, and allowing the wines to rest for a period of time before bottling to enhance their flavor and complexity.

The winery also has a strong focus on research and experimentation, constantly experimenting with new grape varietals and winemaking techniques to improve the quality and uniqueness of their wines. They also actively participate in wine competitions and tastings to gain feedback and recognition for their wines.

Tenuta Zai’s wines are well-regarded by both critics and wine enthusiasts alike for their high quality, unique character and the expression of the terroir. Visitors can expect to taste wines that are well-balanced, full-bodied, and have a good structure. They are a perfect expression of the land and the winery’s passion for winemaking.

In conclusion, Tenuta Zai is a winery that offers a unique and authentic experience, combining a deep respect for tradition, a passion for innovation and a commitment to sustainability. The wines are a reflection of the family’s dedication to their craft, and a perfect embodiment of the terroir. Tenuta Zai is a must-visit destination for wine lovers looking to discover the beauty and tradition of the Venetian winemaking.

Bordocolle is a red wine IGT Veneto made from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet grapes. The 2017 vintage of Bordocolle was awarded at the International Wine Challenge in the United Kingdom, and the 2018 vintage received an award for quality-price and received 2 glasses from the Gambero Rosso guide 2022.

Corin is a Merlot DOC Colli Berici. The 2017 vintage was awarded at the International Wine Challenge in the United Kingdom and the 2018 vintage received 2 glasses from the Gambero Rosso guide 2022.

Altura is a Merlot DOC Colli Berici. The 2017 vintage was awarded a silver medal at the Mondo Merlot competition and a bronze medal at the International Wine Challenge in the United Kingdom. Altura is a very limited production, made from a selection of the best grapes in the vineyard, only in the best vintages.

Syrah IGT Veneto is a red wine made from the Syrah grape, a varietal that is not commonly grown in the Veneto region. It represents the winery’s commitment to experimentation and research, and it’s a good expression of the terroir.

All wines from Tenuta Zai are highly-regarded by critics and wine enthusiasts for their high quality, unique character, and the expression of the terroir. Visitors can expect to taste well-balanced, full-bodied wines with good structure, that are a perfect expression of the land and the winery’s passion for winemaking.
Tenuta Zai may also produce other wines or limited edition wines depending on the vintage and their experimentation. They may also produce wines from other varietals that are grown in the vineyard.

Tenuta Zai also offers wine tastings and tours, which allow visitors to learn about the winemaking process and taste the wines in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can expect to learn about the history and culture of the region, the terroir, and the unique characteristics of the wines.

The wines of Tenuta Zai are perfect for pairing with traditional Venetian dishes such as pasta with ragù, risotto, grilled meats and fish, and cheeses. The wines are also versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of other dishes.

In conclusion, Tenuta Zai is a winery that offers a wide variety of high-quality wines that are a true expression of the terroir. The winery’s commitment to tradition, innovation, and sustainability can be found in each sip of their wines. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, Tenuta Zai’s wines are sure to delight and impress.

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