Claudio Vincenzo - Castello di Roncade
The name conjures up images of rolling vineyard hills, and rustic old villas, from the heart of one of Italy's most alluring wine regions. We have had the pleasure of working with Castello di Roncade, and owner/winemaker Claudio Vincenzo, for the past few years. Aside from providing excellent wine and being a pleasure to do business with, they have been very accommodating to several of our brokers, and many of our clients, who have had the privilege of staying as a guest at the villa. Throughout Italy, the Castello di Roncade has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful and treasured villas in the Veneto region.
Situated in a picturesque town found in the Treviso province, a few minutes from Veneto, the villa is just a 20 minute drive from the city of Venice. The main building and many of the surrounding structures have withstood the test of time - dating as far back as the early 1500's with portions of the original building dating back to the year 900. The dramatic castle-like villa is surrounded by a moat which laps against the medieval walls. At each of the four corners are towers which dominate the landscape. Adding mystique, and possibly a chill to the enchanting villa, are the 30 Schiavoni statues placed at the center of the gardens. The statues are reminiscent of the legend which claims that the Count Guistinian hired the Schiavoni in order to protect his wife while he was away. On his return, he discovered her betrayal at their hands and had a magician turn the them into stone.
Old servant quarters are now being used for wine-related purposes. One has been turned into the wine cellar and bottling area, while the other is used for the aging of fine wine, and for hosting events. The wines of Castello di Roncade reflect the terroir and the traditional winemaking style of the Veneto region. The vineyards encompass a total of forty hectares. Two of the vineyard properties were specifically monitored and planted by the Baron Vincenzo Ciani Bassetti, and are the oldest vines on the property. The Baron had a special interest in Bordeaux, and his style of wine and types of vines planted, reflect that passion and allow him to create wines which capture the essence of Veneto in a Bordeaux-style blend. Claudio, following his fathers path, continues to make this style of wine from the Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec growing on the property.
The soil at the Castello di Roncade vineyard seems as though it was designed specifically for grape growing. It has a layer of what is called "caranto" earth, which is forty centimeters deep and consists of sand, clay, and marine clays. This composition contributes a great deal to the character of the typically perfumed aromas of the wines - especially the whites.
Great pride was taken when the Roncade property was developed. Each vineyard has been meticulously planted - from the selection of the plot, to the density of the earth, and the choice of vine. In order to maintain the optimal maturity and character of the grapes, the vintners use specific methods of pruning and harvesting to ensure quality. In the vineyards, all the picking is done by hand and meticulously hand-sorted. The attention and care is followed through to the wine making and cellaring process. We are excited to continue our work with Castello di Roncade, and look forward to upcoming vintages of their historic and delicious wines!
