Zeni Lugana DOC Vigne Alte 2023

A super refreshing white from the southern edge of Lake Garda, Zeni’s Lugana Vigne Alte is a real crowd-pleaser. It opens with ripe peach, zesty citrus and a gentle floral lift. On the palate, it’s light and crisp but with plenty going on. Think white-fleshed fruit, a touch of green olive, and a flicker of spice to keep things interesting. Clean, smooth and seriously drinkable, with a lovely fresh finish. A Wine Merchant Top 100 wine (2025). Perfect with seafood or sunshine.

With over 150 years of winemaking behind them, the Zeni family is one of the most respected names around Lake Garda. Their story began in 1870 with Bartolomeo Zeni, a travelling merchant whose love of wine soon took centre stage. It was his son Gaetano, nicknamed Nino, who transformed the family’s fortunes, moving production in the 1950s to a stunning hilltop site overlooking the lake and laying the foundations for the modern winery we see today.

Still family-run, Zeni is now in its fifth generation, with Fausto, Federica and Elena carrying the torch. The estate spans 25 hectares across five of the Veronese DOCs: Bardolino, Lugana, Valpolicella, Soave and Custoza. Each has its own distinct character. The soils are a mix of marl, murrain, and light gravel, enriched by Lake Garda’s cooling breezes and warm sunshine. This combination gives the wines structure, freshness, and finesse.

Nino Zenis declaration that “Wine is not made in the cellar, but in the vineyard,” is an ethos that still guides the family today. Grapes are always vinified separately to highlight their individual terroirs and natural character. The focus is firmly on native varieties, and with such healthy fruit from such a privileged location, sulphite use is kept to a minimum.

Alongside their modern stainless-steel winery, Zeni also boasts a beautiful underground barrique cellar and even their own Wine Museum. A testament to their belief that wine is not just a product, but a story worth sharing.