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What is Lessini Durello DOC?
Lessini Durello DOC is one of Italy’s best-kept sparkling secrets. Produced in the volcanic foothills between Verona and Vicenza, these wines are made primarily from the Durella grape, whose high acidity and mineral backbone make it perfect for sparkling wine. For those seeking a Prosecco alternative with more structure and complexity, Lessini Durello offers an artisanal, terroir-driven option that sommeliers adore.
History of the Durella Grape and the Lessini Mountains
The story of Durello begins in the Middle Ages, when the grape was first documented as Durasena. For centuries, local farmers vinified it into sharp, acidic still wines. Its revival as a sparkling specialty began in the late 20th century, when winemakers recognized that Durella’s “hard” character—thick skins and piercing acidity—was ideal for sparkling production. The DOC was officially established in 1987 (redefined in 2011 as Lessini Durello DOC), cementing its role as Veneto’s second sparkling jewel after Prosecco.
Geography and Volcanic Terroir of Lessini Durello
- Location: Eastern Lessini Mountains, straddling the provinces of Verona and Vicenza in Veneto.
- Soils: Ancient volcanic tuff and basalt lend distinctive mineral notes.
- Climate: Cool Alpine breezes and wide day–night temperature shifts preserve acidity and aromatics.
- Vineyards: Steep slopes at elevations of 250–550m encourage hand-harvesting and low yields.
This terroir is what makes Lessini Durello so different from the softer, fruitier sparkling wines of the plains.
Durella Grape Characteristics and Winemaking
- Primary Grape: ≥85% Durella (many wines are 100%).
- Permitted Blends: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero, Garganega.
- Winemaking Styles:
- Charmat Method (Spumante): Fresh, zesty, youthful wines with green apple and citrus notes.
- Traditional Method (Metodo Classico Riserva): Extended lees aging (36 months or more) creates refined, Champagne-like complexity.
- Charmat Method (Spumante): Fresh, zesty, youthful wines with green apple and citrus notes.
- Alcohol Levels: Typically 11–12%.
Lessini Durello Tasting Notes and Styles
- Aromas: Lemon zest, green apple, almond blossom, mountain herbs.
- Palate: Racy acidity, fine bubbles, mineral finish.
- Styles: From bone-dry Brut Nature to fruitier Demi-Sec, with traditional method Riservas rivaling Franciacorta.
Best Food Pairings for Durello Sparkling Wine
- Seafood: Oysters, grilled prawns, fried calamari.
- Local Cuisine: Baccalà alla Vicentina, sopressa Vicentina, creamy risottos.
- Occasions: Aperitivo hour, holiday feasts, or as a refreshing summer aperitif.
Top Lessini Durello Producers and Where to Buy
- Gianni Tessari: Traditional method Riservas aged 36+ months (~$40–60).
- Tonello: Crisp, elegant Charmat and Pas Dosé Metodo Classico (~$20–60).
- Fongaro Spumanti: Organic producer specializing in artisanal Metodo Classico (~$25–50).
- Cantina di Soave (Casa Defrà, Torre dei Vescovi): Accessible Charmat-method bottlings (~$12–20).
Lessini Durello vs Prosecco: Key Differences
| Feature | Lessini Durello | Prosecco |
| Main Grape | Durella | Glera |
| Terroir | Volcanic, high-altitude | Alluvial plains, rolling hills |
| Acidity | Very high | Moderate |
| Winemaking Styles | Charmat & Metodo Classico | Primarily Charmat |
| Flavor Profile | Mineral, citrus, sharp | Fruity, floral, soft |
| Price Range | $12–60+ | $10–30 |
| Positioning | Artisanal, terroir-driven | Mass-market, widely exported |
Key Facts at a Glance
- Region: Veneto (Verona & Vicenza provinces)
- DOC Established: 1987, revised in 2011
- Vineyard Area: ~315 ha
- Average Production: ~7,750 hl (~86,000 cases) annually
- Primary Style: Sparkling spumante (Charmat and Metodo Classico)
- Alcohol: 11–12%
FAQ on Lessini Durello DOC
- How is Lessini Durello different from Prosecco? It’s sharper, more mineral, and often aged longer, especially in Metodo Classico styles.
- What does Durella wine taste like? Lemony, crisp, with firm acidity and a salty-mineral edge.
- Is Lessini Durello organic? Increasingly, yes—producers like Fongaro lead with organic farming.
- What’s the best Lessini Durello under $20? Casa Defrà and Torre dei Vescovi offer excellent entry-level bottles.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- Volcanic Soul: The wines are shaped by soils formed 60 million years ago from volcanic eruptions.
- Festival Spotlight: Roncà, a town in the DOC area, hosts barrel races and wine fairs celebrating Durello each spring.
- Sommelier’s Darling: While Prosecco dominates exports, Lessini Durello is quietly becoming a sommelier favorite for by-the-glass programs in London, New York, and Tokyo.
Ready to taste Veneto’s volcanic sparkle? Try Lessini Durello and share your aperitivo moment with us using #DrinkItalianSparkle. Which Prosecco alternative do you prefer?
Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages
Send us an email if you want to suggest edits, or if you are looking for more info, at
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If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta
Additionally, you can discover the other wines from veneto.
