{"title":"Cà dei Frati","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCà dei Frati \u003cspan\u003e–\u003c\/span\u003e Buy wine online\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn our online shop, you can \u003cstrong\u003ebuy Cà dei Frati wine online\u003c\/strong\u003e; of course, we stock the flagship wine Il Frati, but also the Brolettino Lugana, which is aged in wood and can mature well, the splendid Rosa dei Frati, a rosé wine made from Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, and Barbera, as well as the Ronchedone, a powerful, velvety red wine that shows that wine from Lake Garda doesn't automatically have to be white wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCà dei Frati \u003cspan\u003e–\u003c\/span\u003e Winery from Italy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCà dei Frati is a winery from Italy. Since 1939, Lombardy has been the home of the Dal Cero family, who have been running the winery for 80 years now. The Cà dei Frati winery is located in Sirmione, one of the most beautiful places around Lake Garda, not far from the largest of all Italian lakes. The landmark of Sirmione and at the same time the most popular excursion destination for tourists is Scaliger Castle, a water castle built in the 14th century and almost completely preserved, situated on a peninsula extending about four kilometers into Lake Garda. However, not only the extraordinarily beautiful landscape enjoys great popularity, but also the good wine from Lake Garda. Above all, the Lugana, a fresh, fruity white wine from the indigenous Turbiana grape variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe young Felice Dal Cero recognized the great potential of this hitherto underestimated grape variety as early as the 1940s. He had just moved with his wife Edvige from Valpolicella to Sirmione to buy an old farm, whose roots go back to a 16th-century monastery, and initially operate a mixed agricultural business with livestock and arable farming. But the farm in Via Frati also included a few rows of vines with a variant of the Trebbiano grape, the Turbiana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis had perfectly adapted to the sub-Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. On the heavy clay soils with calcareous glacial deposits near the lake, the grape, if its growth is kept in check, produces mineral wines with aromas of citrus fruits and almonds with a balanced acid structure. The grape variety produces such excellent qualities here that the area was declared Lugana DOC in 1967. Pietro dal Cero, who took care of the vineyards on his parents' farm, played a key role in the creation of the DOC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust two years later, the Cà dei Frati winery launched its first bottled wine, Il Frati Lugana DOP. Until then, the winery, like many other wineries, sold its wines only as anonymous bulk goods. A Lugana hype was still a long way off, but the awarding of the DOC was a big step towards quality wines that would attract national and international attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the winery is run by Pietro's children: Gian Franco ensures healthy grapes in the vineyards, his brother took over the cellar work, and Anna Maira, Pietro's daughter, manages sales. The Il Frati Lugana from Cà dei Frati is considered one of the best Lugana, indeed one of the best white wines in Italy.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ca-dei-frati-rose-2024","title":"Rosa dei Frati – Rosé 2024","description":"\u003ch2\u003eEnjoy Rosa dei Frati 2024 - a delightful rosé from Cà dei Frati\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCà dei Frati Rosé Rosa dei Frati 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fresh yet elegant rosé wine from Lake Garda. With this cuvée of Gropello, Marzemino, Sangiovese and a small proportion of Barbera, the Dal Cero family impressively demonstrates that the region around Lake Garda, known for its white wines, also produces excellent rosés. In the glass, it shines in a delicate salmon pink and invites the first sip. On the nose, the spicy Cà dei Frati Rosé Rosa dei Frati displays aromas of green apple, juicy cherries and fragrant hawthorn blossoms, with a hint of almond. On the palate, pickled sour cherries and red forest berries encourage further drinking, while the Cà dei Frati Rosé is fresh and juicy, silky, subtly spicy with a mineral finish. As a food companion, Cà dei Frati Rosé Rosa dei Frati harmonizes very well with white meat, fish or poultry, marinated vegetables or risotto, and it is also a wonderful aperitif.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRosa dei Frati – Riviera del Garda Classico DOC\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Sirmione, on the southern shore of Lake Garda, the Rosé Rosa dei Frati is produced on morainic hills with calcareous and clayey, but also silty, sandy soils. The grape varieties Gropello, Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera grow near the lake in Desenzano. The selected parcels and the microclimate around Desenzano are particularly optimal for the indigenous Gropello grape variety, which is complemented by Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll vineyards are no further than 20 kilometers from the winery. The grapes are harvested at their optimal ripeness and aged separately. At the winery, the grapes are selected before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel after a light maceration on the skins. Afterwards, the young wine remains on the fine lees for a full 6 months and undergoes malolactic fermentation. After blending, it rests for another two months in the bottle before being released for sale. This results in a high-quality Chiaretto from Lake Garda, a rosé charmer with an elegant interplay of acidity and fine minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCá dei Frati Rosé – a wine and its values\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin Italy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrowing region Lombardy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCa dei Frati\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrape varieties Gropello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, Barbera\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12.5% vol Alcohol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6.05g\/l Acidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6.5g\/l Residual sugar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cà dei Frati","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":56363703140678,"sku":"001CDF014","price":13.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 x 750 ml","offer_id":56608199737670,"sku":"001CDF014_6","price":80.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"12 x 750ml","offer_id":56608199770438,"sku":"001CDF014_12","price":158.46,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4960\/1350\/files\/ca-dei-frati-rose-2024.jpg?v=1779186838"},{"product_id":"ca-dei-frati-pietro-dal-cero-3er-holzkiste","title":"Pietro dal Cero - 3-bottle wooden case","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAmarone della Valpolicella in a Wooden Box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 bottles of \u003cstrong\u003eCà dei Frati\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePietro dal Cero\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAmarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e packaged in a \u003cstrong\u003e3-bottle wooden box\u003c\/strong\u003e make a great gift for wine lovers and Amarone fans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cà dei Frati Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2018 is an exceptional, powerful red wine from the Italian wine region of Veneto. With this red cuvée, the Dal Cero family impressively demonstrates that they can also produce excellent red wines full of power and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn fact, the Amarone della Valpolicella, named after the father Pietro dal Cero, is, alongside the iconic wine Il Lugana, the pride of the family. Only a few years ago, the Dal Cero family bought the Vigneto di Luxium parcel in their great-grandfather's homeland in Valpolicella, east of Verona, to produce this special Amarone from the indigenous varieties Corvina, Corvione, Rondinella, and Croatina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2008, after a decade of intensive preparatory work, the first vintage of Ca dei Frati Amarone was presented. Already the second vintage received high ratings in Italian wine guides. Gian Franco, Igino, and Anna Maria now cultivate 12 hectares of vineyards in Pian di Castagnè.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePietro dal Cero – A Gift for Wine Lovers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the glass, the Pietro dal Cero shines in a deep ruby red with black-red reflections. On the nose, the spicy Cà dei Frati Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 reveals a rich bouquet of raisined, red and black fruits, such as Amarena cherries, blackberry mousse, or wild blueberry compote. Balsamic notes, tobacco, and roasted coffee beans, well-integrated notes from barrique aging, as well as a refreshing mint note are also present. On the palate, preserved sour cherries meet dried plums and berry compote, as well as dark chocolate and spicy star anise. The Cà dei Frati red wine is complex, concentrated, with an animating acidity and silky soft tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a food pairing, the Cà dei Frati Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 harmonizes very well with dark meat, both with grilled steaks, such as Bistecca di Fassone, and with Ossobuco, the traditional Italian stew, but also with stews and braised game dishes, such as wild boar goulash or venison roast, and with aged cheese, it is an excellent choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCà dei Frati – Pietro dal Cero\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven though the Ca dei Frati winery is located very close to Lake Garda, the grapes for the Amarone come from another wine region of Italy: Valpolicella. This wine region adjoins the eastern shore of Lake Garda. The selected parcel Vigneto di Luxium in Pian di Castigné with limestone soils with rubble and clay is ideal for the indigenous grape varieties Corvina, Corvione, Rondinella, and Croatina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe special thing about making the most prestigious Amarone Valpolicella DOCG, which is appreciated all over the world, is that it is made from dried grapes. After harvesting, these are dried for about 100-120 days on wooden racks in well-ventilated attics, with the grapes being turned several times. During this appassimento period, the grapes lose a third to half of their weight, and the valuable substances, such as sugar and polyphenols, concentrate. Following this elaborate process, the raisins are slowly fermented and vinified during the cool winter months. The aging takes place first for 24 months in large wooden barrels with malolactic fermentation (biological deacidification), then 12 months in stainless steel tanks and another 24 months in the bottle. It is a heavy wine with a great richness of aromas. It owes its name to slight bitter notes, because in Italian, bitter means \"amaro.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmarone is considered one of Italy's great red wines. In its youth, the Cà dei Frati Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 presents itself as powerful yet soft and still characterized by the wood. With maturity, the extract-rich red wine develops complexity and elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAmarone – A Red Wine and its Values\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorvina, Corvinone, Croatina, and Rondinella\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16% vol alcohol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7.2g\/l acidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5.1g\/l residual sugar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cà dei Frati","offers":[{"title":"2.25 liters","offer_id":56363712282950,"sku":"001CDF037","price":145.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4960\/1350\/files\/ca-dei-frati-pietro-dal-cero-2018-3er-holzkiste_91e8928c-5167-4ce1-ab54-b678afe9b3ae.jpg?v=1776144398"},{"product_id":"ca-dei-frati-ronchedone-2022","title":"Ronchedone 2022","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCà dei Frati Ronchedone 2022 - an Italian Red Wine from Lombardy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCà dei Frati Ronchedone 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e is a remarkable, powerful yet cool red wine from Lake Garda. With this cuvée of Marzemino, Sangiovese and a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, the Dal Cero family impressively demonstrates that the region around Lake Garda, known for its white wines, also produces excellent red wines full of power and depth. In the glass, it shines in a strong ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose, the spicy Cà dei Frati Ronchedone shows a rich bouquet of red fruits, balsamic notes, delicate herbal spice, as well as finely integrated notes from the barrique. On the palate, pickled sour cherries meet cranberries and berry compote. Yet the Cà dei Frati red wine is by no means jammy, but fresh and stimulating with silky soft tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a food companion, the Cà dei Frati Ronchedone harmonizes very well with dark meat, both grilled steaks, such as Bistecca di Fassone, and Ossobuco, the traditional Italian stew, but also game and poultry, such as venison or duck, and ripe cheese it is a good choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCà dei Frati – Red Wine from Lake Garda\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Sirmione, on the southern shore of Lake Garda, the Ronchedone is produced on morainic hills with calcareous and clayey, but also silty, sandy soils. The three grape varieties Marzemino, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grow near the lake at Desenzano. The selected parcels and the microclimate around Desenzano are particularly optimal for the indigenous Marzemino grape variety, which is complemented by Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll vineyards are no further than 20 kilometers from the winery. The grapes are harvested at their optimal ripeness and vinified separately. In the winery, the grapes are selected before they ferment on the mash with intensive skin contact. Afterwards, the young wine matures for 14 months in small oak barrels, the so-called barriques, where it also undergoes malolactic fermentation, before the grape varieties are blended and the red wine is bottled. With another 10 months of bottle aging, it comes onto the market. This red wine is characterized by perfect harmony, being demanding, pure and spicy on the palate with a well-integrated acid structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn its youth, the Ronchedone presents itself as powerful yet soft and still characterized by wood. With age, the extractive red wine develops complexity and elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRonchedone – a Wine and its Values\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin Wine from Italy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrowing region Lombardy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrape variety Marzemino, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14.0% vol Alcohol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6.25g\/l Acidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6.3g\/l Residual sweetness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cà dei Frati","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":56363712315718,"sku":"001CDF013","price":17.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"6 x 750 ml","offer_id":56613263475014,"sku":"001CDF013_6","price":102.03,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4960\/1350\/files\/ca-dei-frati-ronchedone-2022_ffeb6036-a297-4ab8-afa1-dcfa25a7e64c.jpg?v=1776144400"},{"product_id":"ca-dei-frati-amarone-della-valpolicella-2018","title":"Amarone della Valpolicella 2018","description":"\u003ch2\u003eEnjoy the noble Cà dei Frati Amarone della Valpolicella – Pietro dal Cero\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCà dei Frati\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAmarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e is an exceptional, powerful red wine from the Italian wine region of Veneto. With this red cuvée, the Dal Cero family impressively demonstrates that they can also produce outstanding red wines full of power and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn fact, the Amarone della Valpolicella, named after the father Pietro dal Cero, is the pride of the family, alongside the iconic wine Il Lugana. Only a few years ago, the Dal Cero family bought the Vigneto di Luxium parcel in their great-grandfather's homeland in Valpolicella, east of Verona, to make this special Amarone from the autochthonous varieties Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Croatina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2008, after a decade of intensive preparatory work, the first vintage of Ca dei Frati Amarone was presented. Already the second vintage received high ratings in Italian wine guides. The siblings Gian Franco, Igino, and Anna Maria now cultivate 12 hectares of vineyards in Pian di Castagnè.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the glass, the Pietro dal Cero shines in a strong ruby red with black-red reflections. On the nose, the spicy Cà dei Frati Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 shows a rich bouquet of raisined, red, and black fruits, such as sour cherries, blackberry jam, or wild blueberry compote. Balsamic notes, tobacco, and roasted coffee beans, well-integrated notes from barrel aging, as well as a refreshing mint note are added. On the palate, pickled sour cherries meet dried plums and berry compote, as well as dark chocolate and spicy star anise. The Cà dei Frati red wine is complex, concentrated, with an animating acidity and silky soft tannins. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e As a food companion, the Cà dei Frati Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 harmonizes very well with dark meat, both grilled steaks, such as Bistecca di Fassone, and Ossobuco, the traditional Italian stew, but also with stews and braised game dishes, such as wild boar goulash or venison roast, and with aged cheese, it is a good choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAmarone – Pietro dal Cero\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven though the Ca dei Frati winery is located very close to Lake Garda, the grapes for the Amarone come from another wine region of Italy: Valpolicella. This wine region adjoins the eastern shore of Lake Garda. The selected parcel Vigneto di Luxium in Pian di Castigné with limestone soils with broken stone and clay is ideal for the indigenous grape varieties Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Croatina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe special feature in the production of the most prestigious Amarone Valpolicella DOCG, which is appreciated all over the world, is that it is made from dried grapes. After harvesting, these are dried for about 100-120 days on wooden racks in well-ventilated attics, with the grapes being turned several times. During this Appassimento period, the grapes lose a third to half of their weight and the valuable substances, such as sugar and polyphenols, concentrate. Following this elaborate process, the raisins are slowly fermented and vinified in the cool winter months. The aging takes place first for 24 months in large wooden barrels with malolactic fermentation (biological deacidification), then 12 months in stainless steel tanks, and another 24 months in the bottle. It is a heavy wine with a great richness of aromas. It owes its name to slight bitter notes, because in Italian, bitter means Amaro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Amarone is considered one of Italy's great red wines. In its youth, the Cà dei Frati Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 presents itself powerful yet soft and still characterized by wood. With maturity, the extract-rich red wine develops complexity and elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA red wine and its values\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorvina, Corvinone, Croatina, and Rondinella\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16% vol Alcohol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7.2 g\/l Acidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5.1 g\/l Residual sweetness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cà dei Frati","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":56363717493062,"sku":"001CDF007","price":49.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4960\/1350\/files\/ca-dei-frati-amarone-della-valpolicella-2018_3441e840-79c4-4911-be6c-ecc1c9a290d2.jpg?v=1776144465"},{"product_id":"ca-dei-frati-amarone-della-valpolicella-2019","title":"Amarone della Valpolicella – 2019","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAmarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019 by Cà dei Frati. Four grape varieties, three years of aging, 94 Falstaff points.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmarone della Valpolicella 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e is the powerful Appassimento red wine from Veneto. The Dal Cero family bottles it under the \"Pietro dal Cero\" label as a tribute to the father of the Cà dei Frati house. Not a sweet Recioto, not an ordinary Valpolicella, not a wine for a quick sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmarone della Valpolicella 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry Italian red wine of the Cuvée Pietro dal Cero. The Cuvée combines 70 percent Corvina Veronese, 20 percent Corvinone Veronese, and 5 percent each of Rondinella and Croatina. The glass shows a deep garnet red, almost black at the core. Sour cherry emerges first on the nose, followed by dark chocolate, sweet spices, and a floral note of dark violets. Falstaff rated this 2025 vintage with 94 points. It is the wine with which Cà dei Frati consciously leaves its Lugana home and moves to Veneto.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSour cherry, chocolate, dark rose\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aromatics of Amarone rest on three pillars: red fruit, dark spice, and floral depth. Ripe sour cherry dominates the nose, embedded in hints of plum jam and dried fig. In the background are dark chocolate, cinnamon, tobacco, and a hint of licorice. With air, an unusually floral layer opens up - dark violets, dried rose, a touch of lavender.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate, the wine is dense, full-bodied, yet not heavy. The tannins are silky polished, and the acidity carries the full weight of the fruit. Built on 16 percent vol alcohol, the wine nevertheless remains in balance because the long aging integrates any impression of warmth. The finish lingers long with chocolate, cocoa, and a hint of pepper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone looking for a light, fruity Italian for a summer evening will find the wine too powerful. Even for pure lovers of crisp junior tannins, Amarone is not the right label – the aging has smoothed everything here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWith Brasato, porcini mushroom risotto and aged hard cheese\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eServe this Amarone at 17 to 18 °C from a large Burgundy glass. Decant one hour before the first sip, or even longer for younger bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the table, the wine pairs well with robust, slow-cooked meat dishes. Brasato al Barolo, Osso buco with saffron risotto, a braised roast with porcini mushrooms, braised wild ragout with polenta, or a classic Boeuf bourguignon showcase its depth. It is also an equal counterpart to grilled beef fillet with truffle butter. Daring hosts might try it with dark chocolate with a high cocoa content or with tiramisu with strong espresso - a combination that extends its chocolatey aromas. In the cheese course, it accompanies aged Parmigiano Reggiano, a 24-month Gran Padano, or strong mountain cheeses with honey and nuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom experience:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not open the bottle too young. The 2019 is just beginning to open up and will gain significantly in depth over the next eight to ten years. Those who drink it now should allow at least an hour of decanting. For a comparative tasting at home, we recommend the younger \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-ronchedone-2023\"\u003eRonchedone 2023\u003c\/a\u003e and the classic \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-amarone-della-valpolicella-2018\"\u003eAmarone Pietro dal Cero 2018\u003c\/a\u003e from the same house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA tribute across regional borders\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCà dei Frati is not actually a Veneto house, but is rooted in Lombardy. The winery is located in Lugana di Sirmione on the southern shore of Lake Garda. It has stood for white wine there for generations, above all Lugana. With the Amarone, the Dal Cero family sets a deliberate counterpoint. It is no coincidence that the wine bears the name Pietro dal Cero, the father who was one of the co-founders of DOC Lugana in 1969. Pietro significantly shaped the region. The Amarone is the next generation's bow to this heritage - filled with grapes from beyond their own appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes for the Amarone are harvested in Veneto and then dried according to the Appassimento tradition. Over about 100 days, the berries lose about a third of their weight. What remains is concentrated must, intense aromas, and a higher sugar content, which is converted into additional glycerin and volume in the finished wine. The wine then ages for 24 months in barrique, another 12 months in steel tanks, and at least 24 months in the bottle before leaving the winery. In total, there are about five years between harvest and sale - a period that contradicts any quick market pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella is one of the strictly regulated Italian appellations. Only a wine made from the indigenous grape varieties Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and smaller additional varieties may bear the name Amarone. The grapes must be traditionally dried before vinification. The fact that the Dal Cero family appears here with its own Cuvée is more the exception than the rule in the market. Usually, the DOCG is played by established Veneto houses that cultivate their slopes in Valpolicella themselves. Cà dei Frati has decided to work with selected partner winemakers. The family takes care of the vinification in their own Cantina - a constellation that combines concentration and style in one hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe additional aging in the bottle distinguishes this Amarone from faster market-ready representatives. Where many houses bottle and deliver after the legal minimum aging period, the Dal Cero family allows several more years to pass. The result is a wine that already shows drinkability when opened, but at the same time still has years of development ahead of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA wine for long evenings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this wine special is the combination of power and elegance. The 16 percent vol alcohol is never the dominant impression, but is absorbed by the aged fruit and the present acidity. Many representatives of the DOCG are suspected of appearing monolithic - heavy, sweetish, alcohol-driven. Here, on the other hand, the aging has had enough time to bring the individual components together. The wine remains complex, but accessible. As a gift for ambitious wine lovers, it is a safe choice, especially when Italy is discussed. On your own table, the Pietro dal Cero is suitable for long evenings at the beginning of the cooler season. Then conversations become longer and meals heartier. Don't serve it between other wines, but let it take the main role. An Amarone can carry an evening alone. It tolerates no supporting roles and no hurried attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA wine not bottled for a quick round - but for those evenings when time allows for a second bottle.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cà dei Frati","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":56618225893702,"sku":"001CDF017","price":49.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4960\/1350\/files\/ca-dei-frati-amarone-della-valpolicella-2017.jpg?v=1779347795"},{"product_id":"ca-dei-frati-brolettino-lugana-doc-2024","title":"Brolettino Lugana DOC 2024","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBrolettino Lugana DOC 2024 by Cà dei Frati. Late-harvest Turbiana, ten months in barrique, long aging.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrolettino Lugana DOC 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e is the barrel-aged premium line of the Dal Cero family, crafted 100 percent from Turbiana grapes from the southern shore of Lake Garda. Not a classic quaffable Lugana, not a crisp, fresh summer wine, not a pure aperitif bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrolettino Lugana DOC 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied Italian white wine from the Cà dei Frati winery, made from fully ripe Turbiana grapes. In the glass, the wine displays a bright straw yellow with golden reflections. On the nose, ripe apricot, yellow peach, a hint of vanilla, and delicate balsamic notes unfold. On the palate, there is a creamy substance, supported by balanced acidity and a fine salty minerality. It is the Lugana interpretation for lovers of sophisticated, age-worthy white wines — a wine worthy of the main course.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eApricot, Peach, Vanilla — Fruit over Wood\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!--nl--\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe aromatics of this bottle play on two levels. Upfront are ripe yellow fruits: apricot, yellow peach, a hint of Williams pear. Behind them, the barrique wood contributes not loudly, but as a fine spice carpet of vanilla, Bourbon caramel, and a touch of toasted bread. With aeration, a slightly balsamic, almost resinous note opens up, typical of ripe Turbiana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate, the wine is creamy and firm at the same time. The ten months of aging in barrique have given it substance without masking the varietal character. The acidity is present, but enveloped by the fruit. The finish leaves a finely spicy salinity reminiscent of damp chalk and lemon peel. A wine that is ready to drink and at the same time has five to eight years of development ahead of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThose who expect grassy freshness and quick drinkability from a Lugana will find this wine too dense and too structured. For summer aperitif rounds with chilled expectations, this bottle is not the right label. The aromatics need time, a glass, and food accompaniment. Those who expect a lean Lugana will also find the wine too dense and full-bodied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWith Risotto, Poultry, and Aged Hard Cheese\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eServe the wine at 11 to 13 °C from a medium-sized Burgundy glass. The serving temperature is more important here than with entry-level Lugana. Served too cold, the wine clamps down on the wood aromas and appears closed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the table, the wine pairs well with substantial warm appetizers. A risotto with porcini mushrooms, tagliatelle with truffle butter, pan-fried corn-fed chicken fillet with tarragon cream sauce, or braised cod with saffron fennel will awaken its aromas. Grilled shrimp with garlic butter, vitello tonnato with ripe caper mayonnaise, or pasta with toasted almonds and lemon zest also find a counterpart here. For the cheese course, it is the partner for aged mountain cheese, an 18-month Manchego, or creamy Robiola. In combination with grilled char or poached sea bass, it shows that even freshwater fish and mineral white wine can form their own axis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to know:\u003c\/strong\u003e The bottle benefits significantly from decanting. Twenty to thirty minutes in a wide decanter smooth out the last woody edges and open up the fruit. Those who expect the wine from younger vintages will find it noticeably changed and leaner. The family has consciously reduced the wood in the current style. This clearly shifts the balance towards fruit and minerality. For lovers of oak-accented, buttery Chardonnays in the Burgundy style, this bottle is not the right label — the mineral Lugana character remains recognizable. For a comparative tasting, we recommend the crisp \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-i-frati-lugana-2025\"\u003eI Frati Lugana 2025\u003c\/a\u003e from the same house and the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-pratto-weissweincuvee-2024\"\u003ePratto 2024\u003c\/a\u003e as a cuvée variant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Lugana with Oak Barrel Aging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe label designates the premium line of Cà dei Frati in the Lugana segment. While the well-known I Frati Lugana is entirely aged in steel and aims for freshness, the Brolettino takes the more classic path via wood. The grapes are harvested later, usually in mid-to-late October, when ripeness is fully developed. Vinification begins in stainless steel tanks, with the finish taking place in barriques. The wine then rests on its fine lees for ten months. This is followed by another three months of bottle aging before the bottles leave the winery. In total, over a year passes between harvest and sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTurbiana, also known regionally as Trebbiano di Lugana, is the only grape variety in this bottle. It was delineated as its own variety from Trebbiano di Soave in 2011 and is now considered one of Italy's most exciting indigenous white wine materials. The clay-limestone moraine terroir of Lugana gives it a characteristic salty minerality, which is particularly evident in this oak aging. The mild microclimate on the southern shore of Lake Garda prevents even late harvests from resulting in flat musts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCà dei Frati is among the pioneers of the Lugana region. The winery is located directly in the heart of the appellation, in Lugana di Sirmione, where the Sirmione peninsula juts deepest into Lake Garda. The vines benefit from a mild lake climate that protects acidity even in hot vintages. The clay-limestone moraine soil gives the wines their characteristic salty minerality. These special conditions make Lugana one of the few Italian white wine appellations with true aging potential. This characteristic is particularly evident in oak aging. Pietro Dal Cero was a co-founder of DOC Lugana in 1969 and significantly shaped the appellation's profile. This bottle was created in response to the question of whether the region, beyond the youthful drinking style, could also produce white wines with aging potential. The answer is now in every bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Lugana for the Main Course\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat fundamentally distinguishes this wine from the broad Lugana wave is its self-perception. It was not conceived as an accessible summer lemonade, but as an age-worthy food companion. In the glass, it is a white wine that can carry an entire main course and, in the hands of the attentive host, remains drinkable even two years later. As a gift for wine lovers, it is an unusual choice, precisely because it transcends the expected framework of DOC Lugana. At one's own table, it pairs with menus featuring fish or poultry for those who don't reflexively reach for red wine. In its latest style, the Dal Cero family has carefully reduced the oak aromas without abandoning the claim of age-worthiness. This shifts the target audience slightly: those who expect a distinctly present toast and vanilla note will find more restrained tones here. This results in a wine that pairs better with food today than the more opulent predecessor vintages. Even in a few years, it will still offer excitement in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA bottle for hosts who take Lugana seriously — and don't just see it as an aperitif to open the door.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cà dei Frati","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":56618225926470,"sku":"001CDF021","price":15.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4960\/1350\/files\/ca-dei-frati-brolettino-lugana-doc-2023.jpg?v=1779347796"},{"product_id":"ca-dei-frati-i-frati-lugana-2025","title":"I Frati Lugana 2025","description":"\u003ch2\u003eI Frati Lugana DOC 2025 by Cà dei Frati. Pure Turbiana, no oak, classic style.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI Frati Lugana 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e is the iconic wine of Cà dei Frati, made from 100% Turbiana grapes on the southern shore of Lake Garda. No oak barrel aging, no heaviness, no adulteration — the classic style of DOC Lugana in its purest form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI Frati Lugana 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry Italian white wine from the Dal Cero family in Lugana di Sirmione. In the glass, the bottle displays a bright straw yellow with greenish reflections. The nose opens with white flowers, fresh apricot, a hint of almond, and delicate balsamic notes. On the palate, green apple and yellow peach bring freshness, supported by a cool minerality reminiscent of flint. This is the wine with which most enthusiasts first get to know the Lugana region — and the most common ambassador of the appellation on European tables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhite flowers, apricot, a hint of flint\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aroma of this Lugana plays with three layers. At the forefront are bright floral notes — acacia blossom, white elderflower, a hint of linden blossom. This is followed by the fruit: fresh apricot, green apple, yellow peach. Behind these, the mineral note appears, typical of the region's chalky morainic soils, reminiscent of wet stone or struck flint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate, the wine is precise and lean, but not thin. The acidity carries the profile without tipping into sharp acidity. A delicate bitter almond note provides tension in the mid-palate. The finish is clear, mineral, and surprisingly long for a wine in this price range. Overall, an elegant, straightforward Lugana type — the winery's calling card. When young, it appears particularly fresh; with two to three years of bottle aging, it gains depth and develops delicate honey and almond notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThose expecting heavy, oak-influenced white wines will find this wine too reserved and too cool. Those expecting tropical-sweet fruit will also not find it here — the wine deliberately remains bright and cool. For pure lovers of opulent styles, this bottle is not the right label. Here, it's about freshness, clarity, and the unadulterated voice of Turbiana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrom aperitif to fish to appetizer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eServe this Lugana at 8 to 10 °C in a slender white wine glass with a high tulip shape. The drinking temperature should not fall below 8 °C, otherwise the delicate floral aromas will be blocked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs an aperitif, the wine is a classic start to an Italian evening. A well-chilled glass to greet guests sets the tone for a light, Mediterranean meal. At the table, it pairs with anything light and aromatic. Sole carpaccio with olive oil and lime goes just as well as fresh vitello tonnato. Spaghetti alle vongole, grilled calamari with parsley-garlic oil, or a classic risotto al limone find their natural partner in this bottle. The wine also shines with light poultry with lemon and tarragon, as well as asparagus with hollandaise sauce or a light goat cheese salad with honey and walnuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Buy the wine in a six-pack. I Frati is the typical Lugana that you quickly run out of in spring and summer, precisely because it unobtrusively fits into any menu. Once opened, the wine keeps well in the refrigerator for two to three days when sealed. For a cross-tasting, we recommend the denser \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-brolettino-lugana-doc-2024\"\u003eBrolettino Lugana DOC 2024\u003c\/a\u003e with oak aging and the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-pratto-weissweincuvee-2024\"\u003ePratto 2024\u003c\/a\u003e cuvée from a late harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe wine that co-founded the DOC Lugana\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCà dei Frati has a special relationship with this appellation. Pietro Dal Cero, son of founder Felice, was one of the co-founders of DOC Lugana in 1969. He bottled the first wine of the house under the label Lugana Casa dei Frati. From this first cuvée, the I Frati label has emerged over the decades. It thus bears not only the name of the winery but also a piece of regional history. Today, this bottle is by far the most famous wine of the house and is listed as an open white wine recommendation in many Italian restaurants in Central and Northern Italy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe vinification is deliberately classic and follows the Lugana standard without detours. The grapes are harvested in September as soon as they have reached the ideal balance of ripeness and acidity. This is followed by a cool must fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine matures on fine lees for several months before bottling. No contact with wood, no malolactic fermentation, no experimental procedures. The result is a wine that reflects the Turbiana grape variety in its pure form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTurbiana, also known regionally as Trebbiano di Lugana, was delimited as a separate variety from Trebbiano di Soave in 2011. Until then, it was considered a sub-variant of the Soave family, although enologists and winemakers in Lugana had long recognized its own aromatic signature. It owes its aromatic profile to the clayey-calcareous morainic soil of the region. The mild microclimate on the southern shore of Lake Garda, characterized by breezes over the lake, preserves the acidity even in warm vintages. This combination makes Lugana one of the most distinctive Italian white wines. The small size of the appellation — just under 2,000 hectares — also ensures that the region remains manageable and the wineries know each other. Cà dei Frati is one of the few estates that has grown over decades in this limited area. Today, the family cultivates not only the historical parcels in Lugana di Sirmione but also newer areas in the surrounding locations. All parcels share the same morainic profile and are vinified in-house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA safe choice with its own profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat fundamentally distinguishes this bottle from other entry-level white wines is its consistency across vintages. Cà dei Frati consistently delivers very stable quality year after year. This is based on the family's large vineyards and their experience with the grape variety. As a gift, this is not a loud label, but a reliably good tip for wine lovers who appreciate Italy beyond clichés. At your own table, the wine is suitable for any occasion that requires an uncomplicated, honest companion — from mid-week to Sunday dinner. The bottle also cuts a good figure in an envelope or under the Christmas tree because it is unobtrusive yet conveys tangible substance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Lugana that doesn't need to explain what it is — but simply does what it has done best for decades.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cà dei Frati","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":56618225992006,"sku":"001CDF001","price":14.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4960\/1350\/files\/ca-dei-frati-i-frati-lugana-2024.jpg?v=1779347799"},{"product_id":"ca-dei-frati-pratto-weissweincuvee-2024","title":"Pratto White Wine Cuvée – 2024","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePratto 2024 by Cà dei Frati. Late harvest, new style, significantly less residual sugar.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePratto 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e is the historic white wine cuvée from the Cà dei Frati winery in Lugana di Sirmione, made from a late harvest of Turbiana, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Not a dessert late harvest, not a sweet liqueur wine, not a classically quaffable Lugana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePratto 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry white wine cuvée from the Cà dei Frati family winery on the southern shore of Lake Garda. The cuvée combines Turbiana, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc from a late harvest. In the current vintage, the Dal Cero family has almost halved the residual sugar—from 17 to 9 grams per liter. This shifts the entire wine. Where a noticeable richness once characterized the style, there is now a clearly contoured, mineral profile. The white wine cuvée has thus emerged from the shadow of sweeter late harvests. Today, it positions itself as a versatile food companion—with its full late harvest character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTropical fruit over a mineral framework\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the glass, the wine shows a dense straw yellow with golden reflections. The nose opens with pineapple, passion fruit, and mango. Behind that follow yellow stone fruit notes and a hint of freshly mown grass. Beneath lies a cool, almost salty minerality, as brought by the loamy-calcareous moraine soil of Lugana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate, the fruit is initially soft, almost creamy. Then the wine comes under tension: the 9 g\/l residual sugar is framed by present acidity and a fine salinity. The Sauvignon Blanc brings tension, the Turbiana the substance, the Chardonnay the richness. The finish is long, vegetal-mineral, with a subtle bitter note of citrus peel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThose expecting a lean, acid-driven Lugana in the style of a classic entry-level white wine will find the cuvée too complex and full-bodied. Nor will one find the opulent barrique style of earlier vintages here—oak barrel aging has been deliberately scaled back in recent years. The wine is not suitable for pure aperitif drinkers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrom aperitif to aged cheese\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe cuvée unfolds most fully at 8 to 10 °C. Serve from a voluminous white wine glass. The glass shape is not indifferent here. A narrow Lugana stemware would stifle the tropical aromas and diminish the depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a food companion, the wine plays across the entire spectrum. It pairs equally well with pan-fried char with almond butter as with grilled octopus on white beans. A porcini mushroom risotto or smoked Black Forest ham over ripe honeydew melon also benefit from its acid-fruit axis. With foie gras canapés and hearty antipasti with pickled vegetables, it shows its full range. In the cheese course, it is the natural partner for aged mountain cheese, a twelve-month aged Pecorino, or a creamy Gorgonzola dolce. The cuvée also creates a rarely successful bridge to slightly sweet Asian cuisine, such as a Thai curry with shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to know:\u003c\/strong\u003e Due to the late harvest, you should not drink this wine too young. One to two years of bottle aging smooth out the last bitter aftertaste. They also deepen the honey and dried fruit notes. Once opened, the cuvée, sealed in the refrigerator, will keep easily for two to three days. On the second evening, it often shows even more depth. For an in-house cross-tasting, we recommend the younger \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-i-frati-lugana-2025\"\u003eI Frati Lugana 2025\u003c\/a\u003e and the denser \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-brolettino-lugana-doc-2024\"\u003eBrolettino Lugana DOC 2024\u003c\/a\u003e from the same house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThe historic cuvée of the Dal Cero family\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe name stands for one of the oldest labels of Cà dei Frati. This cuvée was founded in the 1980s by Pietro Dal Cero. He was one of the co-founders of DOC Lugana in 1969 and significantly shaped the region's profile. Even then, the idea of late harvesting three grape varieties together was unusual. This resulted in a unique wine beyond the pure Lugana style, a flagship for a new direction for the winery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes remain on the vines well into October. These extra days concentrate aroma and extract. At the same time, the mild microclimate on the southern shore of Lake Garda prevents the acidity from being lost. Turbiana and Chardonnay are vinified in large stainless steel tanks. The Sauvignon Blanc is also aged separately in stainless steel to preserve its green freshness. Only after months of aging on the fine lees is the final cuvée created. In 2024, the family also consistently reduced the residual sugar. The goal was a clear, lean, food-friendly wine—a decision that is clearly visible in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe term \"vendemmia tardiva\"—late harvest—is usually associated with sweet wines in Italy. Cà dei Frati deliberately interprets it against the grain here: as a means of concentration, not sweetness. The historically high residual sugar values gave way in the latest style to a dry, mineral-driven cuvée. Those expecting the classic, slightly sweet Pratto of earlier years will find a noticeably different wine. Today, the style is much closer to a mature, full-bodied Pinot Blanc than to a sweet Italian late harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLugana itself is a distinctive appellation. Located on the southern shore of Lake Garda, spread across the provinces of Brescia and Verona, it is considered a manageable growing area with just around 2,000 hectares. The soil is characterized by glacial moraine deposits. Clay, limestone, and mineral tones retain water. They bring the salty-mineral note typical of the region to the wine. The vines benefit from a mild lake climate, which protects the acidity even in hot vintages. These conditions explain why a late-harvested wine here does not tip into broad sweetness, but rather retains an exciting, fresh depth. Turbiana, long considered a regional variant of Trebbiano and recognized as an independent variety since 2011, is the aromatic anchor of this style. It delivers dense yellow fruit notes and a chalky spice. In the cuvée, it gains richness from Chardonnay and freshness from Sauvignon Blanc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA late harvest that belongs on the table\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat fundamentally distinguishes this label from other late harvests is its self-conception. It's not about the sweet soloist for dessert. It's about the complex food companion that combines the concentration of a late harvest with the dryness of a high-class dining wine. Precisely this tension is what makes it appealing. As a host wine, it is suitable for a multi-course menu where the dishes set accents—from light to robust, from fish to cheese. The wine does not need to be changed between courses. As a gift, it appeals to wine lovers who are already familiar with the profile of Lugana. Those who want to see how far the region can be thought beyond its known varietal style will find their own answer here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA cuvée for hosts who want to carry a wine through the entire evening—without having to switch it between appetizer and cheese.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cà dei Frati","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":56618226024774,"sku":"001CDF002","price":17.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4960\/1350\/files\/ca-dei-frati-brolettino-lugana-2022.jpg?v=1779347801"},{"product_id":"ca-dei-frati-ronchedone-2023","title":"Ronchedone – 2023","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRonchedone 2023 by Cà dei Frati. Red Wine Cuvée from Lake Garda, Marzemino with Sangiovese and Cabernet.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRonchedone 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e is the red cuvée from the Lugana house Cà dei Frati, made from Marzemino, Sangiovese and a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. Not a typical Bardolino, not a Tuscan classic, not an easy-drinking entry-level Italian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRonchedone 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry red wine from the Dal Cero family in Lombardy. The cuvée combines Marzemino, Sangiovese, and a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. In the glass, the wine displays a vibrant ruby red with violet reflections. The nose reveals a dense bouquet of cherry, blackberry, and blueberry, along with balsamic notes and fine spice. On the palate, silky tannins meet lively acidity and a long, slightly peppery finish. It is the red answer from a house otherwise known for its Lugana white wines — a deliberate expansion of its core product range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCherry, Blackberry, and a Hint of Pepper\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aromatics of this red wine stand on three pillars. Red fruits lead: ripe sour cherry, black cherry, a hint of wild strawberry. These are followed by darker berries — blackberry, blueberry, a touch of elderberry. In the background are subtle balsamic notes, tobacco leaf, some licorice, and a distinct peppery edge. With aeration, gentle vanilla and cocoa notes from the oak aging also emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate, the cuvée is medium-bodied, with precise acidity and silky tannins that have integrated well during the 14-month barrique aging. Marzemino brings red freshness and floral accents, Sangiovese provides the acidic tension, and Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure to the mid-palate. The finish is long, spicy, and surprisingly cool for a red wine from the relatively warm southern Lombardy region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEven those expecting a powerful Cabernet will find the wine too light and too cool. This cuvée is also not the right choice for pure lovers of heavy Primitivo styles. The bottle remains lean and acidic, more in the style of a North Italian Bardolino Superiore than a South Italian heavyweight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWith Pasta, Mushrooms, and Grilled Meat\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eServe the cuvée at 16 to 18 °C in a medium-sized Bordeaux glass with sufficient surface area for aeration. Half an hour of decanting before the first sip does not harm younger bottles and opens up the fruit-spice axis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the table, the wine pairs well with classic Italian main courses featuring red fruit or dark spice. Tagliatelle al ragù bolognese, penne all'arrabbiata, and wild boar ragout with polenta pair beautifully with it. A beef carpaccio with arugula and Parmesan or grilled lamb chops with rosemary potatoes also find their match here. It also shows strength with mushroom dishes. Porcini tagliatelle, stuffed mushrooms with pine nuts, or a creamy mushroom soup complement its earthy depth. In autumn, it harmonizes particularly well with roasted chestnuts, braised savoy cabbage, or a classic Sauerbraten in red wine sauce with raisins and gingerbread. For the cheese course, it accompanies ripe Pecorino, a robust mountain cheese with honey, or a medium-aged Comté. It also showcases its full range with antipasti featuring sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes, and mild ham.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom experience:\u003c\/strong\u003e The young vintage already benefits from an hour of air in the decanter. Those who can age it for a few years will be rewarded with a finer integration of tannins and a deeper spice. Once opened and stoppered, the bottle will easily keep for two to three days in a cool room. For a cross-tasting, we recommend the denser \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-amarone-della-valpolicella-2018\"\u003eAmarone Pietro dal Cero 2018\u003c\/a\u003e and the previous vintage \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-ronchedone-2022\"\u003eRonchedone 2022\u003c\/a\u003e from the same house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Cuvée against the Lugana Cliché\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCà dei Frati is known as a white wine house. Lugana, Pratto, Brolettino — the famous labels of the Dal Cero family are white. With Ronchedone, the house has provided a deliberate answer to the expectation that Lugana cannot produce serious red wines. The wine is made from grapes grown partly on their own vineyards and partly on neighboring ones. The cuvée combines three very different personalities in one bottle. This shows that the morainic terroir of the southern shore can also yield a distinct profile under a red banner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVinification takes place in several stages. First, a long maceration fermentation in stainless steel tanks extracts color and initial tannins. The wine then ages for 14 months in barrique, some in new, the rest in used barrels. This blend gives the wine spice without dominant vanilla or toast notes. Thus, the varietal character of the cuvée remains in the foreground, while the wood develops its depth in the background. This is followed by at least 10 months of bottle aging. Only after this time does the wine leave the house — a maturation period unusually long for the Italian IGT segment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe three grape varieties each contribute their own accents. Marzemino is the old regional variety of Trentino, known for floral tones and bright, cherry-like fruit. Mozart already immortalized it in the opera Don Giovanni with the line \"Versa il vino! Eccellente Marzemino.\" Sangiovese is the acidic and structural backbone of Tuscany, providing the framework. Cabernet Sauvignon, used in smaller doses, brings the necessary tannic density for aging. Over the years, these tannins form a significantly silkier texture and fully integrate into the fruit. Together, the result is a wine that is neither typically Veneto nor typically Tuscany — but possesses its own distinct Lake Garda-Lombardy signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Red Wine for Uncomplicated Evenings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this cuvée special is its versatility at the table. Unlike many cuvées in its price range that commit to one style, it consciously moves between categories. It has enough freshness for a light pasta dish and enough tannin for a grilled steak. This makes it particularly suitable for evenings where different tastes come together and dishes vary. It doesn't need to be swapped between appetizer and main course, as its spectrum is broad enough to serve both. As a gift, it's a good choice for those who already know many typical Italian red wines and appreciate a wine outside the usual boxes. On your own table, it's a reliable companion for mid-week meals when the food doesn't need to be accompanied by a premium label every evening. Its price-performance ratio makes it a realistic house standard that you can even leave open without regret. At the same time, it is honest enough not to be out of place even when hosting a demanding guest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA red wine that doesn't demand its place through loudness — but through its ability to quietly complement any meal.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cà dei Frati","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":56618226057542,"sku":"001CDF003","price":15.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4960\/1350\/files\/ca-dei-frati-ronchedone-2020.jpg?v=1779347804"},{"product_id":"ca-dei-frati-rose-2025","title":"Rosa dei Frati – Rosé 2025","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRosa dei Frati Rosé 2025 by Cà dei Frati. Chiaretto from four grape varieties, vinified for freshness.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRosa dei Frati 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e is the Italian rosé wine from Cà dei Frati, located on the southern shore of Lake Garda, made from Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, and Barbera. It is not a sweet summer rosé, not a marketing product, not a bland aperitif from the discount shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRosa dei Frati 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry Chiaretto from the Riviera del Garda Classico, made from the Lombard grape varieties Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, and Barbera. In the glass, the cuvée shimmers in a delicate salmon pink with copper reflections and a slight brilliance. On the nose, bright fruit and floral notes open up: hawthorn blossom, green apple, a hint of wild strawberry. On the palate, the bottle combines a tension-filled acidity with fine minerality. A hint of salt recalls the calcareous morainic soils of the region. It is the rosé interpretation of a winery that has known the profile of its home region for generations. Instead of a trendy product, this is a wine with a clear signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHawthorn, green apple, and wild cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aromatics of this cuvée play with the lighter end of the fruit. White blossoms are upfront—hawthorn, acacia, a hint of linden blossom, complemented by a delicate floral depth. This is followed by a bright, fresh-fruity note: green apple, young pear, a hint of wild forest strawberry, and a touch of red currant. In the background lies a subtly herbaceous spice, reminiscent of fresh rosemary tips or finely ground white pepper. This piquant note is what distinguishes the wine from the vast majority of sweetish rosé labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate, the wine is precise and lean. The acidity is clearly present without tipping into sharp harshness. A fine salinity adds tension to the mid-palate. The finish is dry and surprisingly long for a rosé in this price range. Overall, it's an elegant rosé type—straightforward, mineral, and without a sweet veil. Many competitors in the Provence style completely lack this tautness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEven those expecting a semi-dry summer rosé will find the bottle too lean and too dry. Similarly, this wine is not the right label for pure enthusiasts of powerful Bandol or Tavel styles. The cuvée deliberately remains light and cool, in the style of a Chiaretto del Garda rather than a Provençal heavyweight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrom Aperitif to Fish\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eServe the rosé at 8 to 10 °C in a slender white wine glass. A champagne flute is no more appropriate here than a bulbous Burgundy glass. The aromatics require a concentrated, rather slender shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs an aperitif, the cuvée is a classic summer starter that tells a story even without appetizers. At the table, it pairs well with light, Mediterranean dishes. Caprese with ripe tomatoes and burrata fits just as well as vitello tonnato in its fresh summer version. Grilled prawns with parsley-garlic oil, a risotto al limone, or a light pasta with pine nuts, arugula, and roasted tomatoes find their perfect partner here. The wine also showcases its strengths with light poultry with tarragon and lemon. Likewise, with a quiche with leeks and goat cheese or grilled salmon with avocado salsa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e This cuvée is surprisingly long-lasting for a rosé, as the yeast aging gives it substance. A second season smooths out the youthful acidity and makes the cuvée appear deeper and rounder, with subtle secondary aromas. Once opened, the bottle, sealed and refrigerated, easily keeps for two to three days. On the second evening, it often shows even more depth and spice. For a cross-tasting, we recommend the previous vintage \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-rose-2024\"\u003eRosa dei Frati Rosé 2024\u003c\/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/ca-dei-frati-rosa-dei-frati-2022-magnum\"\u003eMagnum variant of the 2022 vintage\u003c\/a\u003e for a vertical tasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFour grape varieties from the southern shore of Lake Garda\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!--nl--\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Rosa dei Frati is one of Italy's oldest continuously produced rosé lines. It is deeply rooted in the history of the winery. Cà dei Frati has been bottling this cuvée for decades under the Riviera del Garda Classico Chiaretto appellation. This appellation stands for a historically guaranteed rosé tradition from the western shore of the lake. The style of this appellation differs fundamentally from Provençal rosé. The Southern French style aims for delicate, pale color and emphasizes fruity aromas. The Chiaretto, on the other hand, relies on a more pronounced color, a tauter acidity, and cooler aromatics. This cuvée brings precisely this style to the table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFour indigenous grape varieties go into the wine, each with its own contribution. Groppello brings the typical blackberry and pomegranate aromas of the region. Marzemino contributes floral charm and a bright cherry note. Sangiovese provides the acidic tension. Barbera complements with the necessary pressure on the palate and a fine spiciness. The grapes are harvested in September. They then undergo a brief maceration to extract color and fine phenolics. This is followed by cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter fermentation, the wine matures for about six months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks. This is an unusually long period of yeast aging for a rosé. It gives the cuvée depth without losing its freshness and develops a creamy texture on the palate. This longer yeast aging gives the cuvée the texture that many other rosé wines lack. This is followed by another two months of bottle aging before the bottles leave the winery. The result is a rosé that doesn't taste like hurried summer production, but like expertly nurtured maturity. Cà dei Frati deliberately avoids any oak contact here—the concept is freshness, not richness. The result is a clear, straightforward profile in which varietal characteristics are not overshadowed by barrel aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Rosé worthy of the main course\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat fundamentally distinguishes this bottle from the broad rosé wave is its self-conception. It is not designed as an accessible summer lemonade for a quick carafe, but as a serious table companion. In the glass, it is a rosé wine that can carry an entire main course. In the hands of an attentive host, it also bridges the gap between appetizer and cheese. As a gift, this cuvée is a safe choice for wine lovers who have left the Provence cliché behind and are looking for a rosé with an independent profile. On your own table, the wine is suitable for summer evenings on the terrace—from the first appetizer to the last conversation of the night. Keep it well chilled in an ice bucket so that the temperature remains stable throughout the evening. It is also an honest and stylish choice for Sunday family meals or smaller summer receptions in the garden, one that will not overwhelm anyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA rosé that doesn't exhaust itself as an aperitif—but accompanies the meal all evening long.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cà dei Frati","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":56618226090310,"sku":"001CDF004","price":13.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4960\/1350\/files\/ca-dei-frati-rose-rosa-2022.jpg?v=1779347806"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4960\/1350\/collections\/ca-dei-frati.png?v=1775844728","url":"https:\/\/ginusslande.com\/en\/collections\/ca-dei-frati.oembed","provider":"genussland","version":"1.0","type":"link"}