“Have you tried the new labels?” That simple question was enough to bring us back to share a chat and a few (actually three) glasses with Matteo Cipolla of Tenimenti Leone.
In the heart of the Castelli Romani, among vineyards rooted in volcanic soil and landscapes embracing lakes and ancient towers, Tenimenti Leone is experiencing a period of great excitement. “We launched three new labels presented at Vinitaly, and since May they’ve been on the market,” says Matteo Cipolla, the soul of the Lanuvio estate. “They are the first wines released under the project led by Vincenzo Mercurio, with whom we’ve been collaborating for a year now. The vineyards are the same, and so is our philosophy: to remain faithful to the varieties and the territory. But with these new labels we wanted to assert an identity that is even clearer and more recognizable.”
An identity that speaks of Rome and its surroundings: from Lake Nemi to Caligula’s ships, and to the Temple of Juno Sospita in Lanuvio. “It’s no coincidence that the names we chose recall the history and symbols of our land. Today wine should not chase after a flavor profile but rather convey an authentic bond with the land it comes from. It is uniqueness that creates value.”
And the news doesn’t stop with the three labels already on the market. In the coming months, more projects will be launched, including a sparkling Bellone expected in October, followed by a red and a white designed for long aging.
Tenimenti Leone is not only about production but also about hospitality. From the start, the winery was conceived to be visited and to offer emotions to those who come. Today, the wine tourism offering is enriched with six apartments housed in the 17th-century tower, alongside the 10th-century one already part of the estate, as well as an evocative multimedia hall that guides guests through vineyards, barrel cellar, aging caves, and tasting room. An immersive journey blending history, architecture, and innovation, with a clear “wow” effect.
When asked what the wine world lacks in order to reach new markets, Matteo answers pragmatically: “There’s no need to invent anything new, we just need to communicate better. Wine must remain a simple, direct pleasure. It can’t be just a matter of discussion among experts: it must be accessible to everyone, even to those who approach it without technical knowledge. If it becomes too demanding, we risk alienating young people in particular. Instead, it should be an open, immediate, inclusive language.”
An approach that is also reflected in the new wines—especially the new Syrah, which I described as “dangerous” and Matteo called a “wine for snack time”, thanks to its easy-drinking nature.
And for 2025? The harvest has already begun with the sparkling bases and the first fresh whites, while the later varieties will be picked later on. In any case, 2025 promises to be a good vintage.
The future of Tenimenti Leone thus points to new labels, a stronger territorial identity, and a hospitality experience capable of turning a visit into a true journey. “Let’s meet at the end of the harvest,” Matteo promises, “but in the meantime, follow us to discover our sparkling Bellone.”
