Cantina Vecchio Fondo is an artisan winery in Savignano sul Panaro that has made the recovery of traditions and organic farming its trademark. Their "Fermento" is a true niche "cru", an expression of historic vineyards that bring an uncommon depth to the glass.
Cantina Vecchio Fondo - "Fermento" Lambrusco di Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC
Fermento is the flagship wine of Cantina Vecchio Fondo, an emerging winery located on the Modena hills of Savignano sul Panaro. Produced in a very limited edition of approximately 2,000 bottles per year, this wine comes from old Grasparossa vineyards cultivated under organic farming. The choice of natural re-fermentation in the bottle (without disgorging) allows for the preservation of the fruit's integrity and the complexity bestowed by the yeasts, which remain at the bottom of the bottle. "Fermento" is not just a wine, but a liquid narrative of heroic and artisan agriculture, capable of transforming the typical structure of Grasparossa into a profound, textural, and vibrant sensory experience.
Sensory Profile: In the glass, it presents a deep, almost impenetrable ruby red, with purplish reflections and the characteristic natural cloudiness of unfiltered wines. The foam is rich, an intense and persistent violet. On the nose, it is an explosion of ripe dark fruits: blackberry, sour cherry, and blueberry, intertwined with notes of undergrowth, black pepper, and a delicate fragrance of bread crust. On the palate, the entry is powerful and vinous; the tannic texture is well-defined but smooth, supported by a mineral freshness that balances its imposing structure. The finish is dry, long, and leaves a pleasant memory of wild berries and liquorice root.
Vinification and Aging: The grapes come exclusively from old, low-yielding rows, harvested by hand. After prolonged maceration to extract the maximum polyphenolic content, the first fermentation occurs spontaneously. This is followed by natural second fermentation in the bottle, which gives it its fizz. The wine is left to rest on its lees without filtration or clarification, thus maintaining its vital energy and its ability to evolve over time.
Food Pairings: A "weighty" Lambrusco, ideal for structured dishes. It pairs magnificently with game (wild boar, hare), roasted beef, and braised meats. It is the perfect pairing for classic Modenese dishes: zampone, cotechino, and bollito misto with green sauce. Excellent with very long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano (over 36 months) and rich first courses like green Bolognese lasagna.
Technical Data
Producer: Cantina Vecchio Fondo
Wine: Lambrusco di Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC
Name: Fermento (Re-fermented in Bottle)
Grape Variety: 100% Lambrusco di Grasparossa (from Old Vines)
Region: Emilia-Romagna (Savignano sul Panaro - Modena)
Farming: Organic
Annual Production: Approximately 2,000 bottles
Alcohol Content: 12.5% Vol.
