Terrevive 'No Autoclave' Lambrusco dell'Emilia Rosso IGT 2022

Gianluca Bergianti founded Terrevive in 2008 with 16 hectares in Gargallo di Carpi just outside of Modena, standing ten toes on the ground in his commitment to adhering to strict biodynamic principles. The estate has grown to encompass 35 hectares, only 10 of which are planted entirely to indigenous varietals, with the remaining hectares responsible for growing cereals, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Polyculture is rad! More polyculture, please! Furthering his ‘let go’ ideology, Gianluca firmly commits to low-intervention and eschews the Charmat-method, preferring instead to add only grape must to his dry wines as they are bottled for their secondary fermentation, wherein the leftover natural yeasts nom-nom-nom on the sugars in the must, creating a gentle, whimsical, natural effervescence in each bottle within roughly three months. Self-described in his extremism, you won’t find Gianluca adding yeast, adjusting acidity, chaptalizing, and certainly not employing dosage (hello, bone-dry bubbles, welcome home). He even built a hill so he could carve out a bottle storage area in its side, opting to plant maple and hazelnut trees atop it that aid in keeping the storage room at a natural constant temperature, plunged in total darkness. ‘No Autoclave’ - see above note about the Charmat-method - is a testament to principle and palatability. Lambrusco salamino di santa croce leads the way into custom-made cement tanks, followed by the addition of some lambrusco di sorbara, and a cameo performance by the autochthonous white grape pignoletto, where primary fermentation is completed. Intensely aromatic, expect tangerine peel, white cherry and a pop of pickled green Szechuan peppercorn. Alpine and appetizingly herbaceous, a whisper of volatility adds contrast to the freshness of the fruit, enhancing a slightly tangy finish that marries earth and smoke with fruit and flower. Biodynamically grown, low-intervention/natural wine.