Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes grow in the Prosecco area of northeastern Italy on soils rich in clay and tuff. The mild climate brings marked differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures during ripening, helping to preserve acidity and bright aromas. Summer pruning and careful leaf thinning support full ripening, while yields are kept very low to concentrate flavour and aroma.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested in early September, then destemmed, crushed and gently pressed. The must is cold settled before fermenting exclusively with wild yeasts in steel tanks at a controlled 18 °C. Secondary fermentation follows the Italian Charmat method in sealed, pressurised autoclaves.
Ageing
The wine rests for several months on fine lees in stainless-steel tanks, with frequent lees stirring to develop a soft texture.
Tasting profile
Refreshing in character, with bright aromas and acidity and a soft texture from lees ageing.
Vintage notes
In 2021, winter temperatures were normal and rainfall was plentiful. An unusually cool spring delayed budbreak and flowering by around two weeks, while two days of frost in April reduced the number of fruit-bearing shoots. June was the hottest month in 30 years. Favourable differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures during August and September enabled the grapes to reach suitable ripeness while retaining acidity and aromatic complexity. Yields were approximately 10% below the average of the preceding five years. The vintage's sparkling wines showed good acidity, a well-judged balance of acidity and sugar, and pleasantly intense aromas.
Label / history
DS takes its name from the initials of the De Stefani family, which has produced wine in Veneto for five generations.
