Today we take you to discover one of the lesser-known denominations of the Verona area: the production area of ​​“Monti Lessini Durello”. Lessinia is a high-hilly and mountainous territory that extends mainly in the province of Verona, with some offshoots in the provinces of Vicenza and Trento. The presence of man in these territories has been known since ancient times (the first evidence dates back to the Lower Paleolithic). The presence of vines in the area seems to be almost as remote: in 1950, in the municipality of Vestenanova, fossil remains of Ampelidae were found, considered the ancestors of today’s vines. An evocative testimony, certainly, but not sufficient to affirm that any form of ancestor of wine was already produced in such ancient times. It is in fact only from the Early Middle Ages that we have reliable and concrete documentation to testify to the development of viticulture in Lessinia. The territory of the Lessini Mountains is characterized by volcanic soils, rich in nutrients for the vine and capable of accumulating water and solar heat, releasing them slowly when needed. The undisputed queen of these areas is the Durella, an ancient and rustic vine that produces golden grapes whose fundamental characteristic is a typical acidic flavor and a thick skin rich in tannins. It is a white grape variety with a winged and compact bunch, whose name derives from the hardness of the skin and the high acidity that characterizes the wine. The combination of these factors, together with a rather mild and sufficiently rainy climate, makes the wines produced in this area particularly suited to sparkling wine. The Monti Lessini Durello spumante is in fact the most representative wine of the denomination. It is born from a blend that includes a minimum of 85% Durella grapes, and is refermented in the bottle following the Classic Method technique, which gives it a fine and persistent foam. A young and alternative sparkling wine: exciting, dynamic, never predictable, with a volcanic character that makes it unique in the world.

Also based on Durella, two variants of the sparkling wine are the Monti Lessini Durello tranquillo, a still white wine characterized by great freshness, and the Monti Lessini Durello passito, a sweet wine obtained from grapes left to rest in a fruit cellar for at least four months.

In addition to the traditional Durella, over the years vineyards of Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Nero have been planted, which have immediately demonstrated a vocation for these climates and soils. In 2011, at the same time as the recognition of the DOC Lessini Durello, the denomination changed to Monti Lessini DOC. It was therefore possible to include other types of wine based on international vines in the DOC. The Monti Lessini Bianco is obtained with a minimum of 50% Chardonnay and can also be accompanied by other vines present in the area such as Durella, Garganega, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon. Monti Lessini Rosso requires a minimum of 50% Merlot, integrated with other grapes such as Pinot Nero, Corvina Veronese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. Lastly, Monti Lessini Spumante, another Metodo Classico with refermentation in the bottle, but with a base of at least 50% Chardonnay, and the difference of Pinot Bianco and/or Pinot Nero.

In short, Lessinia is truly an extraordinary region, always able to amaze with its historical and naturalistic beauties, and to satisfy every palate with its food and wine delights. Soon we will have some news on this subject also among our proposals, continue to follow us to stay updated!

In the meantime, take a look at our group tours to discover the other wine areas of Verona: you can find everything at this link!