Saturday, September 24, 2011

Small Vineyards Imports - Winemakers - Barbolini

Small Vineyards Imports - Winemakers - Barbolini

For over a century, the Barbolini family has dedicated themselves to producing world-class delicacies of their homeland: balsamic vinegar from Modena and spectacular Lambrusco.

Founded in 1889 by Egidio Barbolini, the estate is located in the village of Casinalbo in Emilia-Romagna. Barbolini’s great-grandson, Matteo Buffagni, is a fourth generation winemaker and keeper of the family flame.

As a specialist in Lambrusco, made infamous in America by Riunite in the 1970’s, Matteo has had to develop a commendable persistence and good sense of humor when speaking to Americans. For many, Lambrusco was an enological disaster; a sweet, cloying glass of purple, fizzy plonk, that destroyed the category before anyone ever had a chance to taste the best. “It was a bit like being introduced to the violin by hearing a five year-old play it,” jokes Matteo.

Upon tasting the gorgeous, plum-soaked, mineral-laden Lambrusco of Barbolini, however, the inevitable response is: “Holy Cannoli!” It is, absolutely stunning. Barbolini maintains incredibly high standards, using the latest technology, a low-lit cellar to protect the color of the wine and a no-pump gravity racking system that extracts the juice ever so gently.

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