After double-century, Zonin eyes next 200 years

After double century, Zonin eyes next 200 years The Zonin family owners (L-R) Domenico, Francesco and Michele with the company CEO, Pietro Mattioni.

Seven generations of the Zonin family have been producing excellent wines and actively contributing to creating a new contemporary wine culture, where Italian DNA blends with multiple international traditions.

Now among the top five wine producers in Italy, Zonin is celebrating 200 years of history, and the three guiding principles that have enabled the company to attain recognition and success: tradition, meticulous attention to wine-growing areas, and a strong entrepreneurial dynamism.

“As a representative of the seventh generation, we strongly believe in the value of traditions and continued growth through thoughtful evolution in Italy and abroad. We are committed to the enhancement of our outstanding wines,” says Mr Domenico Zonin, President of the company.

“This moment of celebration is indeed a source of pride. But it spurs us on to look to the next 200 years with the same spirit of entrepreneurship, determination and passion that has always distinguished us,” he adds.

Still based at the historic Gambellara headquarters in Vicenza Province, the three Zonin brothers – Mr Domenico, and Francesco and Michele (Vice-Presidents) – have decided to entrust the running of the company to a management team, headed by its CEO, Mr Pietro Mattioni.

With a total turnover of €190 million in 2020 – amounting to a substantial doubling in the last 10 years, and the value of exports now reaching 85% – the company is now an international player, active in over 140 countries and employing some 500 people in Italy, the US, UK, China and Sweden.

“While leading Zonin1821 through one of the most globally complex and uncertain periods, the challenge is to reinforce international expansion, and seize opportunities by enhancing the Zonin1821 portfolio,” Pietro says.

Constant evolution

The family produces Prosecco and still wines under the Zonin brand, high quality wines from its seven estates located in the Italian regions, as well as wines from the Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia (US) and wines from Dos Almas in Chile.

Since the 1970s, the Zonin family reinforced its business through the acquisition of important estates located in the most representative terroir in Italian wine-making history, enabling the company to establish itself in the production of the best Italian DOC and DOCG wines.

Ca’Bolani in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Castello del Poggio in Piedmont, Tenuta Il Bosco in Lombardy, Rocca di Montemassi and Castello di Albola in Tuscany, Masseria Altemura in Puglia and Principi di Butera in Sicily are the seven estates that extend across the Italian peninsula, indicating a family business in constant evolution.

Mumbai-based Aspri Spirits (www.asprispirits.com) has been representing Zonin’s wine portfolio in India since 2007. It handles Deliella Nero D’Avola Principi De Butera, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC red wine, Pinot Grigio Friuli Aquileia Tenuta Ca Bolani, Prosecco DOC 1821 sparkling white wine, Valpolicella DOC red wine and Valpolicella DOC Ventiterre in the travel retail sector.

In the domestic segment, Aspri Spirits markets Asti DOCG Dolce, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC, Ventiterre Chianti DOCG, Pinot Grigio Friuli Aquileia DOC, Amarone Della Valpolicella DOC, Nero D’Avola Merlot IIGT Sicilia, Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore DOC, Ventiterre Valpolicella DOC, Ventiterre Soave  DOC, Ventiterre Chardonnay and Ventiterre Merlot. (www.zonin1821.com)