Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Like the lovely 2023 Aganis Di Flabe Ribolla Gialla I enjoyed last month, these wines are produced by the Cecchetto brothers at their family winery of Ca' di Rajo in San Polo di Piave, Treviso, in Italy's Veneto wine region. Founded in 1931, Simone, Alessio, and Fabio Cecchetto are now the third generation of the family to run the business. Ca' di Rajo is situated at the pinnacle of the Prosecco area, in a special place where the Venice Lagoon meets the Dolomites.
Ca' di Rajo means 'House of Rai', and is named after the nearby and historic remains of the Rai Tower, which stands at the top of a small hill, a short distance from a historic village church, and surrounded by centuries-old trees. Along with Rai Tower, there is also Chiesetta del Carmine and neighbouring Casa Convento, three symbols of great historical and artistic interest, as well as importance to the history of Rai and the Treviso countryside that stretches from Conegliano to Oderzo, in the territory where Ca' di Rajo stands. The church and the convent were built in the 14th century, and were part of the courtyard of a large castle. The Rai tower was built for strategic-military reasons in the 10th century on Roman foundations. All of these structures are part of Ca' di Rajo and can be visited through guided tours and wine tastings.
The family combines tradition and innovation, enhances native training systems, and produces native grapes with an international vision. In order to preserve the best quality grapes to craft their wines, they use the most innovative technologies during the winemaking process. In the last few years, Ca' di Rajo has invested in and modernized their facility such that they have meticulous control of all production processes, while also being able to guarantee safety with ISO 22000 certified production standards.
Today, Ca' di Rajo has fifteen hectares of vineyards that are being trained using the ancient Bellussera (a.k.a. ray) system, a highly sustainable cultivation method which preserves the history of their roots. They have planted local varieties such as Raboso and Marzemina Bianca, as well as international varieties. Additionally, they also have Manzoni Bianco 6.0.13 - a native variety that was born around 1930 out of a crossing of Pinot Bianco and Riesling Renano by Professor Manzoni. This variety has found the Piave basin a suitable terrain for development and is more resistant to illnesses and has unique characteristics.
From the relatively cool-climate regions of northeastern Italy, let's see how these wines from the 2023 vintage are tasting tonight...
Tasting Notes:
CA' DI RAJO EXTRA DRY PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE 2023 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#369447) (D) - $20.95100% Glera that was grown in the Guia di Valdobbiadene area between 300–400 metrea above sea level on clayey soil. After hand-harvesting the grapes in mid-September, they were very softly pressed and underwent a long Charmat method fermentation of 70–90 days. The intense nose is fragrant and attractive with aromas of Acacia flowers, white pear, apple, and white peach, along with accents of ripe lemon, and whiffs of violet. The mid-weighted palate is gently sweet with delicious citrus, ripe pear, lemon, orange, Flintstone vitamins, apple, Acacia flowers, and melon flavours. It has fairly crisp bubbles and juicy acidity, alongside a textured mouthfeel. It's nicely balanced throughout with leesy and floral notes lingering on the long, dry finish. Featured in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts
CA' DI RAJO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 - DOC Venezia, Italy (#39484) (XD) - $17.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was grown in the provinces of Treviso and Venice, at 30 metres above sea level on soil that is clayey, sandy, and rich in organic substance. It was harvested at the end of September and vinified with a maceration of 20–25 days in thermo-controlled steel tanks. Mostly aged in steel, a portion of this wine was aged for at least 4 months in tonneaux. The cool, medium+ intensity nose seems a bit shy as it reveals earthy, raspberry, strawberry, red & black fruit, and savoury spice aromas flecked with currant and cassis notes. The medium+ bodied palate is dry and ripe with delicious raspberry, strawberry, red plum, and dried spice flavours in a fruit forward style. Savoury graphite and earth notes add complexity and interest on the slightly chewy mid-palate. Crisp acids are fresh and lively, while the fairly grippy and grainy tannins are quite firm at the moment, with good structure. Gently tangy with raspberry, strawberry, savoury spice, and graphite notes lingering on the well-balanced, crisp, and long-lasting finish. New arrival in LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on and a recommended buy! Score: 89 pts
Other lovely wines by Ca' di Rajo can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.
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