Corti Benedettine del Padovano

Main Grapes of Corti Benedettine del Padovano

The Corti Benedettine del Padovano wine subregion benefits from a moderate Mediterranean climate and fertile alluvial soils rich in organic matter. This environment supports a diverse range of both indigenous and international grape varieties, which together produce a spectrum of vibrant and expressive wines:

Red Grapes

• Merlot: Merlot thrives in the loamy, clayey to sandy soils of Corti Benedettine, requiring warm summers and well-drained sites to achieve balanced ripeness. It is the dominant red variety in the DOC’s blends, often comprising 60–70% of the red wines. Merlot-based wines from the region tend to be soft, fruity, and approachable, with good structure and moderate tannins, making them suitable for early drinking as well as some aging.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: This variety prefers the region’s warm climate and fertile soils, needing a long growing season to fully develop its deep color, tannins, and complex aromas. In Corti Benedettine, Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure and dark fruit flavors to blends, enhancing the aging potential and complexity of red wines.
• Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc adapts well to the moderate Mediterranean climate and benefits from the region’s well-drained soils. It ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, adding aromatic finesse, herbal notes, and freshness to blends. Its presence in Corti Benedettine reds helps balance the richer, fuller-bodied varieties.
• Carmenère: Carmenère requires sunny, well-ventilated sites with good drainage to avoid herbaceous flavors and achieve full ripeness. In Corti Benedettine, it is used in blends to impart spicy, aromatic complexity and deep color, contributing to the distinctive profile of the region’s red wines.
• Raboso: Raboso is a traditional Veneto grape that thrives in the region’s fertile alluvial soils and warm climate. Known for its robust tannins, high acidity, and deep ruby color, Raboso adds structure and longevity to red blends. It is also produced as a varietal wine, including a notable passito style, prized for its intensity and aging ability.
• Refosco: Refosco is a late-ripening, tannic variety that demands careful vineyard management, including pruning and green harvesting, to ensure balanced yields and avoid excessive acidity. In Corti Benedettine, Refosco contributes powerful, deeply colored wines with vibrant acidity and complex aromas of red berries and spice, often used in blends to enhance structure and aromatic depth.

White Grapes

• Chardonnay: Chardonnay flourishes in the region’s moderate climate and well-drained soils, requiring controlled yields and careful harvest timing to preserve acidity and develop ripe fruit flavors. Corti Benedettine Chardonnay wines range from fresh and floral to more textured styles, including sparkling and spumante versions, reflecting the versatility of the grape in this terroir.
• Friulano: Friulano prefers well-ventilated vineyards with calcareous soils and moderate temperatures that allow slow ripening. It produces crisp, floral white wines with vibrant acidity, often forming the base of Corti Benedettine Bianco blends, prized for their freshness and aromatic elegance.
• Moscato: Moscato (primarily Moscato Giallo) thrives in sunny, well-drained sites and is sensitive to moisture, requiring careful vineyard management. It is the key grape for aromatic, sweet, and sparkling wines in the region, including the Moscato Spumante and Passito styles, celebrated for their intense floral and citrus notes.
• Pinot Bianco: Pinot Bianco grows best in cooler, well-drained sites with a long growing season to develop delicate floral and stone fruit aromas. It is used both as a varietal wine and in blends, contributing freshness and elegance to Corti Benedettine white wines.
• Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio adapts well to the region’s soils, preferring moderate climates and well-drained sites. Early harvesting helps preserve its crisp acidity and fresh character, resulting in light, floral white wines that are popular for their approachable style.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc benefits from the cooler, breezy microclimates and mineral-rich soils of the area. It requires canopy management to protect aromatic compounds and maintain balanced ripening. The wines are vibrant and aromatic, with citrus, herbaceous, and tropical fruit notes, often featured in Corti Benedettine Bianco blends.