Not long now until cherry blossom time- and this zesty pink wine from the hills above Verona has a hue and scent to match. It’s created by a gifted New Zealand winemaker, Matt Thomson, who works with local growers to ensure quality and consistency. With only 12.5% alcohol this is a great lunchtime wine- and ideal with smoked salmon or salumi- many wine producers in the Veneto offer their own charcuterie to taste alongside the wines. I award this 17 points.

About this Vineyard

Matt Thomson is a Marlborough-born winemaker who has spent his career working across both hemispheres, co-founding the acclaimed Blank Canvas Wines in New Zealand with Master of Wine Sophie Parker-Thomson while also creating the Alpha Zeta brand in Veneto, Italy, in 1999 with UK importer David Gleave MW. Alpha Zeta’s wines, including their Rosato made from Corvina grapes grown in the hills outside Verona, are all produced from responsibly managed vineyards in the classic Valpolicella style. Named White Winemaker of the Year at the 2008 International Wine Challenge, Thomson brings a rare dual-hemisphere perspective to everything he makes.

About The Author

I’m Rosalind and I’m here to talk to you about Rosé. Whether it’s your first choice or your last on a wine list, this site is for you. After years of writing about and tasting wine, there is something truly special to me about the pink stuff. On the Rose Report, I write reviews of the best Rosé Wines. You can find out more about me HERE.