Wines Montello Rosso Via Castello - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Via Castello Montello Rosso DOCG 2020 is a red wine hailing from the prestigious Montello subregion in Italy’s Veneto. This wine is typically crafted from Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, sometimes complemented by local grapes like Carménère, which thrive on the gentle slopes of Montello. The 2020 vintage benefited from a balance of warm days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness while preserving their natural acidity. Vinification generally involves careful maceration to extract color and structure, followed by aging in oak barrels to round out the tannins and integrate complex tertiary aromas.

The Veneto region, nestled in northeastern Italy, boasts an impressive viticultural heritage dating back to Roman times. Montello, in particular, is characterized by its iron-rich soils and gentle hills that benefit from favorable sun exposure and ventilation. The microclimate here, with significant diurnal temperature swings, encourages the development of rich fruit flavors and aromatic intensity, while the iron-rich red clay imparts both structure and minerality to the wines. Historically, the region has produced both celebrated reds and fresh whites, though Montello is especially lauded for its Bordeaux-style blends, which have seen growing acclaim since their DOCG recognition.

Given its structure and aromatic profile, this Montello Rosso DOCG pairs beautifully with robust dishes. Consider traditional Venetian fare such as brasato di manzo (braised beef), wild boar ragù, or roasted lamb served with polenta. The wine’s firm yet polished tannins and dark fruit notes also complement mature cheeses like Asiago stagionato or Pecorino. For a more international approach, grilled prime rib or duck breast with a berry reduction will harmonize with the wine’s depth and complexity.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for about an hour before serving to fully develop its bouquet. Serve at 16-18°C to highlight its fruit expression, balanced acidity, and refined tannic structure. This bottle has the potential to evolve further with a few years in the cellar, rewarding patience with greater nuance and harmony.