Redentore Refosco Dal Peduncolo Rosso 2020

Redentore is owned by the De Stefani family, who have been producing wine in the Veneto since the late 1800s. They focus on small production natural wines, and the name Redentore is an homage to the culture of Venice. It means redemption, evoking the annual Redentore Festival that celebrates the end of the plague that struck Venice between 1575 and 1577. All of the wines are made using organic grapes and never see the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. They also do not add sulfur/sulfites or other preservatives at any point during the winemaking process. 100% refosco dal peduncolo rosso, grapes are destemmed, crushed, and fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel vats. After malolactic fermentation occurs, the wine rests on its lees in barrique to complete maturation. This smells like a super-charged Chinon (although there’s not a drop of cabernet franc involved!), with tons of brambly wild berries and savory green herbs on the nose. On the palate, it is bone-dry with impossibly-smooth tannins, and concentrated dark fruit flavors of blackberry, licorice, cocoa, and spices. Fruitful and balanced, this avoids any hint of “jamminess” while remaining simultaneously dry and oh-so-smooth. Fantastic with wild mushrooms dishes, duck breast, or roast pork with blackberry glaze. Certified organic, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.