Davide Vignato "Cuvee dei Vignato" Gambellara Spumante 2015

Vin Chicago: 92 Points

(6/2021) With a grape whose name translates to little hard one, your outlook for this traditional method sparkler made predominantly from Durella may not be the most encouraging. An ancient variety, it offers atypical leanness and bright acidity - historically to its detriment. Davide Vignato, a saavy organic and biodynamic practicing grower imported by Kermit Lynch, turns those attributes to strengths in dry sparkling wine. Perhaps aided by 10% inclusion of Chardonnay, this gets a full 50 months lees aging before disgorgement - serious stuff. Surely to find its way to our staffs’ cellars, this secret is masterful in offering rich Champagne-like characteristics of autolysis to its fresh orchard fruit and almond blossom notes. A knockout at its price, and such a fun ringer to bring to a Champagne shootout.