Vertical tasting and Grappa with De Stefani in the Veneto, by Claire Scott-Gall

Our next stop on our grand tour of northern Italy was De Stefani in the Veneto region. Alessandro and his father were there to welcome us with Alessandro giving us the grand tour of the nearby vineyards and winery. 

The family has farmed the same land since 1866 and four generations later, Alessandro is keeping the traditions alive with terroir-driven wines of superb quality from local grape varieties. This is an impressive outfit with room after room of the most high-tech equipment. 

One of the highlights for us on this visit was a vertical tasting of Soler, a blend of 25% Marzemino, 25% Refosco, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet. These grapes are all from the same vineyard but the Marzemino is dried in a large barn for 3 months to concentrate the grapes. This is then added to the other grapes that have already been through one fermentation stage. The wine spends 12 months in 50-60% new oak. 

2010 – Black, spicy dark fruits with nice aromatics, violets and roses. Nuances of almonds and cinnamon combine to complete this elegant wine. This wine has already sold out!

2009 – From a hotter, riper vintage, this wine was displaying more ripe and rounded cherry and plum fruit. A pleasant wine that can be drunk immediately as it was very open and voluptuous.

2008 – This was our favourite vintage. Dark fruits, cinnamon, coffee, spice and brooding spices combine to form an elegant wine with superb balance and complexity. Excellent.

2007 – Black forest gateau, blackberry and tobacco with ripe cherry fruit on the mid-palate. Very fresh on the palate.

2005 – Another hot year but not as hot as 09. Chocolate, star anise and ginger linger on the nose and palate making this wine perfect for Asian cuisine. Fresh and elegant.

2004 – A pure and clean, savoury nose with advanced leather notes, and both an earthy and perfumed character. Long.

To top off the visit, we had the pleasure of dining with Alessandro and his wife Chiara, who were fantastic company! Chiara is a great cook – prosecco risotto with parmensan and truffles, roast pork and then home-made mille-feuille (!) with home-made asparagus grappa. 

Unfortunately it was my turn to drive… 

View our website for information on the domaine

Written by Claire Scott-Gall, Marketing Manager