Montesquieu’s Association with Small, Historic Vineyards: Castello di Roncade

In the province of Trevino, just across the Veneto province line, about 10 miles south of Venice, the villa of Castello di Roncade rises dramatically from northern Italian countryside.

Ringed by a moat and with parts of the structure going back as far as 900 AD, while portions of the main building were erected in 1500 AD. At each of the four corners are towers that dominate the landscape.

For centuries, the Castello di Roncade has been considered one of the finest villas in the region. It is the place winemaker Claudio Vincenzo calls home.

For the last several years, Mr. Vincenzo has provided Montesquieu Winery with the vineyard’s most excellent wines.

Many of the old buildings have been converted to wine oriented facilities. The old servant’s quarters are now being used as the wine cellar and for bottling, while others are used as aging rooms and for hosting guests during tours.

The vineyards of Castello do Roncade span some forty hectares, and are renowned for producing grapes that embody the terroir and which perfectly compliment the traditional winemaking styles of the region.

Two plots of vines were personally planted and tended by the Baron Vincenzo Ciani Bassetti and are the most mature, longest producing vines on the grounds.

The Baron was especially enamored of Bordeaux, and his choice of plantings reflect this fondness, and have made possible the crafting of wines that capture the regional spirit through various Bordeaux-style blends that honor the heritage and style of the region.

Standing on his father’s shoulders, Claudio, crafts many wines in the same vein, from the estate’s Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec grapes.

Nature has graced the vineyard with soil that is ideal for the production of fine grapes and the crafting of first-rate wines.

Known as ‘caranto’ earth, the soil is a 40-centimeter deep layer of sand, clay, and marine clays that perfectly cradles the roots, allows for perfect drainage, and nurtures the grapes to perfect ripeness.

In addition to providing a home for the cultivation perfect grapes, the caranto soil contributes generously to the character of the wines, particularly in imparting an alluring perfumed scent to the whites.

The proprietors of the Roncade estate are meticulous in every step, from the vine choice, to plot choice, to soil density.

The winemakers use special methods of pruning and harvesting that promote the peak maturity and character of the grapes and ensure the highest possible quality. The same meticulous eye for detail is maintained through the process wine crafting and cellaring.