2016 La Collina Lunaris Secco Malvasia Pet'Nat

Region: Emilia-Romagna< Italy

Grapes: Malvasia di Candia Aromatica

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Demeter-certified biodynamic + certified organic; limestone/sand soils; 6-18 hours on the skins, then gently pressed and fermented in stainless tank; minimal-added SO2; 11% ABV

Winemaker: Enea Burani

This story makes my hippie-heart sing: Agricola La Collina, employee-owned co-op, was founded in 1975 by 12 young men with a vision is that everyone on the farm would live together in harmony, farm the land biodynamically to produce artisan products that would support the effort, and offer this community and work opportunity to young adults recovering from drug problems.  And, somehow, they managed to FAR exceed this utopian dream. They grow vegetables, fruits, cereals, keep livestock, grapes; make great wine, sausages, honey, pasta, and meat products to sell; designed machines to help make biodynamic farming more accessible and practical, in partnership with Demeter founder Alex Podelinsky; and, they travel the world to host biodynamic farming workshops.  Oh, and they have rehabilitated many young drug addicts in the process.  Enea, who founded and still runs the and commune of La Collina, is a pretty amazing guy. Given his rather full plate, we’re in awe that he’s making such excellent wines.  Like this peppy Pet’Nat, made in the ancestral method from the aromatic Malvasia di Candia grape. If you’re used to the bland ubiquity of Prosecco, the fizzy golden elixir will blow you away.  It symphonically combines lemon zest, peaches and a subtle earthy character before taking its time on a long finish to hit notes of apple, buttery brioche and Orangina. Breakfast wine, my friends.