Wines Not Specified Castel Rothari - Villa San Zeno - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Castel Rothari's Cuvée Villa San Zeno 2019 is a dry red wine from the Veneto region in northern Italy, an area well-known for its versatile and expressive reds. While the precise blend of grapes is not detailed, reds from this area often feature varieties like Corvina, Rondinella, or Merlot, delivering wines with both structure and approachable fruit character. 2019 was generally favorable in Veneto, with a stable growing season and healthy conditions leading to balanced wines that showcase both ripeness and freshness. The vinification likely emphasizes gentle extraction and controlled fermentation, allowing the purity of fruit and authenticity of the local terroir to shine, while the absence of excessive oak preserves vibrancy and drinkability.

Veneto is one of Italy's most prolific and diverse wine regions. The favorable climate is tempered by cool breezes from the Alps to the north and the moderating influence of Lake Garda to the west. Soils vary from morainic gravel near the lakes to volcanic and alluvial types throughout the plains and lower hillsides. The combination of sunshine, sheltered valleys, and varied soils provides exceptional conditions for viticulture, which, together with an ancient winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times, explains the region’s reputation for both quality and quantity.

Cuvée Villa San Zeno’s lively fruit and medium-bodied structure make it an adaptable choice for food pairing. It will shine alongside regional dishes such as risotto all’Amarone, but also complements pasta with rich ragù, roasted meats like porchetta, or even grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze. Venetian classics like baccalà alla vicentina (salted cod in creamy sauce) can also work surprisingly well if you enjoy contrastive flavor pairings.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for about half an hour will help it open up, revealing its aromatic complexity and allowing its youthful fruit notes to harmonize with gentle tannins. This is a versatile, food-friendly red that brings a touch of Veneto’s warmth and tradition to your table.