Vineyards Magazine

The winery lies in the southern portion of the Trentino region, just a few steps from the border with the Veneto, in what was once a fief of the Church, but today is a small hamlet synonymous with one of treasures that contributed to the creation of Italy’s wine culture.

The vineyards, 25 hectares in all are sited at a relatively low elevation of 150 metres, Merlot is planted in gravel-rich soils that were once the bed of a branch of the Adige.

Only red-wine grapes are cultivated in the vineyards behind Tenuta San Leonardo’s ancient stone walls; they produce four wines, San Leonardo, Villa Gresti, Terre di San Leonardo, and Carmenère. Ten hectares are dedicated to growing white-wine grapes, planted in the Val Cembra, whose soils and climate ensure grapes with distinctive crispness and minerality.

What sets San Leonardo apart from other wines and gives it an inimitable uniqueness is its terroir, that “warm northern character” of its growing area, which allows no over-opulence or excessive alcohol, but rather infuses the wine with a judicious natural balance.

We tasted :  San Leonardo 2011

San Leonardo is a skilful blend of wines from different grapes that are fermented and aged separately: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere and Merlot. The maturation is made in early months in cement tanks are followed by 18-24 months in new and pre-used barriques.

The colour is Intense ruby red with garnet highlights. On the nose is of remarkable

intensity which layers bell peppers and wild berries over a background note of vanilla. The palate is full, warm and impressively rounded, with intense aromatics that linger on the palate. Reagrding the food pairing is perfect with red meat dishes, poultry, roasts, braised or stewed meats, game and mature cheeses.