At a glance

Producer

Fattoria Zerbina

Region

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$45-$70 USD

Tasting profile

Crushed cherry, wild herbs, tobacco, subtle vanilla and spice, medium+ body, fresh acidity, fine persistent tannins.

Evolution: In next 5-10 years, will develop leather, dried floral, and earthy complexity, softening tannins and accentuating umami notes.

At peak: Beautiful harmony of fruit, earth, and tertiary notes; graceful, elegant finish typical of aged Sangiovese from this terroir.

Structure

Acidity

Fresh, vibrant

Tannins

Firm, youthful

Alcohol

13.5%-14%

Aging potential

Medium to long: 15-18 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2035

Optimal window

2025 to 2038

Current status

Youthful, can age

Current condition

Structured, fresh, primary fruit and spice; beginning to show terroir

Firm Sangiovese from select vineyard parcel; built for longevity by extended maceration, careful oak maturation, and selection of oldest vines. Complex terroir-driven style will reveal depth and nuance as tannins resolve.

Food pairing

Braised beef, wild boar ragu, aged Pecorino, mushroom risotto, roast game birds.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm, youthful tannins that can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Integrated pest management, use of organic fertilizers, cover crops for biodiversity, reduced chemical treatments, hand harvesting, water conservation practices in vineyard and winery, light-weight glass packaging introduced in recent years.

Fattoria Zerbina is a sustainability leader in Emilia-Romagna, pioneering integrated eco-friendly viticultural practices. While not certified organic or biodynamic, the estate adopts many best practices (biodiversity, water/energy conservation, minimized chemical use, recycling initiatives). Their efforts result in a significantly lower overall impact than large-scale industrial operations. However, reliance on conventional treatments (occasionally necessary in difficult vintages) and use of standard glass (not lightweight for all bottlings) keep their profile pioneering but not the absolute highest global standard.