Description
The 2022 Monte Tondo “San Pietro” is a sophisticated and terroir-driven red wine that redefines the standard for Valpolicella Superiore.
While many wines in this category rely on power, the Magnabosco family crafts the “San Pietro” with a focus on aromatic purity and mineral elegance.
Named after the specific “San Pietro” vineyard located in the high-altitude hills of Campiano, this wine benefits from volcanic and limestone soils that impart a distinctive “savory” character rarely found in entry-level Valpolicella.
The Craft: Hillside Viticulture
The “Superiore” designation in this wine is earned through lower vineyard yields and a longer maturation process compared to standard Valpolicella.
The Blend: A classic Veronese assembly of 70% Corvina and 30% Rondinella.
The Terroir: The San Pietro vineyard sits at a high elevation with optimal southern exposure. The poor, rocky soil forces the vines to dig deep, resulting in berries with concentrated flavors and high natural acidity.
Maturation: Unlike the Ripasso or Amarone, which see heavy oak, the San Pietro is aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. This “neutral” wood approach allows the bright cherry fruit and floral aromatics of the Corvina grape to remain the focal point.
The Appearance: Bright ruby red with violet reflections.
The Nose: Fresh and intensely perfumed. It leads with red cherries and raspberries, followed by elegant notes of violet, white pepper, and a subtle flinty minerality.
The Palate: Medium-bodied and remarkably fluid. The entry is crunchy and fruit-forward, supported by fine-grained tannins and a vibrant, refreshing acidity.
The Finish: Clean and persistent, with a lingering savory note and a touch of bitter almond—a classic trait of authentic Valpolicella.
Tasting Notes
James Suckling 91
"A straight-shooting Superiore with minimal dried fruit influence. This is a very exciting, vibrant wine from the Magnabosco clan focused on freshness and purity rather than mass." [James Suckling, 01/01/2026]
Producer Profile
The Soul of Soave Classico
Monte Tondo is a premier family estate located in the heart of the Soave Classico zone in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. For three generations, the Magnabosco family has cultivated their vines on the steep, volcanic slopes of the Monte Tondo hill, overlooking the medieval town of Soave.
Today, under the expert direction of Gino Magnabosco and his daughter Marta, the winery has become a global benchmark for Garganega, the noble grape of the region. Their mission is simple: to produce wines of profound mineral tension and aromatic purity that challenge the world’s finest whites.
The Terroir: Volcanic and Limestone Heights
The identity of Monte Tondo is defined by its extraordinary soils. While many Soave wines are produced on the flat plains, Monte Tondo’s vineyards are situated exclusively in the “Classico” zone, where the steep hillsides consist of ancient basalt and tuff.
- Mineral Character: This mineral-rich volcanic earth imparts the wine’s signature “smoky” or flinty character and its remarkable ability to age.
- Meticulous Farming: The family practices intensive canopy management and hand-harvesting, ensuring that only grapes rich in volcanic energy and natural acidity reach the cellar.
The Craft: Crystalline Precision
In the cellar, Monte Tondo strikes a balance between traditional wisdom and modern precision, focusing on the delicate, floral essence of the Garganega grape.
- Stainless Steel Fermentation: Most cuvées are fermented in temperature-controlled steel to maintain a “crystalline” freshness and vibrant citrus profile.
- “Sur Lie” Aging: A key hallmark of the Monte Tondo style is extended aging on the yeast (lees), which adds a sophisticated weight and savory complexity to the mid-palate.
- Prestige Selections: Top-tier wines like the Casette Foscarin undergo fermentation in large oak casks to develop a creamy, honeyed texture and notes of toasted almond.
A “Grand Cru” Caliber Producer
Today, Monte Tondo is celebrated by critics as a “Grand Cru” level producer of Italian white wine.
While famous for their white wines, the family also produces structured Valpolicella and Amarone reds from their vineyards in nearby Colognola ai Colli, reflecting a deep respect for the broader Veronese landscape.
