Montello Rosso DOCG: Veneto’s Hidden Bordeaux-Style Red

What is Montello Rosso DOCG?

Montello Rosso DOCG is one of Italy’s most exclusive red wine appellations, located in Treviso, Veneto. Known for its Bordeaux-style blends dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, the DOCG was officially recognized in 2011 and remains a hidden gem for collectors and adventurous drinkers.

👉 Definition for Featured Snippet: Montello Rosso DOCG is a rare Veneto red wine made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends, aged in oak, known for its structure, elegance, and cellar-worthy potential.

Why It Matters

Montello Rosso DOCG defies Veneto’s Prosecco reputation by offering something unexpected: structured, oak-aged reds of remarkable depth. For wine lovers seeking terroir-driven Italian expressions of Bordeaux varieties, Montello Rosso is a rare chance to taste a wine few have discovered, yet many should.

History and Origins

• First recognized within Montello e Colli Asolani DOC (1977).
  
• Elevated to DOCG in 2011, focusing exclusively on Cabernet-based reds.
  
• Today, it symbolizes a renaissance of Veneto’s red winemaking heritage—combining history, terroir, and modern craftsmanship.
  

Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir

• Location: Montello hills, Treviso province, Veneto.
  
• Soils: Loamy clay and mineral-rich deposits.
  
• Climate: Warm, sunny summers balanced by evening breezes.
  
• Topography: Rolling hills with ideal vineyard exposures, recalling Bordeaux’s Cabernet-friendly terroir.
  

The Grape (or Blend)

• Cabernet Sauvignon: 40–70%
  
• Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Carmenère: 30–60%
  
• Other permitted reds: Up to 15%
  

Winemaking & DOCG Regulations

• Rosso
  
  • Minimum alcohol: 12.5%
    
  • Aging: 18 months (9 in barrel, 6 in bottle)
    
  • Release: May 1, second year after harvest
    
• Superiore
  
  • Minimum alcohol: 13%
    
  • Aging: 24 months (12 in barrel, 6 in bottle)
    
  • Release: November 1, second year after harvest
    

Key Facts at a Glance

• DOCG since: 2011
  
• Region: Veneto (Treviso province)
  
• Production: ~3,000 cases annually
  
• Styles: Rosso & Rosso Superiore
  
• Character: Bold, structured, cellar-worthy
  

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby → garnet with age
  
• Aromas: Blackcurrant, plum, cedar, tobacco
  
• Palate: Full-bodied, firm tannins, oak influence
  
• Finish: Long, elegant, persistent
  

Serving & Pairing

Serving Tips

• Serve at 16–18°C (61–64°F)
  
• Decant young vintages for 1 hour
  

Food Pairings

• 🥩 Grilled lamb or beef
  
• 🍖 Game stews
  
• 🧀 Aged cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano)
  
• 🌿 Herbal sauces
  

Why It’s Rare

💡 Did You Know? With only ~10 hectares of vineyards and about 3,000 cases produced annually, Montello Rosso DOCG is one of Italy’s smallest and most exclusive red wine appellations—making it a true collector’s treasure.

Producer Spotlights

• Giusti Wine – Producer of the benchmark Montello Rosso Superiore Umberto I.
  
  
  “Montello’s terroir gives our Cabernet a tension and elegance that rivals top Bordeaux,” — Ermenegildo Giusti.
  
  
• Montelvini – Historic family estate, balancing tradition with modern innovation.
  
• Venegazzù – Known for refined Bordeaux-style blends with authentic Montello character.
  

Comparison Table

Feature	Montello Rosso DOCG	Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG	Piave DOC
Style	Bordeaux-style blend	Appassimento-based red	Varied reds, often Merlot
Key Grapes	Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc, Merlot, Carmenère	Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara	Merlot, Raboso
Aging	18–24 months	3+ years	Varies
Price Range	€30–€50+	€40–€100+	€10–€25

Wine Tourism in Montello

Montello’s hills are dotted with boutique wineries offering tastings, cellar tours, and vineyard walks. Pair a wine journey with a visit to:

• Asolo – A medieval hill town celebrated as “The City of a Hundred Horizons.”
  
• WWI Memorials – Montello played a key role in Italy’s wartime history.
  
• Cultural Routes – Venetian villas and countryside cycling paths add depth to the trip.
  

Where to Buy & Pricing

• Italy: Available in Treviso wine shops and directly at estates.
  
• International: Look for niche importers of rare Italian reds.
  
• Pricing:
  
  • Rosso: €30–€40
    
  • Superiore: €40–€50+
    
  • Collector bottlings (Umberto I): €50–€70+
    

FAQ on Montello Rosso DOCG

• Q: What makes Montello Rosso DOCG unique?
  It’s Veneto’s only DOCG focused on Bordeaux-style Cabernet blends, contrasting with Prosecco and Amarone.
• Q: Can Montello Rosso age?
  Yes—especially the Superiore, which can cellar for 10–15 years.
• Q: How does it compare to Amarone?
  Amarone is made with dried grapes (appassimento), while Montello Rosso emphasizes freshness, oak structure, and Bordeaux varietals.

Fun Facts & Cultural Notes

• Nicknamed Veneto’s “hidden DOCG.”
  
• The Montello hills were once key battlegrounds in WWI.
  
• Known locally as “Veneto’s Bordeaux,” but with a distinct Italian soul.

Travel: Plan your Montello wine journey—explore vineyards, Asolo, and Venetian villas.

Taste: Try Montello Rosso DOCG at home—share your pairing photos with #MontelloRosso.

Subscribe: Join Drink Italian’s Collector’s List for alerts on rare DOCG wines.

Engage: Comment: Would you choose Montello Rosso over Amarone for your cellar?

Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages 
Send us an email if you want to suggest edits, or if you are looking for more info, at
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If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta  

Additionally, you can discover the other wines from veneto.