Picchioni Bonarda Vivace Ipazia 2025

Picchioni is a respected family estate in Oltrepò Pavese, the hilly southern corner of Lombardy that has long specialised in lightly sparkling reds. Ipazia is a Bonarda Vivace made from Croatina, the local grape behind the region's classic frizzante style. The vineyards sit on clay and limestone hillsides, where cool nights preserve the grape's bright acidity and floral aromatics. Croatina gives deep colour, juicy red fruit and a faint bitter twist on the finish. The vivace sparkle comes from a gentle secondary fermentation that traps carbon dioxide, leaving a soft, frothy mousse rather than a fully sparkling wine. Organic farming and careful, prudent cellar work keep the fruit fresh and unforced. The wine is bright purple, with a light foam and a nose of raspberry, cherry and rose. The palate is juicy and lively, with low tannin, gentle fizz, red currant acidity and a peppery, faintly bitter close. Serve lightly chilled at 12 to 14 degrees as an easy partner to salami, pizza and weeknight pasta.