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UNIQUE WINE TASTINGS IN VICENZA
What does coral have to do with a red wine from Vicenza?
The Vicenza Grenache named after fossil coral that won gold at Grenaches du Monde
What does coral have to do with a red wine from Vicenza? Quite a lot, apparently. Cavazza named its Corallo after the marine fossils still found in its Colli Berici vineyards. Made entirely from Tai Rosso, the local expression of Grenache, the wine has collected international awards, including gold at Grenaches du Monde and 92 points from Falstaff.
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Know before you go
In this story: The coral connection ↓ Grenache gold ↓ What to taste ↓ Visit the winery ↓ Good to know
ABOUT
Corallo is a Tai Rosso Colli Berici DOC produced by the Cavazza family in Vicenza, using a grape genetically identical to French Grenache and Spanish Garnacha.
Its name comes from the fossil corals found in the vineyards of the Colli Berici, hills formed from the remains of an ancient tropical seabed. [1][2] The wine is produced from carefully selected Tai Rosso grapes grown on approximately one hectare of south and southwest facing vineyard, at an elevation of around 180 metres. The grapes are harvested by hand, with the wine spending six months in French oak barrels. [1]
THE GOLD MEDAL
Corallo has earned recognition well beyond Italy. At the 2021 Grenaches du Monde competition, Cavazza's Corallo 2018 received a gold medal, alongside award winning Grenache wines from France, Spain and other international producers. [3] In October 2026, Falstaff awarded 92 points to Corallo 2023, describing aromas of hibiscus, pomegranate, sour cherry, redcurrant, bay leaf and white pepper. [4]
The 2020 vintage had already received 92 Falstaff points in 2024. [5]
WHAT TO TASTE
Look for bright ruby colour, raspberry and floral notes, moderate tannins and a fresh, savoury finish. For a particularly local pairing, Cavazza recommends a recipe from Osteria Madonnetta in Marostica: musetto con cren, a traditional pork sausage served with horseradish.
VISIT THE WINERY
The Cavazza family has been making wine in Montebello Vicentino since 1928. Its winery is based in Selva, while its Colli Berici vineyards supply the Tai Rosso grapes used for Corallo.
A winery visit offers the opportunity to compare two expressions of the same grape. A tasting programme documented by Italian Wine Tour in 2025 included both the classic Tai Rosso and Corallo, alongside the estate's white wines. [6] Tours and tastings require advance arrangements. Contact Cavazza to confirm the current programme and request a tasting that includes Corallo. [7]
Cantina Cavazza Contrada Selva 22, 36054 Montebello Vicentino (VI)
Tel. +39 0444 649166; info@cavazzawine.com
GOOD TO KNOW
Is Corallo an underwater aged wine?
No. Its name refers to the ancient coral fossils found in the vineyard soils.
Is Corallo a Grenache wine?
Yes. It is made from Tai Rosso, the local name for the Grenache variety grown in the Colli Berici.
Where can I taste Corallo in Vicenza?
At Cavazza in Montebello Vicentino, subject to confirmation when booking a winery tasting.
Explore more Italian Grenache and wine tasting experiences on Via Vicenza, and save your favourites for your next visit.
Sources
- Cavazza · Corallo
- Decanter · Colli Berici: Six to discover
- Grenaches du Monde · Palmarès 2021
- Falstaff · 2023 Corallo Tai Rosso Colli Berici DOC
- Falstaff · 2020 Corallo Tai Rosso Colli Berici DOC
- Italian Wine Tour · A Selva di Montebello, alla scoperta di Cavazza
- Cavazza · Contatti