Venturini Baldini Montelocco Lambrusco Rosso (75cl, 11.5%)

Venturini Baldini Montelocco Lambrusco Rosso is an organic sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy, bottled at 11.5% ABV. Venturini Baldini operates a 130-hectare estate dating to the 17th century, situated in the hills between Reggio Emilia and Parma, and has farmed organically since the early 1990s. Montelocco is made from 100% Lambrusco Salamino grapes and undergoes secondary fermentation via the Charmat method in pressurised tanks, yielding a gentle, persistent sparkle. The nose opens with ripe plum skins and black cherry, then damp earth and a subtle herbal undertone. The palate has juicy blackberry and plum with a touch of natural sweetness, checked by racy acidity, then rhubarb tang, a balsamic-like savory note, dark cherry and tomato leaf. The finish is bright and surprisingly dry, with fine-grained tannins and lingering plum skin and earthy minerality.