Vette di San Leonardo comes from the Tenuta di San Leonardo winery, located in a region with a rich winemaking history and countless devoted fans around the world. If you’re unfamiliar with Trentino-Alto Adige, consider yourself incredibly lucky to be introduced to it through this wine!
San Leonardo was founded in 1724, and ever since, it has operated under the watchful eye of the Gonzaga family. One generation followed the next, passing down knowledge and expertise in viticulture and winemaking. But the true winemaker of the family was Carlo Guerrieri Gonzaga, the rebellious one, enchanted by the great wines of Bordeaux. He decided to go against the trend of rich, oaky wines (which were wildly popular at the time) and completely change the style of his own wines. Elegance became the winery’s trademark and the reason its wines became some of the most sought-after in the world.
In its 300 hectares of vineyards, red varieties like Carmenere, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon found the perfect soil and became the backbone of production, with organic certification since 2018. Carlo, fortunately, understood early on that the unique location of the vineyards and the natural, massive barrier of the Alps didn’t just take your breath away — they also blocked the wind. So he made the wise decision to plant Sauvignon Blanc on the peaks (Vette), where the altitude was ideal for showcasing the variety’s vibrancy and crispness. And it truly was a brilliant choice!
Vette di San Leonardo is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The harvest was done by hand from vineyards with an average vine age of 10 years. After 12 hours of cold maceration to enhance the aromatic profile, the grapes were gently pressed, and the juice fermented for 20 days in stainless steel tanks. The wine remained in contact with its lees for 5 months, where it developed its refined texture and explosive aromas.
If when you pour the first glass you hear rustling leaves, chirping birds, and feel a refreshing breeze washing over you — don’t be alarmed. That’s the Alto Adige effect, and it’s happened to us too.
