Francesco Maria Preti’s Villa and the Palla Family’s Vision

The history of this property is rooted in the majesty of 18th-century Venice. The noble heart of the estate is the splendid Villa Spineda Gasparini Loredan, built starting in 1770 based on a design by the renowned Castelfranco Veneto architect Francesco Maria Preti.

In the 20th century, the estate was acquired by Count Piero Loredan Gasparini. After traveling to Bordeaux, he was the first in the region to plant Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec vineyards on the villa’s grounds, producing wines of the highest quality. He adopted a production philosophy based on the connection between terroir and grape variety that still characterizes the company today.

In our wines, everything starts in the vineyard, which we respect by intervening as little as possible and preserving the biodiversity offered by Montello, an area that has been nominated for a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

In 1972, ownership of the vineyards facing the villa passed to the Palla family, with Giancarlo Palla taking over the legacy and preserving the winery’s excellence. Today, it is led by his son Lorenzo Palla, a cultured and courageous winemaker, who continues to combine the winery’s artisanal spirit with a modern and international vision, preserving the historic vineyards and promoting the biodiversity of Montello.

The Legend of “Capo di Stato”: A Legend Among the World’s Top 100 Wines

The winery’s flagship is a wine whose destiny has been sealed since its creation in the 1960s: Capo di Stato, included in the French publication “100 Vins de Légende” as one of the 100 legendary wines in the world thanks to its history and quality.

It all began in Venice during an official event at the Gritti Hotel. It is said that French President Charles de Gaulle, tasting a Loredan Gasparini special reserve, was so captivated by this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec that he called it “a wine worthy of a head of state.”

Since then, the iconic wine has taken this name and has been adorned with two famous artist labels created by Paduan painter Tono Zancanaro: the “des roses pour Madame” label and the “…et pour Monsieur la bombe” version, symbols of sensuality and power that still adorn the bottles of this famous, internationally recognized cru.

And if Capo di Stato is legendary, in 2020 Lorenzo created the cult of the future: Spineda, a cutting-edge “super selection of Merlot” that pays homage to the fact that Venegazzù is one of the first areas to plant this variety in the region. This choice was also favored by the climate, which in recent years has made Montello the perfect place to grow Merlots that can compete with the world’s best.

Experiences: from cellar tastings to off-road tours

Tasting at Venegazzù means taking an immersive journey through nature, history, and fine wines. The estate offers a wide range of experiences, all starting with a visit to the cellar, an ancient farmhouse once owned by Villa Spineda Gasparini Loredan.

Basic Tasting of “Classici del Montello”
A journey that explores this prized region and includes a visit to the cellar and a tasting of three wines, including the estate’s historic Venegazzù.

Music&Wine Tasting
Includes a tour of the winery and a tasting in the farmhouse lounge, where five wines are served, including the iconic Capo di Stato and the exclusive Spineda, accompanied by vintage vinyl records, the soundtrack to owner Lorenzo Palla’s captivating story. Read the dedicated article.

Off-Road Safari and Wine Experience
A dynamic outdoor adventure that takes visitors aboard an off-road vehicle through the hills, woods, and steepest vineyards of Montello. The itinerary allows visitors to experience the different soil compositions firsthand and discover the biodiversity of the natural oasis before concluding with a tasting in the historic venues.

“Discovering Capo di Stato” Tasting
A vertical and narrative journey entirely dedicated to the legendary winery. This experience allows you to understand the evolution of the terroir through the Capo di Stato vintages, accompanied by an exploration of the barrel cellar and historic vineyards.

“The Great Reserves” Tasting
An experience designed for collectors and lovers of long-aging red wines. This guided tasting allows you to savor a selection of the estate’s finest reserves and historic vintages, paired with a selection of local cured meats and cheeses.

Whatever the experience, a meeting with winemaker Lorenzo Palla offers the unique thrill of entering the legend of one of the world’s most fascinating histories, terroirs, and wines.

The Secret

The secret of the excellence of Loredan Gasparini wines lies in the “Ferretto,” a clayey-ferruginous soil of ancient alluvial origin that gives Bordeaux blends an unmistakable mineral flavor and an extraordinary capacity for aging, difficult to replicate elsewhere in Italy.

Useful Info

Cantina Loredan Gasparini
Via Martignago Alto 23
31040 Volpago del Montello, Treviso
Tel. +39 0423 870024

Venegazzù Tasting: from €20 per person
Off-Road Wine Experience: from €65 per person
Discovering the Capo di Stato: from €30 per person
The Great Reserves: from €80 per person
Music&Wine Tasting: from €100 per person