NV Bruno Zanasi Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro ‘Bruno Zanasi’

Grapes: Grasparossa di Castelvetro
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: organic farming, clay soils, fermented in stainless steel, held at low temperature and only bottled upon demand to preserve freshness, 30 year old vines; minimal SO2 at bottling only; 11% ABV
Winemaker: Marco Zanasi  

NEW VINTAGE ALERT!  We had the pleasure of visiting Marco Zanasi last summer at his family estate, started by his father Bruno right after WWII, and fell in love with the family, their sweet hospitality and their passion for the land.  Young Marco and his wife have taken their Lambrusco from above average to stellar.  Farming organically, he uses modern technology but only in a way that supports the old traditions that his grandfather and great-grandfather championed. He’s managed to avoid the jammy, sugary fruit bomb style that Lambrusco embraced in the 70’s and 80’s, and has produced a modern, elegant Grasparossa that is herbal and intoxicating. Lambrusco is lightly sparkling – just enough to cleanse your palate after a bite of cheese and salumi (the traditional pairing) – but the Bruno Zanasi has that extra layer of herbs, spice and brambly earth that takes it from thirst quenching to soulful. Another beautiful thing about Lambrusco is that it manages to remain impossibly affordable! One day the price will go up, when fizzy reds (finally) get sexy – but until then, we’ll keep guzzling this delicious juice all day long…

DRINKING NOTE: chill this like you would a white wine and drink straight from the fridge.