San Leonardo Riesling 2021

Winery Background and History:

Tenuta San Leonardo is a storied estate in the Lagarina Valley of Trentino in northern Italy. The property’s history dates back to early medieval times, passing through noble and ecclesiastical hands over centuries. Since the 18th century it has been linked to the de Gresti and later to the Guerrieri Gonzaga family, who still manage the estate today. Although best known for its red Bordeaux-style blend “San Leonardo,” the estate revived its Riesling production in 2013 after a century-long hiatus. The winery emphasizes terroir expression and balanced wines.

Producer and Wine Maker:

The wine is produced by Tenuta San Leonardo under the management of the Guerrieri Gonzaga family. The winemaking team works to balance tradition and modern technique, selecting vineyard parcels carefully and employing conservative oak aging. For the Riesling project, they aim to preserve freshness and clarity. The winemaker oversees precision in fermentation temperature control, lees aging, and barrel selection to support the aromatic and structural purity of the Riesling.

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

The vines are located in the Trentino region within the Alto Adige / Trentino area, benefiting from a continental mountain climate moderated by altitude and diurnal shifts. Cool nights and warm days promote retention of acidity and aromatic development. The soils in the vineyards typically include limestone, clay and gravel accumulation, offering good drainage with mineral nuance. These conditions favor Riesling’s tension between vibrant fruit and stony minerality, especially in a region not traditionally known for Riesling.

Vinification & Aging Methods:

The 2021 Riesling undergoes vinification in stainless steel tanks, preceded by a brief maceration (skin contact) before fermentation. Fermentation is conducted at low temperature, lasting approximately 20–25 days. After primary fermentation, the wine matures for 12 months on its lees in French oak barrels of 700 liters (first and second pass). During aging the lees provide added texture and complexity without overpowering aromatics. The oak barrels are relatively large to minimize overt oak influence while allowing subtle integration. 

Tasting Notes:

Aromas include shaved lemon rind, green apple, melon sorbet, and a hint of smoke. The palate is soft but fresh, with young peach tones, persistent minerality, lime, and Granny Smith apple. The finish is classically dry, elegant, and medium in length, with a saline and crisp characteristic underlying the fruit. 

Food & Wine Pairing:

This Riesling pairs well with light seafood dishes (raw oysters, shrimp, scallops), sushi and sashimi, white fish with citrus sauce, shellfish in butter sauces, goat cheese, fresh vegetable risottos, and spicy Asian fare (Thai, Vietnamese). Its acidity and mineral edge allow it to complement rather than compete with delicate flavors.

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve chilled at about 8–10 °C (46–50 °F). Use a white wine glass with moderate bowl to concentrate aromatics while allowing good openness. Pour gently and allow 10–15 minutes to breathe so emerging layers of minerality and spice can develop. Avoid serving overly cold which masks subtleties.

Storage and Aging Potential:

This wine is drinkable in its youth but has aging capability for 8 to 10 years under ideal cellar conditions (cool, stable ~12 °C, moderate humidity). With age, primary fruit notes may evolve into dried citrus, petrol nuance, and tertiary honeyed or mineral complexity. The balance of acidity should help maintain longevity.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Riesling Renano (Riesling)

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 13.0 % (typical for this producer’s Riesling)

Scores:

• James Suckling: 94 

• Vinous (A. Galloni): 91