Stefen 1624 Marzemino Refrontolo DOCG 2022 - De Stefani

Why the Expert Recommends De Stefani Stefen 1624 Marzemino Refrontolo

The enologist highly recommends this monumental and legendary label because it represents the peak historical expression of Marzemino di Refrontolo, a native grape variety celebrated over centuries and here vinified according to a family tradition dating back to 1624. De Stefani Stefen 1624 draws its name from the family's ancient surname, "Stefen," aiming to reproduce the original archetype of long-aging red wines. Crafted exclusively from the must-wine of selected grapes naturally dried on racks, this nectar reveals itself as extraordinarily rich in the aromatic and polyphenolic heritage of the grape skins. It delivers a dry red wine of majestic structure, highly suggested to cultured palates and avant-garde collectors alike.

The technical management applied in the Colvendrame estate in Refrontolo follows the strict rules of biodynamic philosophy, eliminating systemic chemical treatments in the vineyard and conducting an artisanal fermentation in total absence of added sulfites. Subsequent prolonged maturation in selected noble wood casks refines its vibrant youthful density, perfectly integrating the alcohol spine into a dense and velvety body. The final result is a liquid gem of immense longevity, capable of evolving beautifully over time and reaching its expressive peak starting from the twenty-fifth year after harvest.

Characteristics of Stefen 1624 De Stefani Wine

This exceptional and sumptuous Veneto red wine reveals a proud, austere character and absolute geometric discipline in the glass:

Organoleptic Profile and Structural Architecture

• Alcohol Content: At a monumental alcohol content well exceeding 15.50% ABV and supported by an impeccable acid-savory spine, this wine develops with a sovereign consistency and outstanding tasting depth.
• Visual Assessment: Deep, impenetrable, and crystalline ruby red color, enriched by majestic garnet highlights that testify to its extraordinary longevity and proud aging potential.
• Olfactory Profile: A broad, deep bouquet showing immense aromatic complexity. The opening is dominated by an enveloping predominance of overripe dark fruits, plum jam, wild cherry in alcohol, and dried figs, evolving into refined tertiary scents of bitter cocoa, sweet tobacco, leather, and noble oriental spices.
• Palate: At the end of a medium-to-long maturation period in selected casks that perfectly smooths its powerful polyphenolic drive, the entry into the mouth is straight. On the palate, the tasting reveals a velvety, soft, and enveloping profile endowed with an imposing body. The noble tannins are beautifully integrated, guiding the sip toward a savory, mineral, and remarkably persistent finish.

Recommended Pairings for This Marzemino Refrontolo DOCG Passito Wine: Serving Protocol

The extractive complexity and structural backbone of this premium single-varietal Marzemino make it ideal for accompanying rich dishes in fine dining, slow-cooked wild game, or saporous traditional preparations:

• Fine Land Gastronomy: It pairs superbly alongside intense dishes such as grilled Argentine beef served with grilled Treviso red radicchio. It matches perfectly with traditional troccoli alla chitarra in a rich wild hare sauce or a structured stew of savoy cabbage and roasted pork shank.
• Cheeses and Meditation: A magnificent companion for meditation or alongside saporous cheeses, intense blue cheeses, and extra-aged hard cheeses. It is designed to be sipped slowly to fully enjoy its constant evolution in the glass.
• Serving Protocol: It is highly recommended to uncork the bottle well in advance and allow it to breathe before serving at the optimal temperature of 16 - 18°C.
• Recommended Glassware: A wide, flared Ballon glass, essential for allowing the wine's massive body to breathe and channeling the spicy and tertiary spectrum directly toward the nose.

The Century-Old Excellence of the De Stefani Winery

Wines come to life in fertile soils and, above all, are born from the hands of men and women who possess ability, tenacity, experience, and a great passion for viticulture. Active since the 1800s in the prestigious Conegliano and Valdobbiadene district, the reality of the De Stefani winery planted its historic roots in the Colvendrame estate in Refrontolo, distinguishing itself in the production of native varieties such as Marzemino and Prosecco. Spreading its high-density vineyards over time into the Piave valley at the Le Ronche and Prà Longo estates in Monastier di Treviso, the fourth generation of the family crafts legendary labels like Raboso Piave for Malanotte, exporting the excellence of Italian winemaking on a planetary scale.