The Italy Wine Project

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Lessini Durello (Durello Lessini) DOC

IL PROGETTODOCLESSINI DURELLO (DURELLO LESSINI)AAIT05458624Denominazione di Origine Controllata

No strip issued. I'm still hunting a bottle.

Durella is a high-acid, thick-skinned mountain grape that's nearly undrinkable still and excellent as sparkling base, so the DOC is now sparkling only. Tank-method versions are lemony, sharp and simple; the traditional-method riservas from Fongaro, Marcato and Casa Cecchin, aged three to six years on lees, are the serious wines, with green apple, smoke, bread crust and a hard mineral line from the basalt. The acidity is the highest of any Italian sparkling wine and the best bottles taste closer to Champagne from the Aube than to anything from Franciacorta. A real find for the reader who likes austere fizz.

Still hunting

I'm still looking for a bottle of this.

If you make Lessini Durello (Durello Lessini), import it, or know who does, the form takes two minutes and I reply to every one.

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Bottles I'm chasing

  • Marcato

    Lessini Durello Metodo Classico 36 Mesi Brut

    The most findable traditional-method Durello in the US; green apple, brioche and a sharp, saline finish.

    $25 to $32Wine-Searcher

  • Fongaro

    Lessini Durello Metodo Classico Riserva Brut (Etichetta Nera)

    The pioneer of Durello metodo classico, organic, long lees aging, chalky and intense; the serious bottle.

    $30 to $40Wine-Searcher

  • Marcato

    Lessini Durello Spumante I Prandi Extra Dry

    Tank-method, simpler and rounder, a good aperitif introduction to the grape.

    $15 to $18Wine-Searcher