Camillo Donati Il Mio Malvasia Pét-Nat 2023

Camillo Donati is a renowned Italian natural wine producer based in the Emilia-Romagna region, known for his commitment to biodynamic practices and traditional winemaking techniques. Located near Langhirano, in the heart of Parma's hills, the Donati family has been cultivating vines for generations. Camillo Donati continues this legacy by focusing on organic farming and low-intervention methods, ensuring his wines reflect the land's true essence.

Donati's wines are most recognized for using the traditional method of sparkling winemaking (Metodo Ancestrale) for varieties typically produced still, such as Malvasia di Candia, Lambrusco, Barbera, and Bonarda. He avoids using chemicals both in the vineyard and in the winemaking process. Fermentation is spontaneous with wild yeasts, and the wines undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle, without filtering or fining, leading to a more rustic and complex style of wine​.

His wines, like Malvasia Secco Frizzante and Lambrusco, have a distinctive cloudy appearance due to their unfiltered nature. The wines are crafted with minimal sulfur, and the secondary fermentation in the bottle brings out a unique expression of fruit, earth, and natural effervescence.

History

Emilia-Romagna's viticultural legacy dates back to ancient times, with both the Etruscans and Romans recognizing the value of the region's fertile terrains.

Subsequently, they initiated the cultivation of vineyards, thereby establishing the foundational pillars of the region's wine legacy. Over time, Emilia-Romagna welcomed various traders and settlers, and their collective contributions further shaped its wine traditions.

Terroir

Geographically, Emilia-Romagna spans from the expansive plains of the Po River to the rugged terrains of the Apennine Mountains. The region's climatic conditions, moderated by the Adriatic Sea, provide an optimal environment for viticulture. Its terroir, characterized by a composite soil structure of clay, silt, and sand, accentuates the uniqueness of its vineyards.

This particular soil composition ensures that grapes cultivated here encapsulate the region's intrinsic qualities, resulting in wines that reflect the true essence of Emilia-Romagna.

Wines

Emilia-Romagna is a repository of diverse wines, with Lambrusco often being the most recognized. However, its offerings extend beyond this effervescent variety. The region's Sangiovese reds are emblematic of its profound wine-producing expertise, while the Trebbiano whites exhibit a distinct lightness and elegance.

With an increasing emphasis on organic and natural wine production, Emilia-Romagna is poised to be at the forefront of contemporary vinicultural innovations, underscoring the belief that wine is not merely a beverage but a narrative of its origins.