Descrizione
History
The history of the Frescobaldi family in Tuscany is often the history of Tuscany itself; tradition and roots date back as far as 1300, when Dino Frescobaldi, a poet friend of Dante Alighieri, gave him back the first seven cantos of the Divine Comedy, thus allowing him to complete the work. More or less in the same period the family acquired some estates in Chianti and began producing and marketing wine. Many centuries later, around 1855, they were the ones who planted some international vines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay right here in Tuscany. 1900 was a century of great revolution for Italian agriculture and consequently also for the company; Production methods will be innovated and new possessions acquired thanks to the wise guidance of Vittorio, Ferdinando and Leonardo Frescobaldi. Today the baton has been passed to Lamberto Frescobaldi, member of the thirtieth generation of the family, who, thanks to the knowledge acquired, manages the family heritage. Pomino Castle dates back to 1500 and stands at an altitude of 500-700 m above sea level, a height that is usually difficult to find in the hills of central Tuscany and which allows strong day-night temperature variations suitable for the cultivation of white grape varieties and Pinot Noir.
Grapes used
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Production method
The project behind “Leonia” was born from a very ambitious objective of the family which dates back to an ancestor of the Albizi family, Leonia degli Albizi, who had strongly desired to produce a great classic method in the style of French champagnes. The project was then taken up by Lamberto Frescobaldi and after 9 years of experimentation we arrived at a classic method not only worthy of the name but also endowed with great finesse and complexity. Leonia’s secret is not only the attention to all the steps in the vineyard but also the gravitational cellar which allows the grapes to be transferred in the various steps without pumping which could somehow alter their freshness or quality. The harvest takes place by hand in boxes in the coolest hours of the day or at night in order to guarantee the aromatic strength of the grapes; We proceed with a very soft pressing of the grapes and a cold clarification of the grapes for approximately 12 hours. Most of the must obtained ages in stainless steel at around 16°C while 10-15% in French oak barriques. In March of the following year, the refermentation takes place which will then form the famous bubbles directly in the bottle and refinement on the yeasts for approximately 30 months. At the end of this period the “remuage” and “degorgement” (disgorgement) takes place followed by a further period of refinement in the bottle.
Alcohol content
12.5%
Tasting notes
Intense straw yellow color with golden nuances, the perlage is very fine and persistent. On the nose notes of yellow fruit such as apricot, grapefruit and orange peel, chamomile flowers, notes of eucalyptus and peppermint leaves and notes of pastry and yeast. In the mouth the foam envelops the entire palate and caresses it finely; the body is also substantial and everything is balanced by a fresh final acidity, which makes the sip very pleasant. Final that once again refers to notes of yeast.
Possible combinations
Leonia Brut is perfect as an aperitif or to toast and celebrate during special occasions. Unique in the panorama of classic methods produced in the heart of red wine-producing Tuscany, it pairs perfectly with shellfish and delicate fish-based dishes. Also worth trying with a selection of tasty, fatty cheeses or with first courses with rich, tasty sauces.