Oro di Diamanti, "Flavus" 2019

Producer Profile: In the foothills surrounding the historic capital of the northern Italian region Emilia-Romagna, famed for its Parmiggiano Reggiano, Modenese Balsamic Vinegar, Grana Padano, slew of local pasta dishes, and its production of luxury sport cars, there is a quiet project whose name translates to “Gold from Diamonds." The winery Oro di Diamanti is the project of Susanna Diamanti, which covers a very small hectareage with native Pignoletto vines as well as several plots of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines of Oro di Diamanti spotlight the flexibility and potential of the pignoletto grape while also paying homage to the sparkling wine heritage of the region (hello Lambrusco). Beautiful summery brightness from Bologna!

Vinification: 100%  Pignoletto. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with wild yeasts and brief skin-contact. Bottled unfined, unfiltered with no SO2.

Tasting: A lighty-macerated, still Pignoletto from the masters of Emilia-Romagnan bubbles. Though still wines are not usually in their repertoire, this is something special. The nose is both nutty and citrusy, while the palate is alive with saline, fennel and black pepper.