The La Montecchia estate is primarily concerned with viticulture, an activity established here since the Middle Ages. Petrarch himself appreciated the local vintage, making his home at Arquà at the southern foot of the Euganean Hills.

The present owner, count Umberto Emo Capodilista, started renovating the vineyards and the cellars at the beginning of the '90ies, making his son Giordano Emo Capodilista responsible for the managment of the estate, assisted by the oeunologist Andrea Boaretti and the agronomist Patrizio Gasparinetti.

Prizes and recognition from the most notable wine critics like Robert Parker, Luca Maroni, "Gambero Rosso" and Luigi Veronelli have encouraged Giordano Emo to continue in this manner. Half of production is exported abroad.

Most of the labels show figures from the highly interesting "Capodilista Codex", a volume commissioned in the 15th century to an unknown artist by Giovan Francesco Capodilista, ambassador of the Serenissima to the council in Basel.

Black grapes predominate on these 45 hectares:Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Merlot and Raboso - a local variety that is picked late - are cultivated here. Merlot and Cabernet have been grown in La Montecchia since the 19th century and are justifiably regarded as local vines. The white varieties are Chardonnay, Moscato Fior d'Arancio and Pinot Bianco.

All varieties - except the basic "Colli Euganei Rosso" wine of the estate called "Cadeto" which is made with Merlot and Cabernet and the cru "Villa Capodilista" which is made with Merlot, Cabernet and Raboso - are bottled as single variety ("vinificati in purezza"). You might also want to try the Moscato Fior d'Arancio made with the Moscato grape which is put to dry before it is pressed and produces an highly acclaimed dessert wine sold in half-size bottles.