Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere
75cl * 13% ABV * Vegan * Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Tenuta San Leonardo in Trentino has been home to the Guerrieri Gonzaga family for over three centuries, but it is only since the second half of the twentieth century, when Marchese Carlo took over, that this estate began to take wine production seriously. Following a spell spent working at Tenuta San Guido with Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, creator of Sassicaia, he was inspired to see if the clay-limestone soils of his family estate could yield similar results to those achieved by his mentor.
In 1978 the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines joined the Merlot and Carmenere that had long been planted and in 1982 the first vintage of the flagship San Leonardo was produced, rapidly taking its place in the pantheon of Italy's greatest wines. The second wine of the estate, Terre, a Bordeaux blend like San Leonardo and from the same terroir, follows in the footsteps of its “elder brother,” with remarkable crispness and balance.
Merlot is planted in pebble-rich soils that were once the bed of a tributary of the Adige river, while Cabernet Sauvignon and the old vineyards of Carmenère are planted in predominantly sandy soils. All are well-drained and low-fertility. The vines are between five and twenty-five years old on average. Fermented with indigenous yeasts, the wine is aged between concrete vats (80%) and French oak barrels (20%) for a minimum of six months, allowing it to develop a rich, complex flavour profile. Immediately approachable, this Bordeaux-blend melds ripe plum and black cherry fruit flavours with dried herbs and a hint of spice. Silky tannins complement the medium-weight palate whilst the freshness lifts the finish.
The perfect accompaniment to roasts, braised meat and stews, game and mature cheeses.