2017 Lusenti Gutturnio

Colli Piacentini < Emilia Romagna < Italy  
Grapes: Bonarda + Barbera
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic farming with biodynamic practices; bottle fermented; unfined/unfiltered with zero added SO2; 11.5% ABV
Winemaker: Ludovica Lusenti

In the early 90’s Ludovica Lusenti took over the family estate, started by her grandfather in the early 1900’s for growing table grapes. She converted the farming to organic and became certified in 2010. Working only with local grapes, native yeasts and little to no sulfites, she’s now making clean, classic, delicious wines in the typical style of the area (they’re big on the lightly bubbly styles here).

Gutturnio is what the Emilia locals call blends of Barbera and Bonarda (AKA Croatina), made in a frizzante style, picking up some gentle bubbles the old-fashioned way: one fermentation in the bottle, trapping the natural Co2 created by the sugar/yeast action.  To be clear: this is a slightly bubbly red meant to be drunk ice cold!  Not sure this is for you?  We get it – you’re thinking, fizzy red, it's probably simple and sweet… Nope, this is a seriously dry, complex red with the acid and punch to cut through fatty foods of all kinds.  Less tannic and more refreshing than Emilia's more famous sparkler, Lambrusco, Lusenti’s Gutturnio tastes like wildflowers, rocks, and crisp black cherry/blackberry fruit.  Perfect for anytime sipping (it’s only 11.5% ABV after all), sharing with friends (super affordable) or slurping alongside fatty foods like salami, cheese, pizza, etc. (that ripping acidity!)