wine of the month

Our 2020 closed with the release of two wines united by a special bond: a production philosophy able to unite the strong international spirit of two great wines - Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot – to the specific characteristics of wines produced in the majestic Valle del Santerno.

Potente and Sintria are not, however, the only wines in the Tenute d’Italia catalogue characterised by this special kind of union, one that renders them almost inseparable. The Conte Zardi brand, the line inspired by the most ancient Romagnola winemaking tradition, in fact encompasses another shining example of our winemaker’s ability to conceive projects which are able to develop successfully intriguing inspirations.

Il Sapiente and Caveja are two truly spectacular examples in which the principal protagonist is the Sangiovese. A variety of grape which is undoubtably among the most illustrious in the Italian winemaking tradition. Within the Conte Zardi line this vine is offered the opportunity of a profoundly traditional interpretation, capable of evoking Romagna as an authentic spiritual dimension.

In both the wines – ascribed to the Sangiovese Rubicone I.G.P. denomination – the Sangiovese makes up 85% … but it is in the remaining 15% that the real magic of the Il Sapiente and Caveja comes to maturity.

The production philosophy followed by the Tenute d’Italia oenologists for the creation of these products has been inspired by the desire to crown the Re Sangiovese (King Sangiovese) with the exuberant character of two other vines, both historically tied to the Romagna territories. 

Il Sapiente completes its blend with the Syrah, the celebrated international vine that can boast a long tradition of production in Romagna, whilst for Caveja the Sangiovese harmonises perfectly with a native variety, the Malbo Gentile. 

The refinement process of the two wines also follows a similar protocol: following a first stage of vinification carried out completely in steel tanks, Il Sapiente and Caveja are subjected to ageing in large barrels (tonneaux) capable of giving that perfect roundness that distinguishes them.

Although conceived under the same banner of the said productive philosophy, just like Potente and Sintria, Il Sapiente and Caveja, at the tasting stage are also able to, despite their congruity, regale us with unique emotions.

In fact, the tasting reveals the profound charm of researching the different nuances that Sangiovese is able to assume when placed alongside each of the two varieties, giving the taster an experience with a strong educational... and emotional value.

Keep following our blog for articles dedicated to the tasting of

Il Sapiente and Caveja!

Remember that on our www.tenuteditalia.com website you can find the technical data and a list of the numerous awards obtained for all of our wines: for further information you can also contact our commercial office by filling in the relevant form o by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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In January we decided to inaugurate our annual tasting review taking up the point with which we had concluded the past year, namely the presentation of a pair of wines. First with Potente and Sintria, now with Il Sapiente and Caveja, our intention is in fact to not limit ourselves to a simple description of the products themselves, but to offer our readers, between the lines of these tastings, also an image, a sincere story of our work and our passion.

Through the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Merlot of the Santerno Wines line we have shown the ability of our territory to welcome and interpret the great international tradition: now, with the variations of Sangiovese of the Conte Zardi brand we would like to try to illustrate two projects through which, on the contrary, the most genuine spirit of Romagna has been able to successfully project itself far beyond national borders.

But while Il Sapiente gave us a great example of how it was possible to pursue - and we could well say... reach!! - this goal through a significant contribution of Syrah within the blend (15%), with Caveja we see a real masterpiece of oenology that is 100% made in Romagna.

Respecting the same proportions, Sangiovese Rubicone I.G.P. Caveja composes its own blend with Sangiovese (85%) and Malbo Gentile (15%), two real excellences of the regional viticulture of Emilia-Romagna.

The philosophy underlying the blend remains the same: just like Il Sapiente, Caveja does not present a simple sum of the organoleptic characteristics of the two vines but pursues the much more ambitious goal of an integration to create an absolutely original profile, and it is precisely in that "small" 15% that we can recognize the nucleus from which the character of the wine springs.

The powerful colouring input - with its voluptuous violet reflections - is only the first indication of Malbo Gentile's valuable contribution, which even more clearly reveals itself to the nose enriching the set of fruity notes of Sangiovese: the olfactory examination is a real triumph of ripe, juicy red fruits, whose sweetness recalls the aromas that accompanied the masterly preparation of jams in Grandma’s kitchen. And just as irresistible as were the tastings of those jams while still simmering in the large pots on the cooking stove, so Caveja will use its fatal attraction to compel us to continue our tasting.

Warm, velvety, right from the first sip this splendid Sangiovese will embrace our palate to propose, with perfect consistency, the delicious fruity sensations detected on the nose, framed by the tertiary suggestion conferred by the aging in wood (4-6 months in large barrels of French oak).

The body is full, round, expertly balanced between its soft components - sugar residue and important alcoholic shoulder - and the hard parts, among which stand out the surprising freshness - which intervenes to support and amplify the fruity and sweetly spicy sensations - and the perfect tannin, defined but never intrusive.

On the table Caveja is the ideal wine for the most diverse combinations: from traditional Romagna cuisine (tagliatelle with ragù, potato tortelli with butter and sage, grilled mutton castrato) to preparations of more international inspiration (smoked meat, pork ribs in barbecue sauce, pulled pork, pastrami), without missing delicious temptations of pairing with small pastries and cakes based on shortcrust pastry.

For those who follow our blog and come to this article after reading the previous article dedicated to the description of Il Sapiente (if you are not among them, you can easily recover it by clickinghere) it will certainly have been quite easy to grasp numerous points in common between the two wines, both from a productive point of view (structure of the blend, type of aging) and from the organoleptic one (integration of the typical scents of the two grape varieties, texture, warmth...).

To our audience, which we hope can be more and more numerous as well as intrigued by our publications, we want to dedicate a little final advice... to fully grasp the points in common as well as the specific characteristics that respectively bind and distinguish Il Sapiente and Caveja we suggest a parallel tasting: placed side by side the two glasses will reveal their most authentic soul, stimulating, as never before, your imagination and curiosity and, more importantly, they will offer you multiple, exciting ideas for comparing with your tasting companions...

... for, just as King Edward VII said

"One not only drinks the wine, one smells it, observes it, tastes it, sips it and … one talks about it!"

On a warm summer evening, under the stars made even more brilliant by the joy of being able to find the company of your closest friends: what better occasion to taste the new vintage of one of our most successful white wines? 

In our latest articles we talked a lot about the production of white wines of Tenute d'Italia, in particular how it is based on two types of vines: the native ones, destined for processes deeply faithful to the production tradition of our territory, Romagna, and the so-called international ones, used to create products suitable for meeting the taste of different markets all over the world. 

With "Il Fascinoso", Chardonnay Trebbiano Rubicone I.G.P., Tenute d'Italia achieves the perfect synthesis of these two orientations, offering its customers a genuine wine, a faithful spokesperson for the wine tradition of the Santerno Valley but, at the same time, an excellent candidate for a leading role on the international scene.

As its name reveals, which includes the mention of two vines, Il Fascinoso is in fact the result of the union of what could be well defined as the principal representatives of the two categories of vines mentioned above: Trebbiano, undisputed king of viticulture from Romagna, and Chardonnay, perhaps the most widespread white grape variety in the world. 

The mention of both types in the denomination on the label tells us that the contribution of each type is also quite significant. That allows us to anticipate an eloquent presence of their typical fragrances also in our glass. 

The name of this wine literally means "full of charm, which attracts with its own charm", and perhaps no name was more suitable: by pouring Il Fascinoso into the glass, the gaze is immediately enraptured by its intense, brilliant colour, like a rare and precious yellow sapphire. Perfectly clear, it reveals graceful golden reflections and an intriguing consistency: if the first citrus scents that we already perceive on the nose suggest a marked freshness, the impression is certainly that of being in the presence of a wine from which we can expect an interesting structure.

At the first scent, the fruity hints dominate clearly: yellow, fresh, from juicy citrus fruits - grapefruit, blonde orange - to tasty tropical fruits, among which pineapple and passion fruit stand out. We then rotateIl Fascinoso in the glass and let its bouquet fully open, which is enriched with floral hints, aromatic herbs, but above all with a sweet spicy summit - soft, fully pleasant - conferred by the short aging in wood that perfectly harmonises the entire olfactory profile.

We come then to the tasting and letIl Fascinoso complete its game of seduction with elegant charm. On the palate it is full, resolute: if freshness is the characteristic that first strikes our attention, the exquisite tertiary note that clearly defines the prodigious body of this Chardonnay Trebbiano will be what remains etched in our memory.

For these characteristics,Il Fascinoso undoubtedly lends itself as an excellent aperitif wine, accompanied by some inviting appetizers, but it can be equally successful on the table to accompany our meal.

The singular combination of structure and freshness that we find inIl Fascinoso allows us to give our imagination a wide margin, pursuing numerous pairing possibilities, even with dishes with rather complex flavours. 

Il Fascinoso has in fact all the credentials to shine in combination with spicy dishes, I think in particular of Indian cuisine and its excellent curry dishes, but also of great classics (simply timeless) such as poached eggs served with asparagus, Parmesan cheese and some truffle flakes.

As our more attentive readers will certainly have noticed, in September we skipped our usual appointment with the Wine of the Month, the column that we dedicate to the presentation of the rich selection on offer in the Tenute d’Italia catalogue.

The start of the harvest took all our attention, and we hope you are enjoying the little information project we are carrying out to tell you in detail the fascinating process of winemaking.

In recent weeks, our team's work has not been limited to the production of the new vintage, but has also involved the creation of a new, important product to enrich Tenute d’Italia’s proposals. In fact, right at the start of September, the Rosso Rubicone I.G.P. “Il Sapiente - Limited Edition 2” came to light.

Following the great success of the first Limited Edition, born from a proudly Romagnolan blend of Barbera and Sangiovese but with explicit international aspirations, for the new wine of the Conte Zardi line our team of oenologists opted for an even more intense look at the panorama of international taste, focusing on the magic of the encounter between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

A real Bordeaux-style blend, which openly pays homage to the extraordinary wine tradition from the other side of the Alps without however, losing the link with its own land, whose imprint is jealousy preserved in the complex aromatic profile.

From the very beginning, everything speaks of the great body of this wine: we are bewitched by the substantial fluidity with which it fills our glass, and we still linger to admire the vigorous elegance of its rotational movements. The ruby ​​red colour is intense, brilliant, alluring in its gift of seductive violet reflections that allude to the fullness and maturity of the aromas of our wine.

The aromatic picture is a wonderful example of integration between the principal characteristics of the vines that make up the blend: the enchanting fruity hints of cherry and plum of theMerlot are combined with the elegant herbaceous notes typical of Cabernet Sauvignon, giving to Il Sapiente - Edition 2  a complex and captivating olfactory profile, a perfect prelude to tasting. Opening up on the palate is an ode to softness: full and round, the warmth of this magnificent wine pervades and conquers the taste, suggesting the final details that complete the portrait of our wine.

The strong point of the tasting is undoubtedly the perception of the ability with which the balance of the imposing body is pursued, masterfully supported by the marked freshness and the dense weave of tannins, characteristics capable of suggesting, among other things, a considerable evolutionary potential of this Rosso Rubicone I.G.P. “Il Sapiente - Limited Edition 2”.

On the table there are endless pairing possibilities, above all we would undoubtedly recommend meat main courses, from the most classic roasts to more structured dishes, preferably enriched with aromatic herbs - sage, rosemary, juniper - or noble ingredients such as porcini mushrooms or black truffle.

Our tasting exhibition, devoted to the wines in the Tenute d’Italia catalogue, opens this year, 2021, with what is undoubtedly one of the most well known and valued wines of our production: Sangiovese Rubicone I.G.P. “Il Sapiente”of the Conte Zardi line. 

Although it started life as a commercial project specifically designed for the North European market, Il Sapiente soon managed to expand the boundaries of its admirers, establishing itself as a truly winning product on the entire national and international scene. Thanks to its special characteristics, this Sangiovese Rubicone I.G.P. manages to masterfully reconcile the vigorous body of the sturdy romagna vine with a precious tertiary contribution of clear international inspiration, to compose a product able to amaze both the overseas public and Italian wine lovers.

Read also: The First Wines of the Year: "Il Sapiente" & "Caveja"

As mentioned in our introductory article, the first factor contributing to the particularity of Il Sapiente is the blend: as consented by the production disciplinary to which it refers - the "Rubicone" Protected Geographical Indication - the oenologists of Tenute d'Italia have fully exploited the possibility of integrating the main variety (the one mentioned on the label, in this case Sangiovese, for which a minimum contribution of 85% is expected) with a second type of grape for the remaining 15%.

Following numerous studies, the choice (happily) fell on Syrah, a variety with a full, decisive character, perfect for refining the organoleptic profile of Sangiovese with its own unmistakable notes. A happy marriage whose light shines with every approach to the glass.

The colour of Il Sapiente, an intense ruby red embellished with brilliant purple reflections, immediately reveals the magic that comes from the encounter between Sangiovese and Syrah, but the movement in the glass does not enchant only for the bewitching play of colours and reflections: the taster's gaze is captive by the exemplary texture shown to the rotation in the glass, made even more enchanting by the perfect geometries of the arches. A first look that suggests a substantial body, alive and full, as fresh as the first bite of a freshly picked, perfectly ripe plum.

More than to the eye, though, it is on the nose that the contribution of Syrah manifests all its genuineness, with the unmistakable aromatic notes of this special variety that do much more than complement the typical Sangiovese bouquet. The profound sense of the relationship that binds the two vines that make up the blend of Il Sapiente can indeed go far beyond the simple sum of sensations, to pursue rather the search for an interaction capable of creating a unique, unprecedented profile.

In this sense there are at least three important elements in which we can recognize the pillars of the olfactory profile of Il Sapiente.

The first could be named after the assonances, that is, those notes typical of the aromatic profiles of both vines, such as black cherry, plum and juicy blueberries. The use of these two types of grape allows these characteristics to unfold from a double perspective, acquiring as a whole a greater depth and complexity.

Secondly, on the opposite front, we find the game of combinations between the notes specific to each grape, the Sangiovese and the Syrah. As already mentioned, the goal pursued by our team of oenologists was not limited to the simple sum of the different aromas, but rather, they sought a true integration in search of new impressions. Exemplary in this sense is the encounter of the typical floral component of Sangiovese (rose and violet) with the tantalizing spicy notes of black pepper and chocolate brought by Syrah.

Finally, the last (but not least) distinctive element of Il Sapiente intervenes to support this process of creating an absolutely original bouquet: following a vinification process carried out entirely in steel, the production process of this Sangiovese Rubicone IGP ends with a period of ageing from 4 to 6 months in French oak tonneaux (large barrels). This choice, in addition to giving further vivacity to its spicy component, gives Il Sapiente that perfect roundness that embraces and harmonizes the entire spectrum of aromas, a precious seal on a wine that can well be said to be truly accomplished.

The grandiose expectations raised by the olfactory analysis are finally fully confirmed at the tasting: the palate is pervaded by the softness of Il Sapiente - conferred by the significant sugar residue and the robust alcoholic shoulder, expertly harmonized by the ageing in wood - which are immediately appended by the fresher, keener components, a contrast which gives the structure a solid - and very pleasant - balance.

In this case too, it is evident how the complete picture of the taste profile of Il Sapiente is traced by the deep interconnection between its different components, which support each other within a structure in which each element plays an essential role: exemplary in this sense the skilful interplay between the acid component (freshness) and the complex set of spicy sensations, but also the perfect balance between the sweet fleshiness of the body and the sophisticated tannin.

A complex, three-dimensional wine: Il Sapiente is a wine that opens up multiple perspectives not only in the glass, but also on our table. 

The strongly international declination conferred on the robust vigour of Sangiovese make Il Sapiente an excellent accompaniment for different expressions of cuisine, from the more traditional ones that refer to the typically Italian culture of homemade pasta to the most diverse variations from beyond our borders: stews or meatballs served in rich sauce, roasted meat with bittersweet garnishes (blueberry duck) and spicy fish soups.

The new products in the Tenute d’Italia catalogue for 2021 are starting to come to light, and the first new entry that we present to you is certainly one of the most eagerly anticipated.

“Il Sapiente”… doubled!

One of the most successful labels within the Tenute d’Italia offer is in fact now available not only in the historic red version (Sangiovese Rubicone I.G.P.) but also in the new white edition (Chardonnay Trebbiano Rubicone I.G.P.).

“Il Sapiente” thus relaunches its image, becoming a real brand, confirming both its style - simple but captivating, now even more recognisable - as well as its inspiration, or the desire to pay heartfelt homage to the Romagna wine tradition.

In fact, it is no coincidence that the blend chosen for this new white version is perhaps the one that most of all embodies the extraordinary potential offered by the encounter between the passion that binds us to our land and the fabulous suggestions offered by the international market.

“Il Sapiente” Chardonnay Trebbiano Rubicone I.G.P. makes its conquests by its ability to translate this embrace between tradition and innovation into a product that is simple (but never banal!), and clear, able to relate frankly to the consumer,involving him in a sensory journey that starts from Romagna and projects itself to the world.

Clear, brilliant, “Il Sapiente” flows fluidly in the glass, revealing its unmistakable bouquet, in which the tropical fruity notes typical of Chardonnay meet the most genuine hints of Trebbiano, from the suggestion of crunchy golden apple to the delicate hint of acacia honey.

Intense and harmonious, also on the palate our Chardonnay Trebbiano is a triumph of freshness that tickles both our taste and our imagination for recognition of the numerous aromas, while the adequate residual sugar gives it roundness and excellent persistence.

In perfect harmony with the production philosophy that distinguishes the entire Conte Zardi line, "Il Sapiente" confirms its extraordinary versatility on the table also in the white version, accompanying with style first courses based on fish (spaghetti with clams, shrimp and vegetable risotto) homemade pasta (tortelli with butter and sage, tagliatelle with mushrooms), but also second courses of more international inspiration such as chicken curry and sweet and sour pork.

“Il Sapiente” Chardonnay Trebbiano Rubicone I.G.P. therefore makes its debut on the market with full intentions to reaffirm and expand the success of its brand, which, after the important developments in recent years - with the launch of limited editions - is preparing to make a new, important commercial turning point...

... this new white version may not in fact be the only novelty that Tenute d’Italia has in store for the Il Sapiente / Conte Zardi brand!

Hoping with this little teaser to have tickled your curiosity, we invite you to continue to follow us so as not to miss any updates on all our activities and projects scheduled for 2021.

For more information on the wines of the Conte Zardi line, you can consult the relevant section on the website or contact our sales department directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As we recount this great story and offer it to you through our blog, we can’t ignore what may be described as the children of our passion: our wines.

Each month we are going to offer you a contribution from our colleague, Master Oenogastronomist Sommelier AIES Veronica Casella, dedicated to one of the products in the Tenute d’Italia catalogue, to give you a close up view of our philosophy and our work. It may just excite your curiosity!

So we’ll immediately clear the field for the first article/tasting that Veronica has dedicated to a really special wine, not just for its quality but above all for what it represents in our personal history: the Romagna D.O.C Sangiovese Superiore"Ilione” is in fact the first organic wine produced by Tenute d’Italia, the fruit of intense research that our team hopes to be able extend to the entire “Canale dei Molini” line.

The truly exceptional situation we are experiencing in recent months is profoundly affecting both our daily lives and the real traditions that mark our lives.
For the first time I have in fact had to renounce the traditional Easter lunch in the home of my maternal grandmother, a fixed appointment not only in its regularity in the family calendar but also in the menu.
Strictly circumscribed in every one of its courses, it has always represented a kind of security in terms of quality (and abundance!) for the whole family.

Despite the impossibility of being able to share personally, I have however decided to carry on the tradition to the best extent possible by consulting my grandmother over the phone to get her recipes and precious advice on the preparations and thus honouring (even at a distance) that special moment of sharing.

One of the most crucial moments of the preparations was certainly the choice of wine to be served at table and to be paired with the fruit of all my (quite unremarkable!) efforts in the kitchen. I was looking for a full-bodied wine, with character, able to deal with the rich preparations of the family culinary repertoire, but at the same time I had the desire to include in the logic of my pairing that small, but fundamental element of innovation that lies at the basis of every step through which an ancient tradition is handed down, facing a new future.

And that’s when I thought of Ilione; a wine that renders homage to one of the oldest wine making traditions of Romagna, that has as a protagonist the vigorous Sangiovese, combining it with the most modern wine making and aging techniques.

Taking advantage of this opportunity to appreciate also its most recent evolution in the bottle, I opted for the 2017 - the second, and so far, the latest production since its debut in 2016.

The thing that strikes one immediately is the exquisite ruby red that immediately reveals the complete fidelity with which this wine depicts the Sangiovese grape: brilliant and profound, Ilione enchants the eye, as only a great classic, a true timeless beauty is able to do.

A gentle rotation of the glass reveals the first features of Ilione's magnificent body and exudes the first scents, tantalising our sense of smell.

Approaching the glass, the great typicality of this Sangiovese is expressed in all its detail: a luxurious prelude of blackberries and cherries introduces the concert of floral scents in which the notes of violet excel, finely articulated on a crescendo of spicy tones, most prevalent of which are vanilla and black pepper.

Intense, fragrant, surprising for the wide persistence of its charm but above all for the cleanness of the scents; clearer and more recognizable than ever, they give us a faithful, even masterly, portrait of the Sangiovese in it’s purest form.

Now we’ve finally arrived at the tasting, where we realize that the slow, gradual preparation up to this point has made it even more special: if the desire to taste Ilione was already awoken at the first glance, the gradual unveiling of each characteristic has in fact the power to render the last act of our tasting a real triumph of pleasure.

The full, fragrant body harmonises with the extraordinary freshness on which the scents are already perceived by the nose: we pick up the dense juiciness of the blackberries, the crunchiness of the cherries, to finally catch the provocative spicy hints typical of the vine, harmonized with the soft tannins that wrap gently around the palate.

In short, what we perceive on the palate is not just the unfolding of a fine, elegant, masterfully balanced wine: Ilione’s excellence is revealed in the profound coherence that binds each of its characteristics and makes its tasting an indispensable experience for every wine lover.

This Organic Romagna D.O.C Sangiovese Superiore 2017 has proved to be an excellent pairing for almost all of my lunch courses, from the aubergine parmigiana to the roast kid, to the inevitable fried lamb ribs.

To our next tasting!

This month we would like to introduce to you one of our wines that is finding great success on the national and international scene.

Il Larone, Rosso Rubicone IGP of Tenute del Principe, is born of the desire to pay homage to the Romagnola enological tradition, ennobling and developing it by the use of new wine making techniques.

In fact, this wine comes from an unprecedented blend in which Sangiovese (50%) is enhanced by combination with two impetuous native vines (Malbo Gentile 25%, Centesimino 15%) and the spicy touch of Syrah (10%).

The grapes are over-ripened in the field leaving them on the plant for 30-40 days beyond the normal harvesting date.

This partial drying only enhances the individual characteristics of each vine, giving more intense and evolved aromas.

The fermentation of this wine, first in maceration on the skins at a controlled temperature of around 22 degrees for a period of around 20 days and subsequently subjected to malolactic fermentation, allows this wine to develop a rich aroma, redolent with ripe woodland fruits, blackberry jam and notes of tobacco and leather. On the palate it is broad, soft and persistent, with a finish of brandied fruits.

Even the refinement process has been carefully studied by our oenologists to allow an unprecedented and indistinguishable result. In fact, wooden barrels of different volumes are used, the essences are both American and French oak with rather particular toasting.

It is a wine that lends itself to pairing with red meats, game and mature cheeses, but it is also a contemplative wine to be enjoyed with friends and relatives on special occasions.