From cooperative supplier to independent winery
The roots of Latium Morini go back to 1980. At that time, Luigi and Giuseppe Morini combined their land and founded a small family business. They initially delivered their grapes to the local cooperative winery. In 1992, a country house from the early 1900s was added, surrounded by vineyards in the Val di Mezzane east of Verona. Previously, the family's vineyards were located in the Val d’Illasi.
The winery was officially founded in 2001. The first cellar was a small garage in the old family courtyard, and the first label appeared in 2003. In 2006, construction began on the new cellar in Val di Mezzane. Today, seven siblings and cousins of the second generation run the business together. The name Latium recalls the Romans who grew wine, olives, and fruit here. The locals called them “Latii” back then, the people from Latium.
Hand-harvesting, oak barrels, and a cellar six meters underground
The family cultivates around 40 hectares of vines between Valpolicella and Soave, spread across the Val di Mezzane, the Val d’Illasi, and the Valpantena. Harvesting is done by hand, and the selection of grapes continues in the cellar. The modern new building vinifies with five automatic fermentation tanks of 150 quintals each. They are designed to keep contact with oxygen as low as possible. Around 30 temperature-controlled containers are used for storage until bottling.
Six meters underground, the wines mature in more than 600 oak barrels of various origins and sizes. The family combines traditional methods with modern technology and maintains a respectful approach to nature. In addition to wine, they produce olive oil from fruits from Monte del Castello in the Val d’Illasi and the Grappa Stilla Divina from the pomace of the Amarone.
From fresh cherry fruit to Amarone Leòn
The range covers the wines of the region: Soave made from Garganega with the typical fine bitter almond note, Valpolicella with cherry and dark berries, Ripasso, and Amarone. Added to this are the sweet Recioti from Valpolicella and Soave. The wines are intended to taste typical of the region, traditional, and straightforward.
The Amarone della Valpolicella Leòn is the flagship. It is a cuvée of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Croatina, and Oseleta. The vines grow on limestone soils in sites over 200 meters above sea level. The wine has about 16.5% ABV. In the glass, you will find violets, cherry jam, and preserved red fruits with spicy notes. On the palate, it is carried by soft, supple tannins. Serve it at about 18 °C with braised roasts, goulash, game, or strong cheese.
