Perched on the hills over Conegliano, in the historic area of Prosecco, Riccardo Zanotto works his magic in his old family winery. Organic since their inception in 1984, Zanotto strives to make wines that act as a counterpoint to the mass-produced, recipe-style wines that have dominated for so many decades.

While he owns a portion of his own vines (working predominantly with Glera), he works with a network of trusted growers who also work organically, weaving together the threads of this place and telling the stories of wines past and present.

Riccardo, in particular, places a particular emphasis on the history of Marca Trevigiana. As he writes, “I would like those who drink a bottle of mine to be able to find in it the stories of yesteryear, those scents and character that made me fall in love with the places and traditions of the land where I was born and the ‘little pieces of Italy’ that I have passed through, loved, lived in.”

The wines are like people, each having its own personality and story. While his work with ancestral-method wines are the obvious punks and rapscallions of this big party, his charmat-method wines linger in the corner, in understated defiance. Brilliantly showcasing the way Prosecco is meant to act, with a purity and expressiveness that is only possibly through Riccardo’s gentle guidance.

Zanotto employs the Martinotti method, utilizing a “presa di spuma” (taking of foam) and a gentle and controlled temperature and pressure. Always pristine, and always spontaneous.

Photos and quotes courtesy of Riccardo Zanotto and zanottocolfondo.com

ZANOTTO

Country: Italy

Region: Veneto

Sub-region or Appellation: Marca Trevigiana IGT

Winemakers: Riccardo Zanotto

Viticulture: Certified Organic

Terroir: sand, soil, clay

Size: 3 hectares

Website: zanottocolfondo.com
Instagram: @zanottocolfondo

ZANOTTO :: Rivolto

85% Glera and 15% white field blend from vineyards that are situated at the foot of the Asolo Hills of Treviso. This is an extra-dry sparkling wine made via Martinotti-Charmat method, using indigenous yeast and aged in bottle for 20 days before release. Delicate yet vibrant, this is a wine versatile enough to pair with endless possibilities.

Vintage: NV
Varieties: Glera (85%), Chardonnay (15%)
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 11%
Region: Veneto
Sub-Region or Appellation: Montebelluna
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Sand, soil, clay
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Charmat-method, spumante with 3 months of autoclave
Aging: 20 days in bottle before release
Fining or Filtering: Filtered but unfixed, safe for vegans
Sulfur:

ZANOTTO :: Frottola

A sparkling wine made with Glera and a sprinkling of Chardonnay, Frottola shows a soft spot for the fun-loving fizz of the eighties, reminiscent of the old taverns of Marca Trevigiana. Fermentation takes place in steel tanks for two weeks, followed by a second fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Filtered and bottled under crown cap. IGT Marca Trevigiana.

Vintage: NV
Varieties: Glera (85%), Chardonnay (15%)
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 11%
Region: Veneto
Sub-Region or Appellation: Montebelluna
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Sand, soil, clay
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: First fermentation in stainless steel for two weeks, second done with indigenous yeasts before bottling. Frizzante.
Aging: In bottle
Fining or Filtering: Filtered but unfined, safe for vegans
Sulfur:

ZANOTTO :: Col Fondo Bianco

100% Glera, refermented in bottle. A cloudy, frizzante-level sparkling white wine bursting with bright citrus notes and aromatic quince, followed by a deliciously long, dry and salty finish.

Vintage: NV
Varieties: Glera
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 11%
Region: Veneto
Sub-Region or Appellation: Montebelluna
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Sand, soil, clay
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Second fermentation completed “around Easter”
Aging: In bottle
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: None added

ZANOTTO :: Col Fondo Rosso

80% Marzemino 20% Cabernet Franc refermented in bottle. A refreshingly dry frizzante sparkling red wine that balances lifted acidity with crunchy cherry and raspberry fruit flavors.

Vintage: NV
Varieties: Marzemino, Cabernet Franc
Style: Sparkling Wine
ABV: 12%
Region: Veneto
Sub-Region or Appellation: Montebelluna
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Sand, soil, clay
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: 7-10 days of maceration. Second fermentation completed “around Easter”
Aging: In bottle
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: None added