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
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Ca' dei FratiRONCHEDONE Lugana Veneto
Description: 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) Price: £92.60
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Ca' dei FratiRONCHEDONE Lugana Veneto
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Ca' dei Frati PRATTO Lugana IGT Veneto
Description: 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) Price: £104.70
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Ca' dei Frati PRATTO Lugana IGT Veneto
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Ca' dei Frati PRATTO Lugana IGT Veneto
Description: 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) Price: £104.68
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Ca' dei Frati PRATTO Lugana IGT Veneto
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Ca' dei Frati Lugana Veneto
Description: 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. (6 x 75 cl) Price: £72.16
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Ca' dei Frati Lugana Veneto
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Ca' dei Frati Chiaretto Veneto
Description: 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) Price: £72.16
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Ca' dei Frati Chiaretto Veneto
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Ca' Montini Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut
Description: Ca' Montini Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut from Italy, Veneto, Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene by Ca' Montini Dry Sparkling (6 x 75 cl) Price: £65.25
Agricola Ca La Bionda RAVAZZOL Amarone Della Valpolicella DOC
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Ca' Rugate RIO ALBO Valpolicella DOC
Description: Ca’ Rugate established by the Tessari family in 1986 has a great deal of respect for tradition and a passion for viticulture, inspired by firm convinction that the quality first is created in the vineyard and then in the cellar. Cà Rugate takes the name from the hill of volcanic origin, at the centre of the Soave Classico area, in which its vineyards are positioned. The soft inclinations of those hills were always adapted to create great wines because of their fantastic position, special microclima and special soil composition. The Estate covers 30 ha of Ca’Rugate, 25 ha around monforte d’apone and 5 ha around montecchia di crosara, in the region of Valpolicella. In the vineyard, they use modern pruning techniques, along with careful canopy management and green pruning; while the latest vinification techniques bring out distinctive aromas and refined flavours in the wines. The best grapes, 40% Corvina, 30% Rondinella and 30% Corvinone, are selected from ca’ Rugate’s vineyards in the hilly area of Montecchia di Crosara and used to make Rio Albo. Ruby red in colour this wine has a lovely bouquet of blackberry and cherries. The palate is supple with light tannins and plenty of flavour. (12 x 75 cl) Price: £134.45
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Ca' Rugate RIO ALBO Valpolicella DOC
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Ca' Rugate MONTE FIORENTINE Soave Superiore DOC
Description: Intense bouquet and complex flavour. Definitely more robust than the Soave Classico, it can be kept in the bottle for 1 or 2 years. Ca’ Rugate takes the name from the hill of volcanic origin, at the centre of the Soave Classico area, in which its vineyards are positioned. (6 x 75 cl) Price: £82.48
