The Monti Lessini DOC is an appellation in Veneto, between the provinces of Vicenza and Verona. It was born in 1987 as Lessini Durello DOC and took its current name in 2001. It has about 115 hectares, with an output of 125 hectolitres.
Durella, an ancient grape
The most widespread variety in the Monti Lessini is Durella, already mentioned in 1290 as «Durasena» in the Statutes of Costozza. It is the grape of the Durello, the Spumante, the Spumante Crémant and the Passito, which need at least 85% of it; the rest can come from Chardonnay, Garganega, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero.
The sparkling wines
The Spumante and the Spumante Crémant age at least 18 months on the lees; the Riserva at least 36 months. The range is completed by the Bianco, with at least 50% Chardonnay and up to 50% Durella, Garganega, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Nero and Sauvignon, and by the Pinot Nero, with at least 85% of the variety. The minimum alcohol is 10.5%.
