Paltrinieri, Sant'Agata - Italy, 2024
Fast Facts
Winemaker(s): Alberto and Barbara Paltrinieri
Region: Sorbara -> Emilia-Romagna -> Italy
Varietal(s): Lambrusco di Sorbara
Terroir: Alluvial soils, sandy silt and chalk
Serving Temp: 50-55°F
Alberto Paltrinieri's grandfather Achille built their winery in 1926, and for decades the family did what every other winemaker did: blend their Lambrusco with all of the other Lambrusco grapes to make easy-drinking fizz. In 1998, Alberto and his wife Barbara took over the winery, and, in addition to some traditional blends that also are incredible, they put an incredible amount of energy into making mono-varietal Sorbara. A very risky move that few have done! Lambrusco di Sorbara is notoriously finicky. It's pale, delicate, high-acid, more like a sparkling rosé than the deep red pizza wine most people picture. But that's exactly what they loved about it. The elegance, the precision, the way it could taste almost Champagne-like if you treated it right.
And it worked! Sant'Agata, named for the saint some say protects the Sorbara grape, comes from a 3.5-hectare organic section of their Cristo vineyard. They use the Charmat method with minimal dosage, going for bone-dry precision instead of the sweet stuff that made Lambrusco plonk infamous in the '70s. The result? A wine that drinks more like an elegant sparkling rosé, with wild berries, violet, and gorgeous salty-mineral finish.
Why'd we pick it?
This is Lambrusco that drinks more like an elegant sparkling rosé with extra depth, perfect for the season (and Turkey Day). The mono-varietal Sorbara means you get all the mineral-driven, floral complexity along with gorgeous acidity, keeping everything tense and refreshing.
Field Notes
- Tastes like: Wild berries, fresh flowers, cranberry, and citrus hit with a mouthwatering salty-mineral finish. Super dry, fine persistent bubbles
- Serve it cold c0ld! Right outta the fridge.
- Food pairings: This is a brilliant fried food companion! Honestly, fish n' chips?! Get outta here. And of course, any savory pasta dishes are perfect, Prosciutto di Parma, and your little snack plates. Or? One killer aperitivo.
