De Stefani Cabernet Sauvignon 20

The Veneto in northeastern Italy provides a splendid change of pace from the more well-known wine regions of Tuscany and Piemonte. In Tuscany, Sangiovese is the king of the vineyards, and in the Piemonte, it's all about Nebbiolo and Barbera. The Veneto, on the other hand, offers a fascinating blend of indigenous and international grapes. The region's varied terroir—from the Dolomite foothills to the Adriatic coast—creates unique microclimates that work very nicely for Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Veneto is best known globally for its Prosecco and Amarone wines; however, its range extends far beyond these staples. You'll also find international varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon here, and I must say, they shine in the Veneto terroir. Unlike Tuscany's rolling hills and Piemonte's dramatic slopes, Veneto's vineyards often benefit from flatter terrain in the coastal areas, or gently rolling hills inland.

The De Stefani family has contributed to Veneto's viticultural scene for generations. Founded by Valeriano De Stefani in 1866, today, the winery meanders across the picturesque hills of Refrontolo, recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The family's relentless pursuit of quality, authenticity, and respect for tradition has carried them through generations as they continue to expand their vineyard holdings in the Piave Valley near Venice.

Today, under the meticulous guidance of Alessandro De Stefani, the family's fourth-generation vigneron, the estate emphasizes natural winemaking and viticultural methods. Alessandro champions methods that respect the land, and he purposefully avoids synthetic herbicides and chemical fertilizers. This hands-off approach of naturally nurturing their vineyards is key in producing wines that beautifully translate and represent Veneto's rich terroir.

De Stefani's Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous expression of the varietal, crafted in a style that reminds me of the rich, velvety goodness of Valpolicella Ripasso. While Cabernet Sauvignon is not as widely grown in Veneto as native workhorses like Corvina or Rondinella, De Stefani's knack for crafting Cabernet boasts a beautiful balance between a global grape and local tradition

In your glass, this smooth, supple Cabernet Sauvignon opens with rich aromas of dark berries, plum, and whispers of brown spice, all underlined with a subtle kiss of oak. The super-smooth palate is layered with blackberry, cassis, and a whisper of black pepper, wrapped in pillow-soft, approachable tannins. Satisfying doesn't go far enough to describe this gorgeous Venteo Cab!

Classic Veneto dishes such as grilled radicchio risotto, aged Asiago cheese, or hearty beef stew make perfect companions and rich lamb bolognese would be a favorite. For a more adventurous pairing, try it with dishes like Texas-stye smoke brisket, Indian Lamb and tomato curry, or your favorite steak grilled Argentinian style with chimichurri.