Leonardo

Grape variety

ribolla

Geographical area

Brda – Slovenia

Name of the vineyard

Medana, Breg

Age

48-56 years

Altitude

200-250 metres above sea level

Exposure

north-west

Soil type

marl, slate and sandstone

Harvest

hand-harvested, bunches carefully selected – selection of fully ripe grapes at the beginning of October; air drying in wood cases until April (passito)

Vinification

after 7 months of drying, grapes are pressed (classical hand wine press); fermentation in 130l oak barrels

Maturation

30 months in 130l oak barrels

Alcohol

12,5 % vol

Total acidity

7,5 g/l

Bottle

0,375 l

Bottling

no cleaning or filtration

Serving temperature

12-14°C

Characteristics and description

A feature special to our cellar, Leonardo sweet wine is produced with 5,000 kg of extraordinary Ribolla grapes that are hand picked and air dried for seven months in wooden barrels. During natural drying, these late picked grapes, that are fully mature and carefully selected, lose more than 90% of their weight, due to the slow drying process. The skin wrinkles (raisin aspect), the sugar and acid levels rise. The naturally obtained concentrations of sugar and other components give the wine a greater aroma and complexity. Due to its specifically tawny colour, amateurs can predict an extremely complex wine that can hardly be described in words. This special wine offers a variety of pleasant aromas and fragrances that change over time, maturating and combining in perfect harmony. In the young wine, a typically sophisticated aroma of Ribolla grapes prevails. It slowly grows into mild fragrances of vanilla, honey, dry fruit (apricot, fig...), soft lemon blossom, orange peel, light tobacco... The first impression in the mouth is always silky – perfectly brilliant. The bouquet is repeated in the mouth. For an instant, you have the feeling that dry apricot prevails. However, we are more surprised by the extremely strong, but not boastful character, with an extraordinary elegance and harmony. A successful preservation of the balance between sugar and acids lend the wine a pleasant sweetness and freshness. A mild bitterness rounds off whole in a perfect harmony. The aftertaste is really fabulous, as the wine tells a story that lasts and lasts.

Serving suggestions

We recommend with caramel desserts, chocolate or dried fruit; or with Tet du monde cheese; or alone as a glass of wine while relaxing, or with a good cigar.

Ageing potential

Although connoisseurs say that the wine peaks after 15 years of maturing in the bottle, amateurs are convinced by the soft fresh taste and full body that the wine is suitable for drinking. However, stored correctly, the wine will improve with maturation.