Gelsaia Raboso del Piave Malanotte DOCG 2022 – Cecchetto

The intense and authentic character of Raboso Piave

Gelsaia Piave Malanotte DOCG 2022 by Cecchetto is a distinctive red wine from Veneto, showcasing one of the most characteristic native grape varieties of the Treviso countryside: Raboso Piave.

This wine is made from a grape variety known for its ability to combine structure, lively acidity and firm tannins. What makes Gelsaia distinctive is the partial drying of the grapes before fermentation, a technique that concentrates the fruit and adds depth and complexity.

In the glass, it reveals intense aromas of wild cherry, plum and dried fruit, complemented by notes of woodland, dark chocolate and spices. The palate is powerful and enveloping, while retaining the characteristic freshness of Raboso, which supports its structure and leads into a long, persistent finish.

The winemaker's notes

Gelsaia is an interpretation of Raboso Piave that combines the grape's natural strength with the complexity achieved through partial grape drying and oak ageing. Concentrated fruit is balanced by pronounced freshness and a firm tannic structure, creating a deep, full-bodied wine with excellent potential to evolve in the bottle.

— Yuri Stefani

Why we chose it

We selected Gelsaia by Cecchetto because it represents an authentic and distinctive expression of Veneto's winemaking heritage. Raboso Piave is a grape with a strong personality, traditionally associated with lively acidity and vigorous tannins. These characteristics require careful handling in the winery, but they are also what make the variety unique.

Partial grape drying adds concentration and roundness, while oak ageing enriches the aromatic profile with spicy and toasted nuances. The result is a powerful red wine in which the richness of the fruit never overshadows the grape's distinctive character.

It is an excellent choice for those wishing to discover an important wine from Veneto beyond the region's more internationally recognised appellations, offering a compelling combination of terroir, tradition and varietal identity.

The region

The Piave area, in the province of Treviso, is the historic home of Raboso Piave. Vineyards grow across the plains shaped by the Piave River and the surrounding countryside, where alluvial soils preserve the legacy of deposits left by the river over centuries.

Around Tezze di Piave, relatively loose, well-drained soils containing gravel and sand provide favourable conditions for growing vines.

Raboso Piave is a late-ripening grape variety characterised by high acidity and vigorous tannins. These qualities make it particularly suitable for structured wines and extended ageing. The Piave Malanotte DOCG regulations also require a proportion of the grapes to be dried, an essential feature of this appellation.

The winery

Cecchetto is a family-run winery based in Tezze di Piave, in the province of Treviso. A significant part of its identity is built around the preservation and promotion of Raboso Piave.

Gelsaia was first produced in 1997, before Piave Malanotte received DOCG status, anticipating the renewed interest in this native grape variety. Its name refers to the mulberry tree, traditionally used in the Treviso countryside as a support for vines.

The winery's philosophy combines knowledge of the local terroir, research and respect for tradition. In Gelsaia, partial grape drying and extended ageing help transform Raboso's vigorous character into a complex, concentrated wine capable of evolving over time.

Technical sheet

Producer: Cecchetto

Wine: Gelsaia Raboso del Piave Malanotte

Vintage: 2022

Designation: Piave Malanotte DOCG

Grape variety: 100% Raboso Piave

Region: Veneto, Italy

Production area: Tezze di Piave, Treviso

Harvest: Manual, at advanced ripeness

Grape drying: Approximately 15% of the grapes, dried in a dedicated room until mid-December

Ageing: New and used oak; approximately 20 months for the 2022 vintage

Alcohol: 16.5% ABV

Tasting notes

Colour

Deep, dense ruby red, with garnet reflections developing as the wine evolves.

Nose

Deep and layered, with aromas of wild cherry, ripe cherry, plum and dried fruit. Notes of woodland, dark chocolate and spices emerge alongside hints of rhubarb and balsamic nuances.

Palate

Powerful, full-bodied and persistent. Concentrated fruit and alcohol are supported by the pronounced freshness typical of Raboso Piave. The tannins are firm and prominent, while fruity and spicy flavours carry through to a long, intense finish that remains consistent with the wine's aromatic profile.

Food pairings

Gelsaia's structure and distinctive character make it particularly well suited to rich, flavourful dishes:

• Beef braised in Raboso wine

• Slow-braised beef cheek

• Roast beef

• Game stews

• Wild boar

• Roast duck

• Risotto with Treviso red radicchio

• Mature cheeses

• Rich, savoury cured meats

Serving temperature: 16–18°C. We recommend opening the bottle in advance or allowing it to breathe briefly, then serving it in large wine glasses to encourage its aromas to develop.