- Red Still
- 75CL
- 13.5%
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Nero, Marzemino
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The 2022 vintage of Astoria's El Ruden Rosso Veneto is a rich and expressive red wine. It presents a deep ruby-red colour with violet hues. The nose is intense, offering aromas of black elderberry and blackberries, complemented by savoury notes. On the palate, the wine is dense and round, featuring a fruity core, firm tannins, and a medium-length finish.
This wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Nero, and Marzemino. Approximately 10% of the Marzemino grapes undergo drying on straw mats for about three months, a process that intensifies the flavours and imparts an Amarone-like character. The wine is aged for 9 months in French oak barrels, which helps to round out the tannins and add complexity.
Best served at a temperature of 16–18°C, it pairs well with dishes such as roast pheasant, cured sheep cheeses, and hearty stews.
It's currently drinking well with primary fruit still dominant and tannins well-integrated from the oak ageing. Over the next 3-4 years, the wine will develop more complex savoury characteristics as the fruit mellows and secondary aromas emerge. The appassimento component should provide sufficient concentration to maintain interest until 2032, though the wine is unlikely to improve significantly beyond 2030. Peak drinking window appears to be 2027-2030.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby-red with violet highlights, showing good concentration and youth.
NoseIntense blackberry and elderberry fruit dominates, lifted by the appassimento Marzemino component. Savoury herbs and a touch of French oak spice add complexity. There's an almost Amarone-like richness from the dried grape element.
PalateDense and rounded with a concentrated fruit core, showing the influence of the dried Marzemino grapes. Firm tannins provide structure whilst nine months in French oak has integrated well. The Merlot brings softness, whilst Cabernet Sauvignon adds backbone and longevity.
FinishMedium length with persistent dark fruit and a hint of spice from the oak ageing.
Overall impressionA successful modern Veneto red that uses traditional appassimento technique to create depth and concentration beyond its price point.
Food Pairings
In Veneto, this style of red pairs naturally with the region's hearty autumn and winter fare. Locals would serve it alongside risotto all'Amarone, braised horse meat (pastissada de caval), or the rich duck ragu that accompanies bigoli pasta. The wine's concentration matches aged Monte Veronese cheese, whilst its savoury character complements the cured meats of the Euganean Hills. Game birds from the Venetian lagoon islands, often prepared with polenta, provide another classic regional pairing.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C in large Bordeaux glasses to allow the wine's concentration to express fully. Brief decanting for 30 minutes will help integrate the oak and open up the fruit character. The wine benefits from being opened an hour before serving to allow the tannins to soften slightly.
The vineyards benefit from the varied soils of the Veneto plains and foothills, where alluvial deposits mix with limestone and clay. The continental climate brings warm summers and cool nights, allowing for extended ripening whilst preserving acidity. The proximity to the Alps provides crucial diurnal temperature variation, essential for developing the complex aromatics found in this blend.
Veneto IGT allows winemakers considerable freedom compared to the stricter DOC regulations, permitting innovative blends and techniques. This classification encompasses wines from across the Veneto region, from the Prosecco hills to the shores of Lake Garda. The flexibility attracts producers seeking to experiment with international varieties alongside indigenous grapes, often resulting in wines that push beyond traditional Venetian styles whilst respecting local terroir.
The 2022 growing season in Veneto brought considerable challenges, with extreme heat and prolonged drought testing even experienced growers. Summer temperatures soared well above average, whilst rainfall remained scarce through the crucial ripening months. Many producers implemented careful canopy management and adjusted harvest timing to preserve freshness, with picking often beginning earlier than usual to maintain acidity levels. The lack of rain concentrated flavours but also reduced yields across the region, from the Prosecco hills of Valdobbiadene to the Amarone vineyards of Valpolicella.
Despite the demanding conditions, 2022 produced wines of surprising quality and character. Glera for Prosecco retained good aromatics and brightness where growers managed the heat stress effectively, though volumes were down. The red varieties fared particularly well - Corvina and Rondinella developed excellent concentration for future Amarone, whilst maintaining the structure needed for long ageing. Pinot Grigio and Soave's Garganega showed more weight than typical, with ripe fruit flavours balanced by mineral undertones. The Proseccos are drinking beautifully now, whilst the reds destined for Amarone production will need their traditional extended drying and ageing process.
FAQs
What makes this wine different from other Veneto reds?
The key difference lies in the appassimento technique applied to 10% of the Marzemino grapes, which are dried on straw mats for three months. This traditional method, more commonly associated with Amarone, concentrates the sugars and flavours, giving the wine greater depth and complexity than typical Veneto reds at this price level.
How does the blend work together?
Merlot provides the soft, rounded fruit core, whilst Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and tannin backbone. Pinot Nero contributes elegance and aromatic complexity, whilst the dried Marzemino grapes bring concentration and the distinctive character that sets this wine apart from international blends.
Is this wine ready to drink now?
Yes, the 2022 is drinking beautifully now with well-integrated tannins from its nine months in French oak. Whilst it will continue to develop until 2032, there's no need to cellar it further unless you prefer more developed, savoury characteristics.
What food should I serve with this wine?
The wine's concentration and firm tannins make it ideal for red meat dishes such as roast pheasant, braised beef, or aged sheep cheeses. The savoury character also works well with mushroom-based dishes and game. Serve at 16-18°C for optimal expression.
How does this compare to Amarone?
Whilst this wine uses similar appassimento technique on a portion of the grapes, it's lighter and more approachable than traditional Amarone. The dried grape component provides richness and concentration, but without the power and intensity of a full Amarone, making it more versatile for everyday drinking.
What's the best way to store this wine?
Store horizontally in a cool, dark place at 12-15°C with consistent temperature. The wine will continue to develop until 2032, though it's currently at a very pleasant drinking stage. No special storage requirements beyond standard wine cellar conditions.
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