|
MENU
|
|
WINE LOCATOR
SEARCH
|
In the 1980s, four brothers—Armando, Tiziano, Paolo, and Massimo Castagnedi—began making their first moves toward opening their own winery. They had inherited 50 acres of vineyards in the eastern section of Valpolicella from their father, and in 1989 they purchased 75 more acres in the same general area, releasing their first vintage under the Tenuta Sant'Antonio label in 1995. Their goal was always to produce high-quality, traditional wines of the region, but in 2006 they began a new project under the label Scaia to further explore the potential of the traditional varieties they were growing.
In naming this new brand Scaia, they referenced the type of soil they had in their vineyards—a chalky, granular soil that broke apart easily. Scaia is a word in Veronese dialect for crumbs, like little pieces of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese that fall off a large block, which the soil resembles. Scaia soil imparts a higher acidity and bolder cherry fruit character to the wines.
The Scaia brand was originally intended only as a temporary outlet for young vines that needed more time to reach maturity, but the line was popular and served a purpose of its own. So, even as the reputation of Tenuta Sant'Antonio continued to grow and the recognition of their Valpolicella wines continued to increase, the Castagnedi brothers continued to make Scaia as a less expensive, everyday option. It also became an avenue for innovation, where they could experiment with new interpretations of the great traditions of Valpolicella and Veneto—for example, atypical blends of traditional grape varieties, or varietal wines from grapes that are usually blended. The resulting wines—white, red, and rosato—are strongly rooted in the region’s winemaking traditions, but with a fresh twist and at an affordable price.
|
LOCATIONWINERY: Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Lavagno (Verona province), Veneto VINEYARD: Estate and contracted vineyards in the Valpolicella and Veneto regions VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS REGION DETAILS |
|
|
88
JUNE 2021
Scaia Rondinella Rosato Veneto IGT 2020
 A pretty bouquet of yellow flowers, ripe apples and hints of almond form as the 2020 Rosato Rondinella blossoms in the glass. It's soft and enveloping, striking a pleasant balance of ripe melon and citrus. This tapers off with medium length to nuances of lemon and sweet herbs. 91
DECEMBER 2021
Scaia “Torre Melotti” IGT Veneto Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
 It's great to see that Tenuta Sant'Antonio has expanded its fantastic line of Scaia entry-level wines (all closed with a handy glass cork). These are absolutely some of the best value deals you'll get from the Veneto in northern Italy. The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Scaia Torre Mellotti shows ripe fruit with barbecue spice, mahogany smoke, bacon fat, sweet blackberry confit and exotic spice. Honestly, it's almost impossible to imagine Cabernet Sauvignon reaching these levels of intensity at this price point. The hot 2017 vintage plays a big role in defining this wine. 92
OCTOBER 2021
Scaia “Paradiso” Veneto IGT 2018
 Super-clean berry and currant aromas, turning to nutty, cherry-cream chocolate flavors on the palate that are both mouth-filling and enticing. Medium-to full-bodied with integrated tannins and a flavorful finish. Delicious. Drink or hold. 93
JUNE 2021
Scaia Rondinella Rosato Veneto IGT 2020
 Scaia is a project of Tenuta Sant’ Antonio, producer of high quality Valpolicella wines. Under the Scaia label, they are able to make modern-style wines that don’t have to adhere to appellation rules. Rondinella is one of the grapes in Valpolicella wines, and one not often, if ever, allowed to shine on its own. This Rosato spends three months in contact with its lees, the expired fermentation yeasts, in stainless steel tanks. Once a week the wine is stirred to mix with the expired yeasts with the wine to extract flavors and texture. It has a pale golden color and light berry, cherry flavors beautifully balanced with piquant acidity and a velvety texture that offers value far beyond its price making it a perfect foil for roast chicken or grilled shrimp. 90
DECEMBER 2021
Scaia Corvina Veneto IGT 2018
The Tenuta Sant'Antonio 2018 Corvina Scaia is a wine I adore, and how could I not, considering this super affordable price tag. Entirely made in stainless steel, the Corvina in this expression has been shaped to produce easy elegance and a streamlined style, and it does all this effortlessly. Cherry and raspberry confit segue to light spice and tarry smoke delivered in faint but well-placed doses. The wine is polished and contoured, opening it up to an easy pairing with your favorite home-cooked foods. 90
DECEMBER 2021
Scaia “Paradiso” Veneto IGT 2018
Here's a new discovery from Tenuta Sant'Antonio. A blend of 50% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Tenuta Sant'Antonio 2018 Scaia Paradiso (closed in a reusable glass cork) is another terrific protagonist in the Scaia set of entry-level wines. This is a solid name to keep on your list of best buys from Italy. This wine shows more density and a heavier center of gravity compared to the Corvina Scaia. This bottle instead shows dark cherry fruit, grilled herb and even a hint of black olive. 91
NOVEMBER 2019
Scaia Corvina Veneto IGT 2017
This is a very spicy red redolent of chili peppers, cumin, oregano and saffron. Lightly herbal and fine and tidy on the medium-bodied palate. Pretty and so drinkable now. |
