Gatto Brio Pet-Nat
A lightly sparkling Verdicchio sourced from 30ha of exposed vines at around 300m altitude.
For 70 years, Fazi Battaglia has focussed exclusively on one grape variety. Vineyards with different soils, elevations and exposures guarantee different interpretations of Verdicchio. In their cellar, new smaller tanks enable vinification of separate batches of grapes in order to further enhance differences in soil, clonal selection and vineyard exposure.
With innovation, creativity and insight to new wine trends, Fazi Battaglia now offer ‘orange’ and ‘pet-nat’ styles.
After hand harvesting there is a gentle pressing of whole bunches. Primary fermentation is in tank and the wine is bottled with crown cap and stored at about 18 degrees Celsius until being ready for release 9 months following the harvest. Production is limited to 6,000 bottles.
No additions other than minimal SO2, and bottled unfiltered.
Pours as a cloudy lemonade colour and has a very light spritz. Some blossom aromas in the bouquet; notes of golden delicious apple and pear with a touch of lime and saline minerality on the palate and finish.
About the Producer
Fazi Battaglia
Fazi Battaglia was created in 1949 by the union of two families, Fazi and Battaglia, in a small cellar in the town of Cupramontana. However, it was the ownership and operation by the Angelini family a few years later, who turned the company into a historic Italian wine brand – a symbol of both the Marche region and the Verdicchio grape variety.
Angelini was behind the unmistakeable amphora-shaped bottle that would make this still little-known Verdicchio wine immediately recognisable. A competition was announced in 1953 and won by the architect Antonio Maiocchi. Inspired by ancient Etruscan containers, the result was the curvy amphora (which was rechristened “the Sofia Loren” in America), a bottle linked not just to the image of the winery, but also to a grape variety and a whole territory.
The Angelini empire now consists of top estates in Italy’s esteemed regions. The aim of its wineries is respect for the environment and to promote the local ‘identity’ as authentically as possible. This openly-declared responsibility is consistent with the production philosophy of Bertani Domains, owned by the Angelini group. Andrea Lonardi, COO of Bretani Domains, is a legend in his own right, with exceptional experience of producing wine around the world.
