What kind of wine is Vigneti delle Dolomiti Rosso IGT 'Carmenère' 2019 - San Leonardo (wooden box)

The Vigneti delle Dolomiti Rosso IGT “Carmenère” 2019 - San Leonardo (wooden box) is an elegant and surprising red wine, capable of telling the soul of Trentino through a grape variety not widely spread in Italy. It is made from 100% Carmenère grapes, from the oldest vineyards of the San Leonardo estate, located at the foot of the Dolomites. This wine stands out for its soft structure, its balanced character, and a slightly herbaceous touch that adds freshness and depth.

Vintage Details

The 2019 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with warm but not excessive summers and a dry autumn, ideal for slow and complete ripening of the bunches. The harvest, performed manually at the beginning of October, allowed for the selection of only the best grapes, ensuring a wine rich in aromas and pleasant concentration.

Vinification and Aging

The vinification of San Leonardo's Carmenère takes place in concrete tanks of different sizes, a material that allows the temperature and purity of the aromas to be maintained during fermentation. During maceration, manual punch-downs — i.e., the stirring of the skins in the must — are performed to gently extract color, aromas, and tannins. Aging continues for 18-24 months in French oak barriques of first, second, and third passage, to give complexity and harmony to the wine, which is then bottled and left to rest before being released to the market.

Tasting Notes

The Vigneti delle Dolomiti Rosso IGT “Carmenère” 2019 - San Leonardo is a wine that captivates with its balance and finesse, ideal for those seeking a highly drinkable bottle with a strong personality. Below are its main sensory characteristics.

Color

Visually, it presents an intense deep ruby red, with slight purplish hues, a sign of youth and concentration.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and inviting: notes of ripe red fruits such as blackberry and cherry stand out, enriched by hints of sweet spices, tobacco, and an unmistakable herbaceous touch reminiscent of green bell pepper, typical of Carmenère.

Taste

On the palate, it is soft and round, with velvety and well-integrated tannins. The structure is medium, but supported by a beautiful freshness that makes the sip balanced and long. The persistence is pleasant, with an aromatic return that recalls the spicy and vegetal notes from the nose.

What dishes to pair with Vigneti delle Dolomiti Rosso IGT 'Carmenère' 2019 - San Leonardo (wooden box)

This Carmenère lends itself to numerous food pairings thanks to its versatility and its balance between freshness and softness. Perfect with:

• Grilled red meats and roasts, which enhance its spicy component;
• Trentino cuisine dishes, such as game or braised meats in wine;
• Aged or semi-aged cheeses, ideal for enhancing its complexity.

It is also an excellent meditation wine, to be enjoyed on its own to appreciate every nuance.

Storage and aging: how to store Vigneti delle Dolomiti Rosso IGT 'Carmenère' 2019 - San Leonardo (wooden box)

To preserve its qualities intact, the Carmenère 2019 by San Leonardo should be stored in a cool, dark place free from temperature fluctuations, with constant humidity and the bottle in a horizontal position to keep the cork moist. The ideal storage temperature is between 12 and 16°C.

Thanks to its structure and wood aging, this wine has excellent aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for over 10 years, developing more complex aromas and soft spicy nuances. The wooden box packaging not only enhances its presentation but also provides better protection during storage.