Sansonina

Brand Description

In the mid 1990s, Carla Prospero and her daughter Nadia Zenato acquired a large 18th century farm in the Sirmione area called Sansonina. With this purchase they accepted a challenge to disprove some preconceptions. They set about producing exceptional red wine in a zone traditionally known for whites, while demonstrating that well-structured red wine isn’t necessarily men’s work.

Sansonina, the name given to the impressive 18th century cascina near Sirmione, derives from Samson, the Biblical judge called upon by God to defeat Israel’s enemies with his superhuman strength. The name also belonged to a woman who owned the estate centuries ago, nicknamed “Little Samson” for her strong character. Today, Sansonina maintains this masculine-feminine dualism. The property is located in the zone that produces Lugana, one of the most famous white wines of the Lombard-Veneto region and by definition a feminine wine. But Sansonina is also the only vineyard in the area to have old Merlot vines, a highly valued grape used to make some of the world’s most important red wines. With a typically feminine combination of determination and sensitivity, Carla and Nadia have succeeded in producing hearty, powerful and elegant wines.

Carla Prospero
Sansonina vineyard
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Winery Profile
Owner: Carla Prospero Zenato
Winemaker: Silvano Tempesta
Total acreage under vine: 30
Founded: 1997
Production: 30000
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Acclaim
“The Sansonina 2019 Garda Rosso Evaluna is an informal and accessible blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that won't break the bank. It shows medium dark concentration and a lively appearance. Aromas of dark fruit and blackberry rise from the bouquet along with integrated spice. The wine focuses in on primary fruit mostly, and this vintage boasts nice concentration and general intensity.” — acclaim for 2019 Sansonina Evaluna from Wine Advocate, Oct 2023
“The Sansonina 2020 Lugana Fermentazione Spontanea is a mild white wine made with 100% Trebbiano di Lugana. The wine is not especially aromatic, nor should you expect it to be given that this is the characteristic of the grape. But it does show a tightly knit texture with creamy notes of almond and a distant hint of spicy cumin.” — acclaim for 2020 Sansonina Lugana Fermentazione Spontanea from Wine Advocate, Oct 2023
“Sold in a specially designed bottle with very soft shoulders and a pretty form, the Sansonina 2018 Garda Merlot shows a delicate personality in this cool vintage. The wine's power and concentration are reined back to offer an elegant expression of fruit, cherry and blackcurrant. Those fruit renderings are softly framed by mild oak spice over a mid-weight finish.” — acclaim for 2018 Sansonina Merlot from Wine Advocate, Oct 2023
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