SERAI Bianco Veronese IGT 2024 (6 bottles)

“Serai” Bianco Veronese IGT 2024 / Le Morette / Veneto

Container of 6 bottles

White wine from Italy

The Serai Bianco Veronese IGT 2024 hails from the esteemed Le Morette winery, nestled on the southern shores of Lake Garda since the 1960s. Framed by a picturesque landscape between Lake Garda and the small Frassino Lake, the estate benefits from a unique microclimate and mineral-rich soils shaped by glacial movements during the Ice Age. Today, Le Morette is run by Valerio Zenato, representing the second generation, who continues to cultivate the harmony of tradition, craftsmanship and innovation with meticulous care.

This characterful white wine is crafted exclusively from selected grape varieties – primarily Turbiana, Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay. Turbiana is one of Italy’s oldest indigenous varieties, cultivated throughout the Apennine Peninsula and even used in the production of the renowned Aceto Balsamico di Modena. Pinot Bianco, a mutation of Pinot Noir, has been known since the 14th century and likely originated in the border region between western Switzerland and south-eastern France. Chardonnay, almost certainly native to Burgundy, has long been grown in Italy, particularly in alpine regions. It wasn’t until the 1990s that terminological clarity was established, as the variety had previously often been confused with Pinot Bianco.

Harvesting takes place carefully by hand in the first half of September. After swift transport to the cellar, the grapes are destemmed and gently pressed to preserve their aromatic purity. Fermentation occurs at a controlled temperature of 16°C in stainless steel tanks – a method that enhances the freshness and varietal character of the grapes. The wine is then allowed to rest in bottle for at least one month, refining its structure and aromatic profile.

In the glass, the Serai Bianco Veronese IGT reveals a clear pale-yellow hue with subtle greenish reflections. The bouquet is floral and fruity, with notes of green apple, apricot, pear and gooseberry, complemented by delicate hints of elderflower. On the palate, the wine is dry, elegant and finely aromatic, with lively acidity, a well-structured body and a harmonious, medium-length finish. A gentle minerality and subtle herbal nuances complete the tasting experience.

This offering comprises a set of six bottles, each containing 0.75 litres – perfect for sharing, gifting, or savouring across multiple occasions.

Served at 10 to 12°C, this white wine unfolds its full potential. As a stylish aperitif, it impresses with freshness and finesse, while also proving to be a versatile companion at the table. Whether paired with vibrant salads featuring goat’s cheese, grilled poultry, seafood or pasta with light sauces, the Serai Bianco Veronese IGT enhances the flavours of each dish with its refined structure. It also harmonises beautifully with sushi, sashimi, bruschetta or mild antipasti, thanks to its lively freshness and aromatic depth.

General properties

• Vintage: 2024
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Veneto
• Volume: 4.5 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Le Morette/Azienda Agricola Valerio Zenato - Viale Indipendenza - San Benedetto di Lugana - 37019 Peschiera del Garda (Verona) - Italia - +39 045 7552724
• Quality Designation: Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
• Grapes: Cuveé of white grape varieties with the main components Turbiana, Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay.
• Cultivation system: Guyot, simple or double, but short 4.000 vines per hectar.
• Vintage: Handpicked in the first half of September.
  
• Vinification: Immediately after harvest, the freshly picked grapes are brought to the winery, where they are gently and carefully pressed to preserve the aromatic purity of the fruit. Fermentation then takes place at a controlled temperature of 16 °C in modern stainless-steel tanks – a method that ensures optimal freshness and highlights the varietal character of the selected grapes. Once vinified, the wine is left to rest in bottle for a minimum of one month, allowing its structure to settle and its aromatic profile to develop further.
• Scent: The bouquet reveals a delicate interplay of floral and fruity notes, with distinctly expressed aromas of green apple, apricot, pear and gooseberry. These are gracefully complemented by subtle floral nuances, most notably gentle hints of elderflower.
• Taste: The wine presents itself as dry, clean and finely aromatic. Its fresh, lively acidity imparts a pleasant vitality, supported by a well-structured, elegant body. The medium-length, harmonious finish is gently underscored by a subtle minerality and refined herbal undertones.
• Colour: Bright yellow with greenish reflections.
• Alcohol content: 12,0 % Vol.
• Acid: 6,10 g/l
• pH: 3,20
• Dry extract: 18,20 g/l
• Closure type: Screw cap.
• Serving suggestion: Fruity, floral bouquet. The nose recognizes apple, pear, apricot and gooseberry in the background. The palate is dry, intensely aromatic with great fullness and elegance, combined with a fresh and lively acidity.
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 10°C and 12°C.
• Ingredients: Grapes, concentrated grape must, Preservatives and antioxidants: Potassium metabisulfite, sulphites, Stabilizers: Potassium polyaspartate, gum arabic. Can be filled in a modified atmosphere.
• Allergen: Contains sulphites.
• EAN (bottle): 8033986840003
• Bottle type: Disposable (no deposit)
• Scope of supply: 6 disposable bottles of wine 0.75 litres = 4.5 litres.

Grape variety

TURBIANA

The origins of the Turbiana variety may be shrouded in the mists of history, but it is believed to have flourished in the fields around Lake Garda for centuries. Records from the Middle Ages already mention the Turbiana vine, known by various names including "Turviana" and "Trebbiano di Lugana". Activities of grape cultivation were documented as early as the 14th century in the San Colombano monastery in Lugana, most likely attributed to Turbiana. Throughout the 20th century, the cultivation of Turbiana grapes in the Lugana region intensified, and the quality of wines crafted from this variety gained increasing recognition. In the 1960s, Lugana was granted DOC status, later upgraded to DOCG. The leaves of the Turbiana vine are medium to large-sized, round, and gently undulating, with a rich green hue and often sporting a light fuzz. The grapes are large, with a loose, conical structure. Depending on growing conditions, they may cluster densely or more loosely along the vine. The berries themselves are medium-sized, round, and golden yellow. Turbiana exhibits adaptability, thriving in various soil types, but it favours well-drained soils rich in limestone or chalk, with a proportion of clay and loam. Good drainage and a wealth of minerals are advantageous. A temperate climate with ample sunlight is crucial for optimal vine growth and ripening. In recent decades, interest in wines made from the Turbiana grape has grown both nationally and internationally. Modern winemaking techniques and a deeper understanding of the grape variety have contributed to a continuous improvement in wine quality. Today, the Turbiana grape is closely associated with the Lugana region and plays a significant role in the Italian wine scene.

PINOT BIANCO

The Pinot Bianco, also known as Weißburgunder or Pinot Blanc, hails from the Pinot family and is a white wine grape variety thought to originate from the Burgundy region of France. It is believed that Pinot Bianco is a natural mutation or selective breeding within the Pinot family, which has evolved over centuries in various wine-growing regions of Europe. The Pinot family encompasses a variety of variations such as Pinot Nero, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Meunier, all genetically descending from the same ancestral vine. In the Veneto region, Pinot Bianco has finally found ideal conditions to express its full potential. The calcareous clay soils and temperate climate of Veneto provide optimal conditions for cultivating this grape variety. Pinot Bianco adapts well to the terroir conditions of Veneto, producing wines with fresh acidity, subtle aromas, and remarkable elegance. The leaves of the Pinot Bianco plant are medium to large-sized with a rounded to slightly oval shape. They are dark green and glossy with a lightly corrugated surface. The grapes of Pinot Bianco are large and cylindrical in shape, loosely to moderately packed with individual berries usually of medium size. The berries have a yellowish to greenish colour that changes as they ripen. Pinot Bianco berries are more oval-shaped and have a thinner skin. They are juicy with sweet flesh, exhibiting characteristic flavours of green apples, pears, and sometimes citrus fruits. Pinot Bianco vines have high vigour and can reach varying heights depending on the cultivation system and soil conditions. Grape ripening typically occurs late in the season, requiring time to achieve full maturity. This can contribute to intensifying flavours in the grapes, resulting in complex wines. Undoubtedly, this grape variety has established itself in Veneto, becoming an integral part of wine production in the region. Today, Pinot Bianco is a significant grape variety contributing to the diversity and quality of wines produced there.

CHARDONNAY

Originally hailing from Burgundy, France, Chardonnay stands as one of the noble representatives of Vitis vinifera, the European grapevine family. Over time, it not only conquered France but also ventured into other European regions. In Champagne, it even found its place as the foundation for the prestigious Champagne. Yet, its appeal extended beyond Europe into the new wine worlds of California, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and South Africa, thanks to its remarkable adaptability to various climates and soils. Eventually, Chardonnay made its way to Veneto, one of Italy's most renowned wine regions. Here, its introduction likely formed part of a trend toward diversifying grape varieties, to explore new wine directions and meet market demands. The leaves of the Chardonnay vine are medium-sized, rounded to slightly lobed, and dark green in colour. The grape clusters vary in size and shape, often cylindrical or conical, loosely to moderately packed, with berries ranging from greenish yellow to golden-yellow. The Chardonnay vine exhibits vigorous growth and adapts well to different soil and climatic conditions, although it prefers calcareous soils and moderate climates. It can be trained either as a bush or on trellises. The grape harvest time varies depending on climate, soil, and desired wine style, but typically occurs in late summer to autumn when the grapes are fully ripe and their sugar and acidity levels are balanced. In Veneto, where many winemakers are open to experimentation and innovation, cultivating Chardonnay offers the opportunity to explore new techniques, investigate different terroirs, and further develop winemaking skills.