Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The Pinot Grigio is grown in northeastern Italy on alluvial soils with a very high clay content. The local climate is mild, with very little annual rainfall and high summer temperatures, which lets the grapes ripen fully. Besides regular vineyard care, summer pruning and careful leaf thinning help the grapes reach ideal ripeness. Yields are kept very low for concentrated flavour and aroma.
The estate now uses only organic methods. Vines are pruned short, a green harvest is carried out every year, and there is no irrigation. These practices give small harvests of very high-quality grapes.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested in early September. After destemming and crushing they are gently pressed, and the must is cold settled. Fermentation takes place in steel vats at a controlled 18 °C, with wild yeast only.
Ageing
The wine spends several months on noble fine lees in stainless steel vats, with frequent bâtonnage to give it softness. Its ageing potential is 3–5 years, although it can keep its best qualities for 10 years.
Tasting profile
Delicate yet rich aroma, with a generous, lingering taste. The DS range is made in a young, fruit-forward style.
Vintage notes
2021: Winter brought normal temperatures and abundant rainfall. An unusually cool spring delayed budbreak and flowering by about two weeks, and two days of frost in April reduced the number of fruit-bearing shoots. June was the hottest month in 30 years. Favourable day–night temperature swings in August and September brought the grapes to the right ripeness while preserving acidity and aromatic complexity. Yields were about 10% below the average of the previous five years. Alessandro De Stefani named quality as the key word for the harvest. The white wines of the vintage are very fresh and aromatic, with pronounced minerality, good aromatic potential and finesse.
Label / history
"DS" is a range of young, fruit-forward wines from Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Raboso. The name comes from the initials of De Stefani, a family that has made wine in Veneto for five generations.
