Picchioni Fior del Vento Sangue di Giuda 2024

Andrea Picchioni farms his vineyards in Canneto Pavese, in the Oltrepo Pavese hills of Lombardy, working organically and recovering old local material since the 1990s. Sangue di Giuda is the area's traditional sweet red, built here on Croatina with Barbera and other native varieties grown on the clay and limestone slopes that characterise the region. The grapes ripen fully in the warm Lombard summer, and fermentation is arrested while natural sugar and a gentle sparkle remain, holding the wine at a low 7% alcohol. That partial fermentation keeps the primary fruit fresh and the body light, with carbon dioxide left dissolved to give a soft frizzante texture rather than a full mousse. The colour is a brilliant ruby. The nose is fruit driven, with blackberry jelly, ripe cherry and red berries lifted by a floral, faintly peppery edge from the Croatina. On the palate it is sweet but balanced by bright acidity and a frothy lift, the fruit carrying through to a clean, moderately sweet finish. Serve well chilled, around 8 to 10 degrees, in a tulip glass. It suits fresh berry tarts, plum cake and lighter chocolate puddings.