What kind of wine is Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 'Villa Gresti' 2021 - San Leonardo

The Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 'Villa Gresti' 2021 - San Leonardo is an elegant and full-bodied red wine, the result of the masterful work of the renowned San Leonardo Estate, a benchmark for Trentino winemaking. It is predominantly made from Merlot grapes, with a small presence of Carmenère that completes its aromatic complexity and structure. This is a red wine with a modern and harmonious profile, capable of combining the richness of the fruit with the typical finesse of mountain wines. It is a wine that authentically expresses the territory of the Vigneti delle Dolomiti, where the cool and airy climate contributes to the balance and liveliness of the tannins.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was particularly favorable in the Vigneti delle Dolomiti, characterized by a stable summer and significant temperature variations between day and night, ideal for preserving the aromatic qualities of the grapes. The harvest, carried out by hand, yielded perfectly ripe bunches, with an excellent concentration of sugars and polyphenols. The result is a wine of excellent structure, profound and balanced, which best expresses the potential of Trentino Merlot.

Winemaking and Aging

The Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 'Villa Gresti' 2021 - San Leonardo is vinified in cement vats, which allow for a slow and controlled fermentation, preserving the integrity of the fruit. This is followed by a maceration phase – the contact of the must with the skins – which lasts about two weeks, useful for extracting color, aromas, and soft tannins. Subsequently, the wine ages for about 12-14 months in new and second-passage barriques (small oak barrels), and completes its maturation with a long rest in the bottle, where it achieves its perfect harmony.

Tasting Notes

The Villa Gresti 2021 is a red wine of great refinement, captivating with its balance of strength, elegance, and depth.

Color

It presents an intense, bright, and deep ruby red color, with subtle garnet reflections that anticipate its complexity.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and enveloping: notes of ripe red fruits and plum intertwine with spicy hints and balsamic nuances. With aeration, elegant hints of cocoa, vanilla, and tobacco emerge, testifying to the wood aging.

Palate

On the palate, it is soft, velvety, and surprisingly harmonious. The body is full, supported by fine tannins (the natural substance that provides structure and a slight astringent sensation), perfectly integrated. It finishes with a long and pleasant persistence, marked by a fruity and sweet spice trail.

Food Pairings for Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 'Villa Gresti' 2021 - San Leonardo

The Villa Gresti 2021 is an extremely versatile wine at the table, ideal for accompanying red meat dishes, game, and aged cheeses. Also perfect with rich pasta dishes or mushroom risottos.

• Grilled or braised red meats
• Beef stew or baked lamb
• Aged and hard cheeses
• Porcini mushroom risotto or tagliatelle with ragù

It is the right wine for those who love generous yet elegant reds, perfect for sharing at convivial occasions or relaxing moments.

Storage and Aging: How to store Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 'Villa Gresti' 2021 - San Leonardo wine

The Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 'Villa Gresti' 2021 - San Leonardo possesses a remarkable ability to evolve over time. It can be stored for over 10 years, progressively developing increasingly complex and refined aromas. To preserve its quality and freshness, it is recommended to:

• Store it in a cool, dark environment, with a constant temperature of around 12-14°C
• Keep bottles horizontally if they have cork stoppers
• Avoid vibrations or sudden temperature changes

If tasted today, it already offers great balance and roundness. With age, however, its velvety texture will gain charm and complexity, making it a collectible wine for lovers of Trentino and its excellences.