Tenuta San Leonardo, Villa Gresti Di San Leonardo, 2021
Tenuta San Leonardo, Villa Gresti Di San Leonardo, 2021
- 75cl
- 13%
- Red Still
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère
- Organic
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2036
Villa Gresti is named after Gemma di Gresti, a remarkable ancestor of the family who played a key role in repatriating thousands of Italian prisoners of war from Russia after World War I.
Much like its namesake, this wine is both impressive and full of character. Made from 90% Merlot, it offers a unique take on the estate’s terroir—not a second wine, but a distinct expression. With its rich, velvety texture and deep, layered flavours, Villa Gresti can easily rival some of the top Pomerols, often at a fraction of the price.
The 2021 is drinking beautifully now, with primary fruit flavours well-integrated and tannins already showing their silky character. Over the next 3-4 years, expect the fruit to deepen and develop more savoury complexity as tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco, and forest floor emerge. The wine should reach its peak around 2030-2032, when the mineral backbone will be perfectly balanced with mature fruit and developed aromatics. After 2036, the fruit may begin to fade, though the wine's structure suggests it will remain pleasant for several years beyond.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby with purple highlights, showing good concentration and youth.
NoseImmediately appealing with ripe blackberry and dark plum, followed by cedar and a whisper of violet. There's an underlying minerality that speaks to the limestone soils, plus hints of cocoa and dried herbs that add complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
PalateRich and full-bodied yet surprisingly elegant, with silky tannins that coat the mouth without gripping too firmly. The dark fruit flavours are complemented by savoury elements of leather and tobacco, whilst the Alpine terroir contributes a distinctive mineral backbone. The texture is what sets this apart - genuinely velvety in the way only great Merlot can be.
FinishLong and satisfying, with lingering dark fruit and a gentle mineral persistence that invites another sip.
Overall impressionThis is Merlot with both power and finesse, showing why San Leonardo has earned its reputation as Italy's answer to the Right Bank.
Food Pairings
In Trentino, this would be served alongside canederli (bread dumplings) with speck and cheese, or carne salada - the region's famous cured beef that's been air-dried in the mountain air. The local fonduta made with Trentingrana cheese would complement the wine's richness, whilst game dishes like venison with juniper or wild boar ragu reflect the Alpine hunting tradition. Polenta with mushrooms, particularly porcini from the nearby forests, creates a perfect marriage with the wine's earthy undertones.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the full complexity to emerge without overwhelming the palate. Decant for 30-45 minutes to soften the tannins and release the aromatics - this isn't a wine that needs hours of air, but a brief decanting will reward you. Use large Bordeaux glasses to concentrate the aromatics whilst providing enough bowl space for the wine to breathe in the glass.
San Leonardo's vineyards sit at 150 metres elevation in the Vallagarina valley, where the Adige River creates a natural corridor between the Dolomites and Lake Garda. The soils are predominantly alluvial deposits of clay and limestone over ancient moraine, providing excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for the vines. The Alpine influence creates significant diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity and aromatics whilst allowing complete ripening of Merlot's thick skins.
Trentino DOC encompasses the southern portion of the Alto Adige region, where German-speaking South Tyrol gives way to Italian culture and language. The appellation permits both international and indigenous varieties, reflecting the area's position as a cultural crossroads. Unlike the more Germanic wine styles of Alto Adige proper, Trentino producers often look to France for inspiration, creating elegant, mineral-driven wines that benefit from the region's alpine climate and diverse soils.
The 2021 growing season in Trentino started promisingly with a mild winter and early budbreak, only to face late spring frosts that caught many growers off guard. Summer brought intense heat waves interspersed with timely rainfall that kept the vines hydrated without encouraging rot. The Alps provided their usual moderating influence, but temperatures still spiked well above average in July, pushing some vineyards to their limits before cooler nights in late August and September rescued the ripening process.
What emerged was a vintage of surprising concentration and freshness, particularly for the indigenous varieties that thrive in these mountain foothills. The Pinot Grigio shows more texture and mineral backbone than usual, while Teroldego delivered wines with proper mountain structure rather than the soft, jammy character that can plague hot years. Most 2021s are drinking beautifully now, offering immediate pleasure with enough acidity to carry them until 2028, though the best Teroldego and Lagrein examples will reward patience for another few years.
FAQs
What does Villa Gresti taste like?
Rich and velvety with dark plum and blackberry flavours, complemented by cedar, cocoa, and a distinctive mineral backbone from the limestone soils.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now but will reward patience - we'd suggest enjoying it between now and 2035, with peak drinking around 2030-2032.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Think rich, savoury dishes: roasted lamb, aged cheeses, game meats, or hearty stews. The Alpine influence makes it perfect with mountain cuisine and truffle dishes.
Should I decant Villa Gresti?
Yes, decant for 30-45 minutes to allow the tannins to soften and the aromatics to fully express themselves - it's not essential but definitely rewarding.
How does this compare to French Merlot?
We think it rivals top Pomerol for richness and complexity, but with a distinctive mineral character that reflects its Alpine terroir - often at a fraction of the Bordeaux price.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely - whilst approachable now, it will develop greater complexity and savoury depth over the next decade, reaching peak maturity around 2030-2032.
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