1701 Sull Erba Non Dosato

Region: Franciacorta < Lombardia < Italy

Grapes: Chardonnay

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic + Demeter-certified Biodynamic farming; clay and sand soils; 18 mos aging with no dosage; first fermentation is done in amphora on native yeast, second fermentation in bottle using as re-starter must of the same grapes; bottled un-disgorged under crown cap with no added So2; 11.5%; 180 cases

Winemaker: Federico + Silvia Stefini

Brother and sister duo Federico + Silvia farm one of the oldest estates in Franciacorta (near Milan), a region known for producing top quality Methodo Classico bubbles (Italy’s answer to Champagne). And we mean super old. Within the 11th century walls outside of the 18th century villa Palazzo Cazzago lies their 4 hectare vineyard. They are not only certified organic but also biodynamic -- the first and only certified biodynamic producer in the Franciacorta region, in fact. They are so passionate about natural winemaking that they posted a manifesto on their website, declaring that their insistence on organic and biodynamic viticulture is, “far from any forcing or chemical intervention in the vineyard, is a philosophy of life, a way to understand and respect the vineyard in its life cycle until, in the bottle, it fully expresses itself.” It’s not actually labeled Franciacorta, because it has low pressure, isn’t disgorged and has a crown cap – essentially a pet’nat, although it does undergo a second fermentation in the bottle. Not a wallflower, this one has swagger, showing off those Chardonnay nutty, pear round notes, while somehow feeling lean and angular all at once. Zesty and salty, with a freshness that makes it succulent, and seductive grapefruit notes that keep you coming back for more.