Lambrusco Ruberti, Lombardy, Italy

Like a new star appeared in the bubbly red sky and formed a freshly twinkling constellation for us to contemplate our existences over. Brand new to Ontario, meet Villa Picta! Young, passionate winegrower and maker Paolo Pasini, and author/NYC *star* sommelier Amanda Smeltz have teamed up and are defining lambrusco in their own terms. Paolo’s three hectares of familial river valley vineyards sit in southern Lombardy at the intersection of Veneto and Emilia-Romagna, focusing on the regional varieties in the Lambrusco family that deserve their minimal-intervention moments in the sun and welcoming non-regional grapes that they believe make perfect sense to plant. FUN FACT! Ruberti is one of lambrusco’s hyper-specific expressions of place, only grown in Mantova! Spritely bubbles that burst like flowers opening, freeze dried strawberry, wilted fennel meets blackberry bramble catches, shells, French soap on a rope & a fierce, salty acidity. The pair recommend enjoying with tortellini en brodo, and don’t forget to give the broth a little sip.