NV Podere Il Saliceto Albone Lambrusco

Region: Modena < Emilia-Romagna < Italy
Grapes: Lambrusco Salamino
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming, 50 year-old vines on sandy soils; primary fermentation in stainless steel, secondary fermentation in bottle with must from original harvest; minimal added sulfur and no filtering or fining; 300 cases; 12.5% ABV
Winemaker: Gianpaolo Isabella

Brother-in-law winemakers Gian Paolo and Marcello, who started the tiny Podere il Salecito estate in the classic Lambrusco area near Modena, work only with indigenous varietals like the traditional Lambrusco Salamino grape here. We had the pleasure of visiting with Gianpaolo at his estate this summer, watched him machete his way through the vineyard to clear out overhang (super high-tech), and taste through the full lineup of wines, which were outstanding. His ‘Albone ‘is everything we want in a Lambrusco, it's dry, luscious purply, chewy earth. With Lambrusco’s famous acidity and tartness, this is the wine you want with pizza, salumi, cheese or fried bits, as it'll cut through all that fat and clean your palate. In the scorching heat of the late summer, this wine is the perfect sparkling red refreshment we all want (and need!). Chill like a white wine and enjoy nice and cold!