Il Mio Malvasia Pét-Nat Orange 2019

It’s fair to say that Camillo Donati is the granddaddy (or godfather?) of Italian natural wines in the “rifermentato” style, meaning pet-nat, as well as being perhaps the most influential figure responsible for reviving this ancient winemaking style. Yes, we’re talking about bubbles, but bubbles that defy expectations and, on top of being fresh and delicious, are also incredibly complex and age-worthy.

Located in the most authentic heart of Italy’s Emilia Romagna, not far from Parma, the winery has always been family-run, beginning with Camillo’s grandfather Orlando, who planted the first vineyard back in 1930. A true custodian of terroir and wise artisan, Camillo now farms organically about 15 hectares of traditional local varieties such as several different types of Lambrusco, Malvasia di Candia, Trebbiano, Sauvignon, and Barbera, often divided in tiny parcels, planted on soils of clay, silt, and limestone.Work in the cellar is just as rigorously natural and the wines are a true hymn to ancient tradition and agricultural wisdom, always bursting with bright life and flavor.