The 2022 Prosecco Col Fondo is once again from the wonderful Box Grove Vineyard at Nagambie. Col Fondo, or ‘with the bottoms’ is a traditional sparkling wine method from northern Italy, that uses bottle fermentation and retention of the yeast sediment to give bubbles and texture. It is not a ‘pet nat’ per se, as we do not bottle the primary ferment - instead we allow the dry base wine to sit on gross lees in tank for 12 months before re-innoculating with fresh grape juice from the following vintage. It will be naturally cloudy, and the better for it!
The 2022 Season was again cool, with reduced yields from a little early season frost. The flavours of the juice were beautiful and intense with greater than average acidity, which gave extra crisspness and freshness to the wine, and helped guide the decision to ferment naturally in 3000lt foudre instead of stainless. The wine has more complexity, chalkiness and savoury characters than 2021, with a ‘wilder’ edge to it. More time on lees will see the bead become finer and flavours develop further toasty complexity, but it’s good to go now. You can stand it up in the fridge and allow it to settle clear, or you can shake it (lightly) to get the full yeasty experience.
No added sulphites, cloudy Fizz made from the traditional Glera grape.