Winemaker - Cristina Geminiani
Taking the road due north from Tuscany we find the region of Emilia Romagna. Affectionately referred to as "il grasso" (the fat) in Italy, Emilia Romagna is a region noted for its contribution to the world of eno-gastronomy. With such close proximity to Tuscany, not surprisingly the wines are based on sangiovese and trebbiano. Il grasso refers to the magnificent culinary delights originating here including Parma prosciutto and other cured meats such as mortadella and salami; parmigiano reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar.
Cristina Geminiani graduated in viticulture in 1987. Returning immediately to her family estate close to Marzeno in the province of Faenza, Cristina has in the ensuing years succeeded in taking the wines of Fattoria Zerbina to a totally new dimension in terms of both style and quality.
Cristina's grandfather had purchased Fattoria Zerbina in 1966 with the bulk of the vines planted in 1969. In 1988 the plantings were extended to include the experimental close-planted sangiovese vineyard Torre di Ceparano with a density of 9000 vines per hectare, and based on a clonal trial of three indigenous clones and two Tuscan clones. Further plantings of sangiovese have taken place in 1999 and 2000.
In terms of style Fattoria Zerbina's wines demonstrate attractive characteristics evidencing the implementation of modern winemaking whilst retain good varietal definition and tipicita.
