Casetta, also known locally as Foja Tonda or ‘round-leaved Lambrusco’, is an ancient indigenous grape variety from the Vallagarina region, on the border between Trentino and Veneto. Its origins are traced back to the domestication of wild grapevine populations, and local tradition links the name ‘Casetta’ to the family that cultivated it in the Marani d’Ala area. After nearly falling into disuse in the 20th century, it has been revived and promoted as one of the region’s signature varieties.
The vine exhibits considerable vigour; the leaves are medium-sized, rounded, generally pentagonal and five-lobed. The bunch, which is medium-sized, conical and often winged, ranges from loose to moderately compact; the berries, which are medium to large, are spherical or slightly ellipsoidal in shape and have a dark, blue-black skin rich in colouring pigments. It thrives in the well-exposed and breezy hillsides of the lower Vallagarina, particularly between Ala, Avio and the Veronese villages of Dolcè, Brentino Belluno and Rivoli.
The wine is characterised by an intense ruby-red colour, sometimes with violet hues, and by aromas of blackberry, plum, small red berries, violet, undergrowth and spices. On the palate, it is fresh and structured, supported by firm tannins, which become more harmonious with ageing. The finest examples display good length and interesting ageing potential. In the past, its high anthocyanin content also made it popular for use in intensifying the colour of other red wines.
