Ca' dei Frati 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)

The light golden colour gives way to perfumes of tropical fruit and a mineral hint characteristic of Ca’ dei Frati lead into a dry, rich palate. Made from 60% Lugana with 20% Sauvignon Blanc adding a perfumed lift to the blend, the remaining 20% Chardonnay fruit rounds out the palate, giving it depth and weight. The oak ageing adds a touch of spice to the lingering tropical fruit finish. 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. The Dal Cero family has transformed their Ca’ dei Frati property into a model Italian estate over the past decade. When we first began buying their wines in 1987, they had just 12 hectares of grapes while today, they have vineyards covering 50 hectares, including I Frati in Sirmione, San Rocco in Pozzolengo, Ronchedone in Desenzano del Garda, La Tur in Desenzano del Garda and Rovizza Alta in Peschiera del Garda. This increase in quantity has been matched by an increase in quality, and today they are the best in Lugana and work tirelessly to position themselves as one Italy’s best white wine producers. (6 x 75 cl)

Pratto is a light gold in colour and has perfumes of tropical fruit as well as mineral hints so characteristic of Ca' dei Frati. On the palate the wine is rich and dry with while the oak ageing adds a touch of spice. This wine 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. Originally 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 as 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)

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)

Their red wine, Ronchedone, is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged for 15 months in barrique. It is more bordelais than New World in character, with an attractive leafiness on the nose and a vibrant fruit on the palate. (6 x 75 cl)

Beautifully fresh zingy fizz. (6 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)