Over the years our guests searching for top quality Prosecco have made Collalto Prosecco Superiore DOCG their bubbly of choice. And with good reason. Collalto has been one of the oldest, most influential winemaking estates in this northeastern corner of Italy. Records trace their roots back as far as 958 AD.

The Collalto Proseccos are produced exclusively from the finest quality glera grapes harvested from Collalto's estate vineyards. Few Prosecco producers actually harvest their own grapes. Of the estate's 370 acres, 160 are dedicated to producing this noble wine. But what about the other 210 acres of vineyards? Is it possible that world class cabernet could be produced here as well?

The eastern Veneto region is extraordinarily rich in indigenous grape varieties, most of them cultivated there for centuries. In the late 19th century the vineyards in the area were planted almost exclusively with traditional varieties such as raboso, piave, marzemino and verdiso. As Prosecco gained popularity, perela, verduzzo and glera (the primary grape of Prosecco wine) were more heavily planted.

It wasn't until the late 19th century when problems due to the phylloxera epidemic and the widespread destruction of WW1 made necessary the introduction into the eastern Veneto of international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carmenere.

Which brings us to the newest addition to our portfolio from the this historic estate, Collalto Torrai Cabernet Riserva. Collalto dedicates this wine to its most exceptional cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and carmenere.The same passion Collalto puts into their Prosecco is evident in this majestic red. The resulting wine is a dense, complex red with fragrant vanilla and ripe berry fruit. If you are a fan of Collalto's wines give Torrai a try...you won't be disappointed.

Paul Quaglini, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor    

Follow him on Twitter @abcwinepaulq