# Rosso Riserva Colli Berici DOC

- **Producer:** Casa Defrà
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Veneto, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, plum, redcurrant, black pepper, liquorice, vanilla, cloves

## About this wine

Casa Defrà's Rosso Riserva Colli Berici DOC is a distinguished red wine from the Colli Berici hills in Veneto, Italy. Casa Defrà is a brand under Cielo e Terra S.p.A., a dynamic joint venture between the Cielo family, with over a century of winemaking heritage, and the Cantina Sociale Colli Berici. The vineyards are nestled in undulating reliefs at modest heights, benefiting from a unique microclimate. Situated between 50 and 200 meters, the vines are protected from mist and late frosts, while maximizing solar radiation. This favorable environment, characterized by mild temperatures, a good diurnal range, and limited annual precipitation, is ideal for cultivating the grapes that give this Riserva its distinctive character.

## Interesting facts

- Casa Defrà is a brand of Cielo e Terra, a joint venture between two historic Italian wine families.
- The Colli Berici hills offer a unique microclimate, preventing mist and enhancing solar radiation for the vines.
- This Riserva undergoes 18 months of maturation, including a brief period in large wooden barrels.
- Despite its fuller body, the wine is crafted to be soft with well-balanced tannins.

## Food pairing

The wine's fuller body, well-balanced tannins, and savory persistence make it an excellent match for rich, structured dishes. The red fruit and spicy notes complement roasted meats and hearty pasta sauces, while its smooth finish can stand up to aged cheeses without overpowering them.

## Wine making process

The winemaking journey for Casa Defrà's Rosso Riserva begins with meticulous manual harvesting of the grapes from the Colli Berici vineyards. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes undergo a soft pressing. Fermentation proceeds with maceration for 6-8 days, utilizing selected yeasts to ensure optimal flavor extraction. The fermentation process is carefully controlled, maintaining temperatures below 25°C. Following fermentation, the wine is stored in steel tanks, where temperatures are kept below 20°C, and nitrogen is used to protect the wine from oxidation. The wine then matures for approximately 18 months, with a light passage in large wooden barrels for about three months, contributing to its complexity and smooth finish.