Terre di Leone #143
Passion and Tradition
Terre di Leone was founded in 2005 by Chiara Turati and Federico Pellizzari. The company is located in Valpolicella Classica, in Marano di Valpolicella with vineyards at 400 m above sea level. It is seven hectares of property today, including the first hectare inherited from grandfather Leone, grandfather of Federico.
At Terre di Leone, the vineyards are cultivated with deep respect for Valpolicella’s authentic traditions, yet infused with a forward-thinking, innovative spirit. As Chiara passionately states, “We are curious people – we love to understand the ‘why’ and ‘what,’ to experiment, to learn, and even to fail, because that is how we grow.”
This relentless curiosity is reflected in the diverse range of grape varieties thriving in their vineyards. Federico and Chiara continue to explore the full potential of their land, embracing discovery and pushing the boundaries of what Valpolicella wines can be. Their commitment to both heritage and innovation results in wines that honor the past while shaping the future.
Greatness of Authentic Valpolicella Wines
At Terre di Leone, winemaking is rooted in the philosophy of the micro-cru – a meticulous approach where each small vineyard plot is dedicated to a single native grape variety. The winemaking cellar is worth a visit, designed to be able to process the wines entirely by gravity, using only the finest first-run juice to craft wines of exceptional purity and depth.
Sustainability is at the heart of the estate, with zero irrigation and eco-conscious vineyard practices that honor the land and its legacy. And as a result there is a collection of wines that stay true to their origins, capturing the essence of Valpolicella’s rich terroir in every bottle.
Terre di Leone: Wines Rooted in Heritage
At Terre di Leone, the Valpolicella DOC wines are crafted exclusively from traditional grape blends, staying true to the region’s heritage. The estate’s vineyards, nestled on volcanic basalt soils with chalky deposits, are terraced with dry-stone walls and thrive without irrigation, ensuring the vines develop deep, complex flavors.
Federico believes in allowing wines to age naturally and gracefully. At Terre di Leone, every step of the winemaking process is designed to preserve the purity and integrity of the grapes. The estate does not use a grape selection table, instead relying on careful vineyard management to ensure only the best fruit is harvested. All fluids are processed using gravity, avoiding mechanical pumps that could compromise the wine’s delicate structure. The drying process takes place in-house, where temperature and humidity are carefully controlled to achieve the perfect concentration of flavors. Finally, each wine is bottled on-site at the winery, maintaining complete oversight from vineyard to bottle. The wines mature in French oak tonneaux and large 25hl barrels, enhancing their structure and elegance.
At Terre di Leone, every wine is crafted exclusively from estate-grown grapes. The winery produces two distinct ranges: Terre di Leone and Re Pazzo.
Each wine in the Terre di Leone range shares three key characteristics: it is made with partially or fully dried grapes, the winemaking process relies solely on gravity flow, and the wines are aged in oak for depth and complexity.
In contrast, the wines in the Re Pazzo (“Mad King”) range lack one of these elements—some are made entirely from fresh grapes, others are aged in stainless steel, or the winemaking process does not use gravity flow. Notably, unlike most producers, Re Pazzo Valpolicella Classico is released a year later than standard practice, allowing for greater refinement.
A unique standout is Dedicatum, the only Rosso Veronese IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) in the portfolio. This special wine features a blend that changes annually, incorporating up to 14 different grape varieties authorized under production regulations, making it a true expression of creativity and terroir.
As Chiara explains: “This is a story about how I feel connected to the creation of life when I see the vineyards begin to bloom every spring. Dedicatum is a COMMITMENT to remember and thank those who, in their own way, have helped, supported, and inspired us every year in the creation of the Terra di Leone winery.”
