Wines Eastern Veneto Castel Rothari - Villa San Zeno - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Castel Rothari’s Cuvée Villa San Zeno 2019 from the Veneto Orientale DOC is a red wine that vividly expresses the character of northeast Italy. This cuvée, though not primarily known for a single grape variety, likely features a blend of native Venetian and possibly international grapes, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or even Refosco, which are common in this DOC. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm, balanced growing season, resulting in ripe fruit and well-rounded tannins. The winemaking typically emphasizes freshness, with stainless steel or short ageing in large oak barrels to preserve the bright fruit character and subtle earthy notes that are hallmarks of the region.

Veneto Orientale DOC encompasses the eastern part of Veneto, stretching from the Venezia lagoon towards Friuli. The region benefits from a mild, temperate climate, heavily influenced by alternating sea and mountain breezes, which help maintain grape health and contribute to balanced ripening. The soils are predominantly alluvial, with sand, clay, and gravel, which facilitate drainage and offer a supple structure to the wines. Veneto has a rich viticultural legacy, rooted in Roman times, and today the area blends traditional grape-growing practices with modern winemaking techniques, yielding approachable and food-friendly wines.

The style of Castel Rothari’s cuvée lends itself beautifully to a range of pairings. Its medium body and fresh fruit notes work exceptionally well with classic Venetian dishes like duck ragù over pappardelle or risotto al tastasal, a creamy risotto with seasoned pork sausage. It also complements grilled pork loin, roasted poultry, and semi-hard cheeses such as Asiago. The wine’s structure allows it to pair effortlessly with charcuterie, mushroom-based pasta, or even a pizza with cured meats.

For the best tasting experience, serve this wine slightly cool, around 16-18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes can help the wine fully express its aromatic complexity and soften any youthful tannins. Enjoying it in its youth highlights the pure fruit, but it can also age gracefully over a few more years if you prefer tertiary notes.