Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Rosso 2020 San Leonardo

What type of wine it is

San Leonardo is the iconic red wine of the eponymous estate, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère and Merlot in the far south of Trentino. It is a Bordeaux-inspired blend with an elegant, well-structured profile, built on fine tannins and good balance. Fermentation takes place in cement vats with a 12–15 day maceration, and the wine ages for a long time in French oak, in both barriques and tonneaux, delivering an intense, well-defined profile.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from the San Leonardo vineyards in the far south of Trentino, within the ancient walls of a monastery. The rows lie between 120 and 300 meters above sea level, with exposures from southwest to northwest, in conditions that favor gradual ripening. Soils vary by variety: light and sandy for Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère, clayey and well-drained for Merlot. The vines are 25–75 years old.

How it is produced

Fermentation occurs spontaneously in small cement vats, with 12–15 days of skin maceration and frequent pump-overs. After racking off, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in the same vats and is left to settle for a few months. Maturation lasts 24 months: part in barriques and part in medium-toast French-oak tonneaux, with first-, second- and third-use wood. After blending, the wine rests at least another 24 months in the cellar.

Tasting notes

Deep ruby red with garnet highlights. The nose is complex, with scents of wild berries, balsamic notes and hints of underbrush, tobacco and aromatic herbs. On the palate it combines vibrancy and elegance, with precise correspondence between aromas and flavors. The tannins are refined and integrated, supporting a deep, persistent and well-balanced finish.

Food pairings

Pairs with structured meat dishes, especially roasts, game and braises, where the tannic structure and aromatic intensity match texture and succulence. The wine’s precision allows it to support rich preparations without losing definition. With long-cooked dishes, notes of tobacco, underbrush and aromatic herbs re-emerge.

When to serve it

Ideal when you want a structured red with an elegant approach, suitable for lunches and dinners featuring meat dishes. Freshness and defined tannins make it enjoyable even young, while the overall structure and extended aging favor mid- to long-term cellaring. Served in a large-bowled glass, it accompanies main courses and slow-cooked cuisine, enhancing balance and persistence.