Tenuta San Leonardo, Grappa Stravecchia, Nv - 200cl
Tenuta San Leonardo, Grappa Stravecchia, Nv - 200cl
- 200cl
- 45%
- Spirits
- Organic
- Biodynamic
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2036
San Leonardo’s barrel-aged grappa is crafted from the estate’s own pomace and distilled by Master Distiller Bruno Franceschini in Cavaion Veronese. Aged for around five years in French oak barriques previously used for San Leonardo’s wines, it gains a beautiful depth, gentle spice, and a distinctly elegant aromatic profile.
"This Grappa Stravecchia has a characteristic amber-gold appearance. Full-bodied, aromatic and subtly elegant, a seriously good spirit with a unique sensory profile. It is distilled in limited quantities and is to be savoured in a reflective mood."
San Leonardo
Presented in a stylish decanter, it’s as impressive on the eye as it is in the glass, making it a perfect gift for any grappa lover.
As a barrel-aged spirit rather than a wine, the Stravecchia does not evolve in the bottle in the same way — the development has already happened in oak, and further bottle ageing will produce only marginal change. Stored well away from light and heat, it will remain in excellent condition for at least another decade. Over time, the spirit may soften very slightly and the dried fruit notes may deepen, but it is already at or very close to its peak. There is no urgency to open it, but equally no reward in waiting indefinitely.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceClear amber-gold with warm copper highlights, as inviting in the glass as it is in the decanter.
NoseDried apricot and fig come first, then warm vanilla, sandalwood, and a faint resinous note from the oak. There is something almost vinous about it — not surprising given the barriques' previous life — with a gentle waft of dried flowers underneath.
PalateFull-bodied and smooth, with the oak integration you only get from genuine patience in the cellar. Warm spice, candied orange peel, and a touch of dark chocolate sit alongside the spirit's natural intensity. The alcohol is present but never aggressive.
FinishLong and gently warming, with lingering spice and a dry, clean fade that invites another sip.
Overall impressionA grappa that asks to be taken seriously, and entirely earns that right.
Food Pairings
In Trentino, grappa is above all a digestivo — poured after a long Sunday lunch once the dishes have been cleared and conversation has slowed to a satisfying crawl. Locally it would accompany dark chocolate or a sliver of aged Monte Veronese cheese. Some pour a splash into the last dregs of their espresso, a ritual known as caffè corretto, though a spirit of this quality deserves better than to be drowned in coffee. On a cold Alpine evening, it is its own pairing.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at room temperature, around 18-20°C — never chilled, which would close the aromatics down entirely. No decanting required, but do let the glass warm in your hand for a minute or two before drinking. A tulip-shaped nosing glass or a small white wine glass will concentrate the aromas far better than a standard tumbler. Pour modestly: this is a spirit to linger over, not rush.
The San Leonardo estate sits in the lower Vallagarina in Trentino, where the valley narrows and the influence of Lake Garda moderates the Alpine climate. The vineyards benefit from warm, sunny days and significant diurnal temperature variation that preserves freshness and aromatic lift. Soils are predominantly alluvial and gravelly, well-drained and mineral-rich. For the grappa, the terroir connection is indirect but genuine: the character of the pomace reflects the quality and composition of grapes grown in this distinctive microclimate.
Grappa is Italy's most distinctly Italian spirit, protected by a geographical indication that requires it to be produced entirely in Italy from Italian pomace. Stravecchia or Vecchia designations indicate a minimum of 12 months ageing in wood, though San Leonardo's five-year maturation far exceeds this threshold. Unlike grappas aged briefly in stainless steel, barrel-aged expressions like this sit in their own category — closer in spirit to aged Cognac or Armagnac than to the firewater reputation grappa has sometimes unfairly earned.
FAQs
What does this grappa taste like?
Rich and aromatic, with dried apricot, warm baking spice, vanilla, and a smooth, oak-aged depth. Five years in French barriques give it a character closer to aged Armagnac than to young, fiery grappa. Full-bodied but never heavy, with a long, gently warming finish.
How is this grappa different from standard grappa?
Most grappa is unaged or briefly rested, which can make it sharp and intensely spiritous. San Leonardo's Stravecchia spends around five years in French oak barriques previously used for their estate wines, which softens and deepens the spirit considerably. The Stravecchia designation itself signals extended wood ageing well beyond the legal minimum.
When should I drink it?
It is ready now and will hold well until 2036 or beyond if stored correctly. Unlike wine, it will not develop significantly further in bottle — the work was done in the barrel. Open it when the moment deserves it.
What should I serve it with?
Dark chocolate, aged hard cheese, or simply on its own as a digestivo. It is best enjoyed slowly, after a good meal, in a proper nosing glass rather than a tumbler. Resist the temptation to add ice.
How should I serve it?
At room temperature, around 18-20°C. Use a tulip-shaped nosing glass or a small white wine glass — something that gathers the aromatics. Pour a modest measure and let the glass warm in your hand before drinking. No need to decant.
Does the 200cl format make this a good gift?
It is an excellent gift. The decanter presentation is genuinely impressive, and a magnum-format spirits bottle is still unusual enough to feel special. For anyone who appreciates fine Italian spirits, or who loves San Leonardo's wines, this is a thoughtful and distinctive choice.
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