Silvia Zucchi In Purezza Lambrusco di Sorbara Brut Modena 2021

Introducing Silvia Zucchi, In Purezza, Lambrusco di Sorbara Brut, Modena 2021 - a delightful red sparkling wine from a small town outside of Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.  Made using 100% hand-harvested Lambrusco di Sorbara grapes grown in sandy soils, this wine represents the region’s terroir.

Silvia Zucchi, a third-generation winemaker, studied enology in Conegliano and returned to Emilia-Romagna after graduation to join her family’s winery.  After a decade of experience, she started her own label, In Purezza, to produce small-batch wines from the family’s most historic vineyards.  And with the family’s vines in Sorbara, she built the new brand around the Lambrusco di Sorbara grape, named for the local town where it grew wildly before cultivation.  The Lambrusco grape is one of the oldest indigenous varietals in Italy.  It has been cultivated in the Emilia-Romagna region for centuries, with mentions of the grape in ancient writings dating back to the 1st century AD.  Each of the eight clones has unique characteristics and stylistic tendencies based on region, and Lambrusco di Sorbara is considered the lightest and most elegant clone.

Despite its reputation for producing sweet, low-quality wines in the 1970s and 80s, Lambrusco has made a comeback in recent years.  Winegrowers like Silvia Zucchi focus on delivering high-quality, artisanal Lambrusco wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the grape and the terroir of Emilia-Romagna.  With its refreshing acidity, fruit-forward flavors, and versatility in pairing with a wide range of foods, Lambrusco is again gaining recognition as a delicious and enjoyable wine.

Silvia uses the Charmat Method, also called the “metodo Italiano,” to vinify the In Purezza Brut.  Initially invented by an Italian winemaker named Federico Martinotti, the technique sought a new way to produce sparkling wine on a larger scale and shorter timeline.  After its initial fermentation, the still wine is combined with yeast and sugar, then sealed into pressurized stainless-steel tanks for secondary fermentation.  The resulting wines are known for their fruitier aromas and flavors, with larger, rounder bubbles on the palate, making it a well-matched technique for the light-bodied Lambrusco di Sorbara grape.

The In Purezza Brut on the nose offers aromas of red fruits like cherries and strawberries and an underlying hint of violets.  The palate is refreshing with a lengthy finish.  It boasts a harmonious balance of acidity and tannin, a perfect pairing with a plate of charcuterie or wood-fired pizza.  With its small-batch production and attention to detail, this wine is a must-try for any wine lover looking to explore the charm of Emilia-Romagna.