Ca' dei Frati RONCHEDONE Lugana Veneto

Marzemino and Sangiovese are the main grapes for the 2005 Ronchedone, together with a maximum of 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a good depth of colour and perfumes of spicy red fruits on the nose. On the palate it has excellent concentration of spicy, jammy fruit with rounded, soft tannins and good acidity. Good structure supporting the ripe fruit character gives it a nice balance and attractive weight. Over the past decade, the Dal Cero family has transformed their Ca’ dei Frati property into a model Italian estate. When we first began buying their wines in 1987, they had 12 hectares of vineyard; today, they have 50. This increase in quantity has been matched by an increase in quality, and today they remain the best producers in Lugana. The quality of their vineyards is the secret of their success. Many producers in the zone overcrop and train the vines high. At Ca’ dei Frati, the vines are trained low, newer vineyards have a higher density of planting, and yields are well below the average for the zone. (6 x 75 cl)

Ca' dei Frati CUVEE dei FRATI Sparkling Brut Lugana Veneto from Italy, Lombardy, Lugana by Ca' dei Frati di Dal Cero Dry Sparkling (6 x 75 cl)

The 'Cru Brolettino' Lugana is made from fully mature grapes, picked in the middle of October. It is fermented in barrique, the oak supporting rather than masking the fruit and resulting in a wine with good depth and breadth that ages well. "...hazelnuts and biscuit aromas...creamy, fleshy pineapple combined with citrus fruits. Elegantly balanced with a long finish." . (6 x 75 cl)

Its subtle and delicate fruit on the nose gives way to a wonderful intensity on the palate that lingers on the finish. (6 x 75 cl)

Made solely from the Lugana grape, this Lugana has a fresh, fragrant nose of white flowers, apricots and almonds, which gives way to ripe, round fruit on the palate and a clean, zingy acidity that cuts through on the finish. Unoaked to maintain its purity of fruit, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation to add body and richness, followed by 6 months on its lees in stainless steel tank. A superb vintage in Lugana. A perfect autumn of warm days and cool nights ensured that they grapes ripened well and retained their aromas. Yields were down, a factor that has resulted in great intensity on the mid palate and, unfortunately, an increase in price. Ca’ dei Frati remains the best producer in Lugana. The secret to their success is simple: outstanding vineyards. Vines are trained low, newer vineyards have a higher density of planting, and yields are well below the average for the zone. The quality of the fruit is accentuated in the modern winery, where Igino Dal Cero is not afraid to lose straightforward, primary perfumes if he gains weight, texture and complexity on the palate by allowing some of the vats to go through malolactic fermentation. This distinguishes theirs from many other Italian whites, and results in a wine with the sort of fullness and length that would, if produced in Friuli, fetch twice the price it currently does. (12 x 75 cl)

The 2005 Pratto is made from a blend of 60% Lugana, 20% Chardonnay and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. It is light gold in colour and has perfumes of tropical fruit and the mineral hint characteristic of Ca’ dei Frati. On the palate the wine is rich and dry with the Sauvignon Blanc adding a perfumed lift to the blend, whereas the Chardonnay rounds out the palate giving it depth and weight. The oak ageing adds a touch of spice and it has a long length with a touch of tropical fruit on the finish. Over the past decade, the Dal Cero family has transformed their Ca’ dei Frati property into a model Italian estate. When we first began buying their wines in 1987, they had 12 hectares of vineyard; today, they have 50. This increase in quantity has been matched by an increase in quality, and today they remain the best producers in Lugana. The quality of their vineyards is the secret of their success. Many producers in the zone overcrop and train the vines high. At Ca’ dei Frati, the vines are trained low, newer vineyards have a higher density of planting, and yields are well below the average for the zone. (6 x 75 cl)

Beautifully fresh zingy fizz. (6 x 75 cl)

The Frizzante is dry, soft, scented and grapey, a real revelation for Prosecco. Perhaps because of this it has been a huge success since we introduced it almost two years ago: sales are three times higher than they were with our previous Prosecco. This simply confirms what we’ve always thought: quality pays! We are pleased to announce a new closure for our Ca’Morlin Prosecco dei Colli Trevigiani IGT Frizzante (12 x 75 cl)

Made from the best Trebbiano grapes of the Provenza estate, this is the elder brother of Ca' Maiol. It is given 6 months in young oak, resulting in a wine of slightly more structure and depth. This has grapefruity, ripe aromas and flavours with vanilla, apple, and lemon and delicately nuanced oak. (6 x 75 cl)