The project of the barrique cellar meets the aim of blending in perfect harmony the modern style of innovative technologies with the recovery of the standards typical of the rural and viticultural tradition of the territory. All this results in architectonic choices that recall the past, like the vaulted roof that conveys an impressive visual impact and the terracotta tile flooring that reminds of that of the old cellars.

The new underground barrique cellar extends on an area of 1200 square meters and lies at a depth of 6 meters. The choice of an underground structure meets the need of minimizing sudden changes of temperature and assuring the best possible conditions for the storage of wines to be aged both in wood containers and in bottles. Temperature and humidity are monitored and kept constant by means of a thermal conditioning plant. All these features contribute in making our state-of-the-art barrique cellar the ideal place to house barrels, tonneau and barriques used for aging our structured red and white wines. A separate area of the structure is dedicated to the bottle storage of wines that require further bottle aging.

The introductory and more representative area of the Barrique cellar, which has been chosen as setting of guided wine tastings, is characterized by a thematic decoration which concerns both the first three spans with cross vaults and the barrel vaults at the sides; the decoration further extends to the outside and bearing walls thus contributing in providing a greater scenographic effect. The Zeni Family suggested the development of the theme “Temple of Bacchus” being it the most directly relevant one to the enological activity. The aim was that of recreating an atmosphere that reminded of ancient times. The space has therefore been ennobled and enriched by means of painted architectures which could give the optical impression of modulations and fake frames.

The barrel vaults are adorned with lacunar decorations, each of which containing a gold rosette. The wall on the west side of the cellar is dominated by a representation of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, inspired by a Michelangelo’s sculpture and inserted into a painted niche framed by an architectonic structure that reminds of an altar. The wall set at a higher level at the opposite side of the room is dominated by a representation of the Zeni family tree, showing the five generations of the family that have been dedicated to winemaking, from its founder Bartolomeo to the three Zeni brothers Fausto, Elena and Federica, who run the family firm at present time. Its realisation was inspired by a decorative painting by Leonardo displayed at Castello Sfozesco in Milan.

In the main hall, along the wall on the north side of the cellar, are placed some niches displaying the Winery’s products which have also been contextualized within a painted frame that adorns the family blazon. Both products and blazon are embellished with a gold-leaf border. On both sides of the niches, the two walls are dominated by two figurative portrayals developing the theme of the “Three Graces”: in Roman mythology these female figures represented all the beautiful, charming and joyful things found in nature and in life in general. These goddesses of grace, beauty and whatever made life pleasant and joyful were named Aglaea, Euphosyne and Thalia and symbolized, according to Alberti, Castitas, Pulchritudo (Beauty) and Amor. Other painted architectonic features, from the arches to the fluted columns, to other elements elsewhere, all contribute in making this place fascinating and elegant, recalling the atmosphere of an ancient time: the time of Bacchus.

translation of the original text written by the artist Beniamino Peretti (Download the original PDF of the author)

The brand new barrique cellar will be the suggestive setting of our guided tastings with the purpose of making the approach to the world of wine even more pleasant and emotionally involving. Private visitors can visit our barrique cellar on demand and depending on the availability of the Selling Point staff. For groups over 10 people (and /or for more personalized solutions) the visit is included in the whole wine sensory route, against payment and upon advanced reservation, which offers guided winery tours combined with wine tastings. For further information please consult the section Wine Tastings.