Pievalta San Paolo Verdicchio Riserva (75cl)

Riserva on the label tells you that this is a serious Verdicchio that has a bit more breadth and complexity than the average. In this instance that little bit extra comes from over two years spent on the lees, which has imparted an enormous amount of flavour to the wine. The result is a honeyed, hazelnut, tropical-fruit flavoured wine with a fine backbone of acidity. It has fabulous ageing potential but will drink very well now with vegetable-based pasta dishes, fish and poultry.

18/20 – JancisRobinson.com, ‘Cut lemon and breadcrumb on the nose. Minerally notes. Linear lemon-fruit palate with stunning precision, length and clarity. Vibrant finish. Gorgeous wine that should be on any serious restaurant’s wine list.‘ Walter Speller August 2016 (2013 vintage)

Barone Pizzini was founded in 1870 by the noble family of the same name. It is one of the oldest wineries in Franciacorta, and was the first winery in the region to promote biodiversity and natural farming methods.The company has captured the area’s long cultural significance to help shape both Franciacorta’s legacy and contemporary character. Pizzini is a keen observer of its land, developing thoughtful farming models that have propelled them to the front line of their region. Its key philosophy is to trust in nature first. Silvano Brescianini, the winemaker (and CEO), took over winemaking responsibilities in 1994. For him, vines and wines are borne out of natural farming and, as such, should reflect their origins. His aim of low intervention results in wines defined less by artifice and more by location. Situated in what is oft cited as the best areas of Franciacorta production, the winery’s 47 hectares are divided into 25 separate parcels across four municipalities including Provaglio d’Iseo, Corte Franca, Adro and Passirano. Vines are sited at an average of 200 meters above sea level with an average age of 20 years. Subsoils are complex in origin. Some are morainic in nature, while others are enriched by glacial river deposits. Pizzini also own a 26 hectare biodynamic wine estate in the Marche (Pievalta) and have further expanded their holdings with an estate in Maremma (Poderi di Ghiaccioforte) on the Tuscan coast. All farming practices on their three estates subscribe to natural models that use organic matter to sustain soil fertility with natural parasites to control pests. Sensitivity begins with the health of the soil, and extends throughout their viticultural practices in defense of the transparency of their different terroirs .The winery building itself represents a desire to reduce environmental impact and to maximize energy savings. The architectural choices  guarantee the ideal environment for producing wines that respect the environment. For this reason, two thirds of the building lies underground, ensuring that ambient temperature remains stable, naturally.  

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