Tenuta San Leonardo Carmenere IGT 2018

Tenuta San Leonardo Carmenere IGT showcases the unique character of Carmenere, a varietal rarely found in Italy. This wine is bold and expressive, with aromas of blackberries, bell pepper, and subtle spice, complemented by hints of dark chocolate and cedar. The palate is full-bodied and structured, with velvety tannins and a balanced, lingering finish that speaks to its refined craftsmanship.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.

Type: Red Wine
Style: Full-bodied, Structured
Grape Varietal: Carmenere
Tastes Like: Comparable to a Cabernet Sauvignon, with blackberries, bell pepper, and dark chocolate, finishing with velvety tannins.
Alcohol Percentage: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Region: Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Terroir: Gravelly and clay soils
Aging: 18 months in oak barrels
Serving Temperature: 16-18°C

Tenuta San Leonardo is an iconic estate in Northern Italy, celebrated for its meticulous winemaking. Their Carmenere showcases the elegance and complexity of this historic varietal.

Seafood: Blackened tuna or swordfish with a herb crust.
Poultry: Duck confit or chicken mole.
Vegetarian: Grilled portobello mushrooms or ratatouille.
Meat: Beef Wellington or venison stew.

Aged Gouda: Rich and nutty, enhancing the wine's complexity.
Pecorino Toscano: Firm and salty, balancing the wine's structure.
Blue Stilton: Bold and creamy, complementing the wine's depth.
Fontina: Smooth and nutty, pairing beautifully with the wine.

Bistecca con Peperoni e Salsa al Cioccolato Fondente (Steak with Peppers and Dark Chocolate Sauce)

This robust dish from Trentino-Alto Adige is an excellent pairing for Tenuta San Leonardo Carmenere IGT 2018. The succulent beef, combined with sweet red bell peppers and a rich dark chocolate sauce, echoes the wine’s notes of blackberries, bell pepper, and dark chocolate, while its structured tannins perfectly complement the dish’s depth.

Ingredients

• 4 beef steaks (approximately 200-250g each)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 100 ml dry red wine
• 50 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the beef steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
2. Heat 1-2 tbsp of olive oil in a heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the time to your preference. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the pan and keep warm.
3. In the same skillet, add a little extra olive oil if needed and reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and red bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelised.
4. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the dry red wine, stirring to lift the browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the chopped dark chocolate and balsamic vinegar, stirring continuously until the chocolate melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6. Return the steaks to the pan and briefly coat them in the sauce, allowing the flavours to meld for a minute.
7. Plate the steaks and drizzle the remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy this hearty and flavourful dish with your Tenuta San Leonardo Carmenere IGT 2018 for a truly memorable dining experience.