𝗦𝗼𝗮𝘃𝗲, 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗶-𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗗𝗢𝗖𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀.
Channel: WINE PLUS
Date: 2021-12-03

𝗦𝗼𝗮𝘃𝗲, 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗶-𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗗𝗢𝗖𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀.

Sandra de Bruno is a third-generation winemaker but he started making wine under his name just recently in 2017.

His winery is immersed in the Soave area and the Lessini Mountains, between the municipalities of Montecchia di Crosara and Terrossa di Roncà, volcanic and particularly suitable lands, which offer a spectacular panorama.

The Soave appellation spams from Verone to Vicenza provinces, probably the most suitable area is around and east of Soave city, around Monforte d’Alpone, where the volcanic soil gifts more complexity to the wines. Monte Calvarina and Monte Crocetta are 2 dormant volcanoes, similar to Etna and Vesuvio.

However, in that area there 3 appellations that are somehow overlapping: Soave DOC – the most popular – and Lessini Durello and Monti Lessini – the less known.

Soave is an old appellation, in fact it was regulated in 1968. The grapevines authorized to make Soave are: Garganega, minimum 70%, and Trebbiano di Soave (which is Verdicchio). In recent years has allowed also Chardonnay, maximum of 5% of the total blend. Many winemakers, including Mr. Sandro, believe that in order to offer an authentic expression of the local terroir they should use 100% Garganega.

Lessini Durello and Monti Lessini DOCs instead the main varietal is Durella, another autochthonous grape which characteristics are thick skin, resistant to diseases, no need treatment, abundant yields, constant high acidity. Durella wine was mentioned as early as 13 centuries: Conte Guerini used to buy it for the shipping crew, because that wine lasted longer than others, now we know it was because its high acidity content.

- Soave DOC 2020 100% Garganega on volcanic soil
Straw yellow, vivid colour. Yellow fruit and citrus hints, very intense. Very fresh, citrus flavours, mineral and sapidity, very dry.

- Monte San Piero Soave Superiore DOCG 2019 100% Garganega on volcanic soil
Vivid straw-yellow. Less intense but more complex, exotic fruit. On the palate very round, with zero sugar the softness and smoothness come from glycerine. 

- Bianco Fumo Monte Calvarina IGT Veneto 2019
Vivid straw-yellow. Very aromatic nose, herbaceous hints. Persistent, long, mineral, in the end hydrocarbon notes.

- Metodo Classico Dosaggio Zero 36 Lessini Durello DOC 2016
Bubbles are very fine and persistent. Matured on the lees. Big structure and body. Mineral and yeast and bakery hints.

- Metodo Classico Dosaggio Zero 60 Lessini Durello DOC 2015
6 years of maturation between first and second fermentation. Vivid limpid golden yellow. Very fresh, bread crumbs and biscuits flavours, buttery, long and persistent.

- Colline di Roncà Soave DOC Colli Scaligeri 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟴
A rare example of 13 years old Garganega. Vivid straw yellow with golden highlights. Subtle but very complex nose. On the palate is a champion of balance and harmony.

- Rosso Fumo Monte Calvarina Pinot Nero IGT Veneto 2017
Very light, almost transparent but vivid ruby red colour. Intense nose, forest small red fruits. Very soft tannin touch. Carbonic maceration: fermentation with whole berry, not crushed, thus intracellular fermentation.