From a selection of the best pure Vermentino grapes from the most suitable vineyards, a wine with an important structure and an intense aromatic charge is born.
We had been toying with the idea of working on the long refinement of Vermentino for some time, so when a few years ago the Consorzio Doc Maremma Toscana introduced a new specification in which it had included the “Vermentino Superiore” starting from the 2021 vintage, and given that we had already been making Vermentino Doc for years, we thought of accepting the challenge by also introducing Vermentino Superiore Doc among our labels.
The name “Don Leo” chosen for our Vermentino Superiore comes from the similarity that recalls two of our wines, the “Don José” which is a wine aged in barrique and the “Leopoldino” which is our Vermentino Doc, therefore “Don Leo”.
We had been toying with the idea of working on the long refinement of Vermentino for some time, so when a few years ago the Consorzio Doc Maremma Toscana introduced a new specification in which it had included the “Vermentino Superiore” starting from the 2021 vintage, and given that we had already been making Vermentino Doc for years, we thought of accepting the challenge by also introducing Vermentino Superiore Doc among our labels.
The name “Don Leo” chosen for our Vermentino Superiore comes from the similarity that recalls two of our wines, the “Don José” which is a wine aged in barrique and the “Leopoldino” which is our Vermentino Doc, therefore “Don Leo”.
In our vineyards we have 4 different clones of Vermentino, for the Vermentino Doc we use the grapes of all 4 clones; instead, in order to follow the rules indicated by the specification, for the Vermentino Superiore Doc we have a dedicated vineyard of selected Vermentino clones and from this the best bunches are chosen.
But let's see according to the specification what are some of the differences between the Vermentino Doc Maremma Toscana and the Vermentino Superiore Doc Maremma Toscana.
Quintals per Hectare
Vermentino Maremma Toscana Doc: 120 quintals per hectare per grape.
Vermentino Superiore Maremma Toscana Doc: 90 quintals per hectare per grape.
Grapes and Vineyard
Vermentino Maremma Toscana Doc: Up to 15% of other grapes.
The Leopoldino 85% Vermentino 15% Viognier.
The Leopoldino 85% Vermentino 15% Viognier.
Vermentino Superiore Maremma Toscana Doc: Up to 5% of other grapes.
The Don Leo 100% pure Vermentino.
The Don Leo 100% pure Vermentino.
Availability for the consumer
Vermentino Maremma Toscana Doc: Wine immediately available for the consumer.
Vermentino Superiore Maremma Toscana Doc: Not available until the following year, it needs more refinement.
Vermentino Superiore Maremma Toscana Doc: Not available until the following year, it needs more refinement.
Minimum Natural Alcohol content by Volume
Vermentino Maremma Toscana Doc: 10.5% vol .
Vermentino Superiore Maremma Toscana Doc: 11% vol
Don Leo Vermentino Superiore Doc Maremma Toscana
The result of our work is the “Don Leo”, a Vermentino Superiore that stands out for its finesse, with aromatic notes that range from wild flowers to fresh citrus fruits.
A splendid declination of this fine grape that takes light from a plant placed in a happy south-southwest exposure, overlooking the sea, an exciting organoleptic richness that makes it a wine with a truly unmistakable personality.
Don Leo enriches our cellar and demonstrates the aging potential of Vermentino, aged seven months on the fine lees for a sip rich in nuances and great personality.
A splendid declination of this fine grape that takes light from a plant placed in a happy south-southwest exposure, overlooking the sea, an exciting organoleptic richness that makes it a wine with a truly unmistakable personality.
Don Leo enriches our cellar and demonstrates the aging potential of Vermentino, aged seven months on the fine lees for a sip rich in nuances and great personality.
Don Leo vs Leopoldino
Doc DON LEO - DOC Maremma Toscana Vermentino Superiore
Vermentino 100% - Alcohol 13,5% - 14,0%
Vinification
The must is cooled and decanted. Fermentation lasts 20 days at 14°C. Aged for 7 months on noble lees; followed by aging in the bottle.
Tasting
"Shining pure gold color. Intense and complex aromatic opening on the nose, with aromas of pineapple, ripe apricot and honey, accompanied by memories of yellow flowers and white pepper, on a breath of sweet spices and mineral notes. Mouth of great personality, elegantly full-bodied, fresh and well-flavored, with refined persistence." (Luca Grippo)
LEOPOLDINO - DOC Maremma Toscana Vermentino
Vermentino 85%, Viognier 15% -Alcohol 13,5% - 14,0%
Vinification
Gentle pressing in the absence of oxygen. The must is cooled and decanted. Fermentation lasts 20 days at 14°C. Aged for 7 months with noble lees; followed by bottle aging.
Tasting
"Bright straw yellow with green hues, it has an inviting and intense nose of peach, apricot, golden apple, floral caress, embellished with a touch of iodine. Freshness is the first taste stimulus, which radiates a rich, soft mouth with a tasty flavor." (Luca Grippo)
Consorzio Maremma Toscana
Francesco Mazzei, president of the Consorzio Maremma Toscana comments on the Decree modifying the Production Specifications of the Doc Maremma Vermentino with the inclusion of the Superiore mention.
"It has been a very demanding journey but we have finally reached the goal we had set ourselves to further raise the bar of the quality figure and positioning of the Vermentino typology. Market trends confirm every day the appreciation for the personality and quality of our Vermentino, not only for the fresh and easy-drinking ones, but also for the more important versions with complex winemaking processes and longer refinement periods; in terms of complexity and longevity, Vermentino can be conceived as a great red and the Maremma has an extraordinary vocation for this vine in its many expressions." (Pres. Francesco Mazzei)
