Bruno Verdi
There is a hilly wine region south of Milan, Oltrepò Pavese, which is relatively unknown abroad. It can be considered a “jewel region” with its incredible terrior bordering with Piemonte, Emilia Romagna and Liguria. Did you know that Oltrepò also happens to be the largest wine-producing area of Lombardy (and one of the largest in Italy), specialising in Pinot Noir?
The microclimate dry in winter and windy in summer; soils consisting of marine sedimentary rocks. Today Oltrepò is the third most important DOC area in Italy and the first in Lombardy, constituting 60 percent of the region's vineyard area. The history of these lands and their people is therefore deeply linked to the world of winemaking.
The microclimate dry in winter and windy in summer; soils consisting of marine sedimentary rocks. Today Oltrepò is the third most important DOC area in Italy and the first in Lombardy, constituting 60 percent of the region's vineyard area. The history of these lands and their people is therefore deeply linked to the world of winemaking.
I stumbled into Bruno Verdi through a very good friend and fellow Sommelier, the Wine Princess , Orietta Piva. We share the same tastes and I asked her: “Who would you consider to be a good partner ?” It didn’t take long before she gave me a list of potential wine producers. At the end I started to do some of my own homework, and after quite a few tastings there was no question.
Paolo, his wife Enrica, and sister Monica, run a tight-knit show. Their children are preparing themselves to follow their steps.
Paolo, his wife Enrica, and sister Monica, run a tight-knit show. Their children are preparing themselves to follow their steps.
THE KING OF KINGS
May I say that it is hard to find better? I am completely impartial, I know, but anyone who tastes this beauty will be astounded. The specifications of the DOCG Metodo Classico Pinot Noir, stipulate that a minimum of 85% must be Pinot Noir. Bruno Verdi flies over the edge.
Classic Method
Vergomberra DOCG 2018 DOSAGE ZERO Bottle
Vergomberra DOCG 2016 EXTRA BRUT Magnum
Grapes
Pinot Noir 85 %, Chardonnay 15 %
Type: 2017 DOSAGE ZERO <3 g/l sugar.approx.
2015-2016 MAGNUM EXTRA BRUT 5 g/l zucch.ca.
Alcohol content
13 % Vol
The vineyard lies at about 200 m above sea level and with its high diurnal range, the grapes that are picked at an early stage of skin ripeness have a good balance of acidity and sugar that are needed. Pas Dose, meaning almost absolutely no sugar. Dry, high acidity, creamy perlage but some how more flavour and aromas than one may think.
How does he do it? A Pas Dosé that masquerades itself like a Brut. Berry fruit, body and elegance. Well in this little angle of Italian paradise there is a micro climate that is very unlike anywhere you’ll find with soils that are composed of ancient rocks called Terra Rossa. Paolo´s grapes are harvested by hand in 18-20 kg perforated plastic crates. After being cooled in the refrigerator cell, are manually tipped into the press obtaining 50% grape/wine yield. The must after decanting is sent to fermentation by controlling the temperature. 5 % of the must is placed in Austrian Styrian barriques to ferment. The wine will remain in wood for 6 months on its lees.
May I say that it is hard to find better? I am completely impartial, I know, but anyone who tastes this beauty will be astounded. The specifications of the DOCG Metodo Classico Pinot Noir, stipulate that a minimum of 85% must be Pinot Noir. Bruno Verdi flies over the edge.
Classic Method
Vergomberra DOCG 2018 DOSAGE ZERO Bottle
Vergomberra DOCG 2016 EXTRA BRUT Magnum
Grapes
Pinot Noir 85 %, Chardonnay 15 %
Type: 2017 DOSAGE ZERO <3 g/l sugar.approx.
2015-2016 MAGNUM EXTRA BRUT 5 g/l zucch.ca.
Alcohol content
13 % Vol
The vineyard lies at about 200 m above sea level and with its high diurnal range, the grapes that are picked at an early stage of skin ripeness have a good balance of acidity and sugar that are needed. Pas Dose, meaning almost absolutely no sugar. Dry, high acidity, creamy perlage but some how more flavour and aromas than one may think.
How does he do it? A Pas Dosé that masquerades itself like a Brut. Berry fruit, body and elegance. Well in this little angle of Italian paradise there is a micro climate that is very unlike anywhere you’ll find with soils that are composed of ancient rocks called Terra Rossa. Paolo´s grapes are harvested by hand in 18-20 kg perforated plastic crates. After being cooled in the refrigerator cell, are manually tipped into the press obtaining 50% grape/wine yield. The must after decanting is sent to fermentation by controlling the temperature. 5 % of the must is placed in Austrian Styrian barriques to ferment. The wine will remain in wood for 6 months on its lees.
A special hats off to:
CRUASÉ
Classical Method Pinot Noir Rosé DOCG 2018
Grapes: Pinot Noir 100%
An Extra Brut with an intense pink color and persistent pelage. Its delicate, fragrant, red fruit nose with hints of bread and pastry. Elegant juicy crisp. I would drink it alone as an appetiser, or accompany it from cheese to fish pasta plates.
The riesling italico vine is an entirely distinct variety from the Rhine riesling. It is a simple white with a straw-yellow color and delicately fruity aromas. The flavour invites you to keep on sipping, pleasantly flowing, light, fragrant and fresh. The finish has a slightly almondy aftertaste. In Bruno Verdi's tradition, it is vinified in a lightly sparkling version. Top quality – price factor.
So everyone knows Lambrusco right? Or don’t you want to admit that you like it!
Well here it’s called Bonarda. You just can’t put the glass down.
Bonarda “Possessione di Vergombera” DOC 2021 100% Croatian, vivacious red 14%abv + 10g/l of natural residual sugar approx. The grapes are once again harvested by hand, its destemmed to avoid any bitterness in the wine and during fermentation the Cap is worked gently to extract its intense ruby color and structure. Then its placed in a Steel Vat for what is called “frothing” with its natural sugars, that will slightly diminish with the natural development of CO2. No wonder it has won Vino Quotidiano Guide SLOWWINE 2022! There is no need to get sophisticated around it. Bruno Verdi Bonaria lies in a class of its own. All charcuterie and cheese pairs extremely well, not to mention Pasta a pomodoro. I won’t tell you what I do, better yet, I will; just eat fresh white bread with it!
CRUASÉ
Classical Method Pinot Noir Rosé DOCG 2018
Grapes: Pinot Noir 100%
An Extra Brut with an intense pink color and persistent pelage. Its delicate, fragrant, red fruit nose with hints of bread and pastry. Elegant juicy crisp. I would drink it alone as an appetiser, or accompany it from cheese to fish pasta plates.
The riesling italico vine is an entirely distinct variety from the Rhine riesling. It is a simple white with a straw-yellow color and delicately fruity aromas. The flavour invites you to keep on sipping, pleasantly flowing, light, fragrant and fresh. The finish has a slightly almondy aftertaste. In Bruno Verdi's tradition, it is vinified in a lightly sparkling version. Top quality – price factor.
So everyone knows Lambrusco right? Or don’t you want to admit that you like it!
Well here it’s called Bonarda. You just can’t put the glass down.
Bonarda “Possessione di Vergombera” DOC 2021 100% Croatian, vivacious red 14%abv + 10g/l of natural residual sugar approx. The grapes are once again harvested by hand, its destemmed to avoid any bitterness in the wine and during fermentation the Cap is worked gently to extract its intense ruby color and structure. Then its placed in a Steel Vat for what is called “frothing” with its natural sugars, that will slightly diminish with the natural development of CO2. No wonder it has won Vino Quotidiano Guide SLOWWINE 2022! There is no need to get sophisticated around it. Bruno Verdi Bonaria lies in a class of its own. All charcuterie and cheese pairs extremely well, not to mention Pasta a pomodoro. I won’t tell you what I do, better yet, I will; just eat fresh white bread with it!
