Montello Asolo / Asolo Montello DOC

Montello Asolo sits in the Treviso province of the Veneto, roughly 75 kilometers north of Venice. The Montello itself is a distinctive lozenge-shaped hill rising 300 meters above the surrounding plains. The production zone covers the municipalities of Castelcucco, Cornuda, and Monfumo, along with parts of 16 adjacent municipalities. Elevations across the appellation range from 100 to 450 meters above sea level.

• Lozenge-shaped Montello hill rises 300 meters above surrounding plains
• Covers Castelcucco, Cornuda, Monfumo, and parts of 16 other municipalities
• Approximately 65 hectares under vine across the appellation
• Severe cold winds occur around nearby Monte Grappa

The appellation benefits from a mild climate shaped by both Mediterranean and continental influences. The nearby Alps and Adriatic Sea provide a moderating cooling effect, and rainfall is well distributed throughout the year. Soils vary considerably across the zone, ranging from the distinctive red-colored clay marl known locally as marne, to clay-loam, sandy, and alluvial soils, all contributing mineral richness to the wines.

• Mediterranean and continental climate influences combine across the zone
• Alps and Adriatic Sea provide cooling effects
• Marne soils: red-colored clay marl, characteristic of the Montello hill
• Sandy, clay-loam, and alluvial soils also present throughout the appellation

The Montello Asolo DOC acts as an umbrella covering two DOCGs and a broader range of still wines. Montello Rosso DOCG, established in 2011, produces dry Bordeaux-style red blends requiring 40 to 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remainder from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Carmenère, plus up to 15 percent other authorized varieties. Standard Montello Rosso requires a minimum 18 months aging, including at least 9 months in oak and 6 months in bottle. The Superiore version demands 24 months total, with 12 months in barrel and 6 in bottle. Asolo Prosecco DOCG, established in 2009, covers sparkling wines produced from Glera. The broader DOC also encompasses still whites from varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Manzoni Bianco, and Bianchetta Trevigiana, as well as the rare indigenous red grape Recantina.

• Montello Rosso DOCG: 40-70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30-60% Merlot, Cabernet Franc, or Carmenère
• Standard Montello Rosso: minimum 18 months aging (9 months oak, 6 months bottle)
• Superiore: minimum 24 months aging (12 months oak, 6 months bottle)
• Venegazzù subzone requires Cabernet Sauvignon to be at least 50% of the blend
• Asolo Prosecco DOCG established 2009 for Glera-based sparkling wines

Vine cultivation in the Montello area was developed by Benedictine monks around 1000 AD, centered on the monasteries of S. Bona in Vidor and the Certosa del Montello. During the Venetian Republic period in the 1500s, the production area expanded significantly and wines from this zone were highly valued, commanding premium prices. The appellation received DOC recognition in 1977 under the name Montello e Colli Asolani. In 2020, it was officially renamed Montello Asolo, or Asolo Montello, reflecting the dual focus of the zone's two flagship DOCGs.

• Benedictine monks at S. Bona and Certosa del Montello cultivated vines from around 1000 AD
• Production expanded and wines sold at premium prices during the Venetian Republic era in the 1500s
• DOC recognition granted in 1977 as Montello e Colli Asolani
• Renamed Montello Asolo / Asolo Montello in 2020