Download Complete Production Notes

Principato, meaning “Princely Realm” or principality, refers to northeast Italy’s Tre Venezie, a region embracing the majesty of the snow-capped Dolomite Alps and the picturesque beauty of Italy’s romantic Lake District. For wine lovers the Tre Venezie is also a source of Principato; one of Italy’s most popular and affordable wines. Introduced in 1978, it has become a welcome and familiar feature of daily American family dining.

Production Area
Selected hillside vineyards throughout the provinces of Trentino, the Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, the three districts that together form northeast Italy’s Tre Venezie Region.

Grape Varieties
80% Cabernet Sauvignon; 20% Merlot. Both grapes have been grown in the Tre Venezie region since the 1800s.

Vinification
Grapes are harvested by hand during the first couple of weeks in October. The two varieties are then combined, after which they undergo a 12- to 14-day cool fermentation on the skins, to enhance extraction of color and flavor. The new wine is then aged 3-4 months in stainless steel tanks, followed by 6-8 months in oak casks prior to bottling and release.

Color
Bright ruby red.

Bouquet
Redolent of red berries; well balanced, slightly spicy notes typical of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Taste
Ample, full bodied, smooth, and well structured.

Alcohol
12%

Serving Suggestions
Red meats, pastas prepared in rich sauces; hearty vegetarian entrées.