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The Wine
A remarkable, traditional-method (Metodo Classico) sparkling wine produced from 100% Lambrusco di Sorbara grapes in Emilia-Romagna. Named for the founder, Christian Bellei, the wine showcases a very different expression of the traditional Lambrusco. Closer in style to Champagne than traditional Lambrusco, the wine is vinified as a Blanc de Noirs with minimal skin contact. The winery was established around Christian's vision of elevating Lambrusco di Sorbara through the traditional method, and the flagship cuvée bears his name.
The bottling is the Cantina's version of a tete du Cuvee, and is packaged in a bottle similar to the Champagne "Special Club" bottlings. It is also a clear glass bottle - an homage to Cristal Champagne - and is wrapped in red cellophane that serves a dual purpose - to protect the wine from lightstrike (normally the job of green glass bottles!) and to serve as a metaphor for the Sorbara grape that has red skin but clear juice.
The 2016 vintage spent 3+ years on the lees, resulting in extraordinary complexity and finesse. In the glass, the wine displays a pale straw color with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is elegant and complex, opening with aromas of ripe apple, lemon zest, citrus blossom, white flowers, and freshly baked bread.
With aeration, notes of almond, brioche, flint, and subtle smoke emerge, reflecting its extended lees aging. The palate is precise and energetic, driven by vibrant acidity and a refined mineral backbone. Flavors of grapefruit, lemon, green apple, and orchard fruit are complemented by hints of pastry and toasted nuts. The mousse is creamy yet focused, while the finish is long, saline, and remarkably Champagne-like in its tension and persistence.
Pairings: Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, oysters, scallops, fried seafood, charcuterie, risotto, or simply as an aperitif. Its high acidity and refined structure allow it to pair effortlessly across a wide range of foods.
The Producer
Cantina della Volta was founded in the heart of the Lambrusco di Sorbara zone by Christian Bellei, whose family has deep roots in the sparkling wine traditions of Emilia-Romagna. The winery was established with a singular vision: to demonstrate that Lambrusco could achieve the elegance and complexity of the world's finest traditional-method sparkling wines through meticulous vineyard work and extended lees aging.
Located near the Secchia River, where Lambrusco di Sorbara reaches its highest expression, the estate focuses on low yields, careful fruit selection, and long aging periods uncommon in the region. Rather than emphasizing the youthful, frothy style typically associated with Lambrusco, Cantina della Volta applies creates wines of structure, minerality, and age-worthiness. This is a wine of remarkable sophistication and international caliber.
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