These vines are enjoying a beach lifestyle as the soil is mostly sand here, which means winemaker Mirco Mariotti has the treat of working with original rootstocks. The dreaded louse phylloxera (a pest that destroys vines and nearly ended great vineyards in Europe in the mid 1800s until it was discovered that American rootstocks from whence it came were resistant to them) cannot survive in sand, so these 80 year old vines are producing wines on their original rootstocks, yielding amazing character and terroir specificity. This wine is made in Method Ancestrale (pet- nat, unfiltered) and the locals shake it a little to reincorporate the lees. It’s named after a local card game that’s played with a bottle of it nearby. Some skin contact (one day) adds structure and character. From Emilia-Romagna where we also get Lambrusco and a host of delightful foods (Parmigiano, Reggiano, Prosciutto, tagliatelle, tortellini, balsamic vinegar- it’s not a bad place to be. Also Lamborghini.)

On the nose, a whiff of new oranges, lemongrass, floral breeze, honeycomb. On the palate, vigorous bubbles, bright salinity, more honeycomb and lemon zest. This wine is lively and bone dry, and at 11.5% a nice low alcohol fresh summer quaffer. Have with any of the above of course, but we think seafood like a sauteéd skate wing with lemon butter or monkfish would be divine- rich and salty.

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Tipsy is a woman-owned wine and spirits shop in New York City. We offer more than 200 varietals for every palate and budget, as well as artisanal gifts and glassware. In addition to our retail presence, we produce educational wine tastings for law firms, nonprofits, and companies of all sizes. Our team of women sommeliers is also available to lead wine tastings for private events, engagement parties and bridal showers. To book a tasting or order client gifts, email events@shoptipsy.com.