SCAIA | Rosato | Veneto | 2023
rondinella

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The story of Tenuta Sant’Antonio, the winery behind Scaia, is one of fraternal passion and a deep connection to the land. Founded by the four Castagnedi brothers—Armando, Paolo, Tiziano, and Massimo—the estate was born from their desire to craft exceptional wines that reflect both tradition and innovation. Inheriting their father’s love for viticulture, the four brothers took control of the winery in 1989. The Scaia project, launched in 2006, represents their endeavor to produce modern, expressive wines free from the constraints of traditional appellation rules, allowing unique varietal expressions to flourish.
Today we are going to review a quite captivating rosé wine from the Veneto wine region, one of Italy‘s most diverse and prolific wine-producing areas – Scaia Rosato Veneto 2023 by Tenuta Sant’Antonio. This wine originates from the hills of Valpolicella in the Veneto IGT, and is made from whole-cluster-harvested rondinella grapes – a variety that is primarily grown in the Veneto wine region, where it plays a key supporting role in traditional Valpolicella blends, such as Amarone, Ripasso or Valpolicella Classico.

Though rarely vinified on its own due to its neutral flavor profile, rondinella is valued for its strong disease resistance and, thanks to its thick skins, it is suitabile for the appassimento method of drying the grapes before fermentation. Typically blended with corvina and molinara, rondinella adds structure to the resulting wines. Scaia rosé is made with applying protective winemaking methods that preserve the integrity of the fruit, like for example manual harvesting of the grapes, gentle destemming and delicate pressing. Ageing is carried out only in steel tanks, followed by 3 months in the bottle, in order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the rondinella grape variety.

Rosé itself is a bizarre wine category, as it isn’t exactly a red wine, nor is it a white wine – it is something in between. The secret to the pinkish hue of the rosé wine is found in the skins of the red grapes and more exactly in the anthocyanin pigments. When making a red wine, the skins spend the entire fermentation in contact with the juice, for rosé however the process is shortened, for example pinot noir usually spends around 4 to 6 hours on the skins, to produce its trademark pale salmon hue, while cabernet sauvignon needs only a few minutes to make that rich, deep-pink color.

The Veneto wine region, located in northeastern Italy, is one of the country’s most prolific and diverse regions, spanning from the foothills of the Alps to the Adriatic Sea. The region enjoys a varied climate – cooler in the north with alpine influences and warmer in the south with humid conditions closer to the coast. The soils range from volcanic and alluvial in the west, to clay and limestone in the east, contributing to a wide spectrum of wine styles. Veneto is home to some of the most famous appellations including Soave (known for its crisp garganega-based whites), Valpolicella (ranging from light and vibrant reds like cabernet franc, to the powerful Amarone blends), and Prosecco (the renowned sparkling wine made from the glera grapes in the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene). This regional diversity supports an array of native and international grape varieties, making Veneto a cornerstone of Italian winemaking with wines that are both commercially successful and rich in tradition.

color: pale salmon color
clarity: clear pastel peach hues

In the glass, the wine presents a stunning, pale salmon color, with delicate and shimmering, pastel peach hues towards the rim.

intensity: rich & fruity
fruit character: ripe

On the nose, this wine unveils a rich and vibrant character, marked by ripe berry fruits. The foreground is dominated by captivating notes of cranberry, redcurrant and sweet cherry that mingle with the more nuanced, slightly exotic scents of goji berry and wolfberry, all gracefully intertwined with hints of fresh raspberry. As the wine breathes, a subtle background unfolds, revealing charming notes of stone fruits, particularly nectarine and peach, that are further complemented by whispers of wildberry and strawberry.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: none | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: rich & lean

On the palate, the wine feels expressive and rich, delivering a vibrant fruity accent that mirrors its aromatic profile. The mouthfeel is remarkably smooth and ample, delivering a pleasing weight and a silky texture. This is a nicely structured and impeccably well-balanced rosé wine that tastes dry, with a refreshing, zesty acidity and seamlessly integrated alcohol, that is contributing to the wine’s body and roundness without any hint of extra warmth. This harmonious interplay of elements culminates in a finish that is both rich in lean, leaving a crisp and appealing aftertaste that beckons for yet another sip.

maturity: in its prime | drink now or within a year
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality

Overall, this is a remarkably rich and fruity rosé wine that truly captivates with its vibrant profile and lean mouthfeel. It offers an exceptionally smooth and ample palate that is both round and refreshingly-appealing. All in all, this is a very harmonious rosé, distinguished by its fine balance, as it stands out as one of the most well-balanced rosés we’ve had the pleasure of tasting lately. The wine is currently in its prime form, showcasing all its youthful charm and vivacity. It is perfectly ready to be enjoyed today.

This delightful rosé wine, with its vibrant acidity and expressive fruit profile, is an exceptionally versatile companion for a wide array of culinary delights. It would pair lovely with light seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp skewers or a salmon tartare, where the wine’s crispness would beautifully cut through the richness of the fish, creating a congruent harmony of flavours and textures. Enjoy!

SCAIA | Rosato | Veneto | 2023
variety: rondinella
country: Italy
region: Veneto
rating: 93.3

The Scaia project was initiated by Tenuta Sant’Antonio in 2006, it was driven by an ambitious vision to craft wines with a distinctly contemporary flair, often stepping beyond the restrictions of the denomination system. Tenuta Sant’Antonio itself is a compelling story of a shared family passion and dedication, led by the four brothers who transformed their ancestral vineyards into an internationally acclaimed estate.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!