Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The Raboso grapes grow in northeastern Italy on alluvial soils very rich in clay. The climate is mild, with very little annual rainfall and high summer temperatures, which allows full ripening. Besides regular vineyard care, the winery uses summer pruning and careful leaf thinning to bring the grapes to ideal ripeness. Yields are kept very low for rich flavour and aroma. The vines are pruned short, green harvesting is carried out every year, no irrigation is used, and only organic methods are followed today.
Vinification
Harvest takes place in late September and/or early October. After destemming and crushing, the grapes macerate for 10–15 days at 25–28 °C in steel vats, with frequent pumping over. Fermentation is entirely with wild yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Malolactic fermentation is completed afterwards.
Ageing
After malolactic fermentation the wine ages for several months on fine lees in barriques.
Vintage notes
2020: Alessandro De Stefani says the grapes were of excellent quality thanks to ideal weather, and that he believes it will be remembered as one of the best vintages of this century. January and February were very mild with little rain; March brought heavy rain and normal temperatures; a cool spring extended flowering. Summer was pleasant without extreme peaks, and hot August days with cool nights let the grapes ripen slowly and steadily. Yields were about 5% below the average of the previous five years. The year's reds are well structured, with an especially noteworthy tannin profile. The grapes had excellent potential alcohol, a good balance of sugar and acidity and high polyphenol levels, making them ideal for barrel ageing.
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 producing wine in Veneto for five generations.
