Tenuta San Leonardo

Tenuta San Leonardo occupies a site in the Vallagarina valley with a documented history spanning over a millennium. Originally a monastery established in 1215, the estate passed to the de Gresti family in 1770. The current owners, the Guerrieri Gonzaga family, entered the lineage through the marriage of Marchese Tullo Guerrieri Gonzaga to Gemma de Gresti in 1894. Modern operations were shaped significantly by Marchese Carlo Guerrieri Gonzaga, who took over in 1974 after studying oenology and gaining experience at Tenuta San Guido. Today, his son Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga manages the estate, maintaining the family legacy of private ownership in a region otherwise dominated by large cooperatives.

The estate encompasses 300 hectares, though only 30 hectares are dedicated to vineyards. These plots are situated between 150 and 300 meters above sea level, sheltered by the Alps and influenced by temperate winds from Lake Garda. The terroir features distinct soil compositions, with Merlot planted in stony grounds once part of an Adige River tributary, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère grow in well drained sandy soils. The winery transitioned to organic viticulture in 2015 and achieved certification in 2018. Winemaking follows a traditional approach using spontaneous fermentation in small concrete vats, with the flagship red blend undergoing 24 months of aging in French oak followed by extensive bottle maturation.

The producer is primarily recognized for its flagship wine, San Leonardo, which is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, and Merlot. This wine has earned a reputation as one of the most successful interpretations of international varieties in northern Italy, frequently cited for its balance and aging potential. Other notable labels include the second wine, Terre di San Leonardo, and the Merlot based Villa Gresti, along with a Sauvignon Blanc named Vette. The estate received the Winery of the Year award from Gambero Rosso in 2025, solidifying its position as a benchmark producer in the Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT. Its wines are noted for their restraint and acidity, reflecting the cooler Alpine climate of Trentino.