Gavi Anfora DOCG Bio La Zerba 2021/2022
An interesting, naturally cloudy, and very rich Gavi with balsamic tones, which ferments spontaneously and then ages for nine months in terracotta amphoras. You can try it with sushi, fish, or tartare, but always let it "breathe" for at least 10 minutes before consumption to fully enjoy its unique taste.
Variety: 100% Cortese bio
Aging: 9 months in terracotta amphoras
Recommendation: sushi, fish, tartare
Serving temperature: 12 °C
Alcohol: 14%
Allergens: sulfites
Country of origin: Italy
The small ecological winery La Zerba was founded by the Lorenzi family in 1973.
Their 12 hectares of vineyards, planted mostly with local varieties Cortese and Barbera, are located in the hilly landscape around the village of Tessarolo, which is part of DOC Gavi. The annual production of this family winery does not exceed 50,000 bottles. Thanks to the higher altitude of around 300 m above sea level, their wines are less fruity, more mineral, structured, and fresh than classic Gavi wines. This is also contributed by the specific composition of the clay soil, which is unusually red and very rich in minerals. La Zerba is a completely organic winery, where the vineyards are fertilized only with organic manure, the soil is enriched by plowing, and weeds are removed exclusively mechanically. Of course, there is hand harvesting and very limited use of sulfites. The entire estate is surrounded by forests, providing protection from pollution and helping create a harmonious and diverse ecosystem.
The Lorenzi family lets their wines age mainly in stainless steel tanks, with a real rarity being their Gavi aged in terracotta amphoras. In these, the wine ferments spontaneously on the skins for about a month, after the removal of the skins, the wine remains in the amphoras, and during January/February, when it is coldest, the amphoras are moved outside where the wine stabilizes due to the cold. In spring, the wine is transferred and remains on fine lees until bottling. Due to the absence of filtration, it remains naturally cloudy and has a very rich taste, which is further enhanced if you let the wine breathe for 10-15 minutes before consumption.
