Controvento: Arsenio E Zazza

Controvento, meaning “Upwind” in Italian, is a 5 hectare vineyard in the Rocca San Giovanni region of Abruzzo just off the Adriatic Sea. Enzo’s farm, situated partially in a valley with the backdrop of the beautiful Adriatic in the distance, is a completely organically-run vineyard. Vines are grown on calcareous soil and cooled by the salty breeze of the Adriatic Sea. Fertilized with only winter green manure, the vines are pruned under the waning moon and zero chemicals of any kind are ever used. Enzo’s philosophy of wine-making is strict, allowing the grapes to flourish in each and every bottle. Enzo said after visiting Cantina that he wanted to make wines like his Grandfather did, in the purest possible form, therefore, he never fines, clarifies, filters, or uses any sulphur and always allows for spontaneous fermentation.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Montepulciano D' Abruzzo. The grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed and cofermented in stainless steel using native yeasts. Bottled without fining, filtration or sulphur. A lightly effervescent, medium bodied red reminiscent of Lambrusco. Meaty, grippy, but not drying on the palate. Carries a savory edge, almost like soy sauce. Rich, bitter cranberry sauce. Sparks fly.