What kind of wine is Romagna Albana Passito DOCG 'AR' 2018 - Fattoria Zerbina (0.375l, wooden box)?

The Romagna Albana Passito DOCG 'AR' 2018 - Fattoria Zerbina (0.375l, wooden box) is an elegant and complex sweet meditation wine, a symbol of Romagna's winemaking expertise. It is made from the ancient Albana grape, cultivated on the sunny hills of Faenza, where the calcareous-clay soils and ventilated microclimate favour perfect ripening. This passito combines freshness, intense aromas, and a never cloying sweetness. It is characterized by a harmonious style: aromatic, mineral, and of great intensity, with a balance between sugars and acidity that encourages drinking.

Vintage Details

2018 in Romagna was a regular vintage, marked by a mild spring and a dry but never excessive summer. The temperature excursions between day and night favoured the aromatic development of the grapes. The presence of humid mornings and windy afternoons allowed for the formation of the so-called "noble rot" (Botrytis cinerea), essential for the production of great passito wines like this Albana.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes destined for Romagna Albana Passito DOCG 'AR' 2018 - Fattoria Zerbina are harvested late, selecting only the bunches affected by noble rot. After a natural drying phase on the vine, the must ferments slowly in stainless steel, where it ages for a long time to enhance the purity of the varietal. The choice not to use wood allows the varietal aromas and freshness to remain intact, making the wine fine and bright, without toasted or vanilla notes.

Tasting Notes

Colour

In the glass, it presents an intense golden colour with amber nuances. Its brilliance denotes vitality and a concentration typical of the best passito wines.

Nose

On the nose, it is an explosion of complex and refined aromas: acacia honey, dried apricot, candied orange peel, and saffron. Delicate notes of medicinal herbs and a slight mineral component also emerge, lending depth.

Palate

On the palate, it is rich and velvety, but surprises with its freshness and lively acidity that perfectly balance the sweetness. The finish is long, with a persistent fruity and citrusy taste that leaves a clean and harmonious sensation.

What dishes to pair with Romagna Albana Passito DOCG 'AR' 2018 - Fattoria Zerbina (0.375l, wooden box)

This author's passito pairs magnificently with:

• Blue cheeses or aged cheeses such as Gorgonzola and Stilton
• Foie gras and duck liver terrines
• Dry pastries, fruit tarts, and custard desserts
• Alternatively, excellent on its own as a meditation wine

Thanks to the balance between sweetness and freshness, it also splendidly accompanies dishes based on dried fruit or citrus desserts.

Storage and Aging: how to store Romagna Albana Passito DOCG 'AR' 2018 - Fattoria Zerbina (0.375l, wooden box) wine

The Romagna Albana Passito DOCG 'AR' 2018 is a delicate wine that requires careful storage. To maintain its qualities unchanged, it should be stored horizontally, in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature of around 12-14°C. Although it can evolve positively for several years, it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 years of purchase to best appreciate its aromatic freshness and richness of fruit. The packaging in a wooden box also makes it an excellent gift idea for those who wish to discover one of the greatest Italian sweet wines.