Bruno Verdi Buttafuoco 2019

Bruno Verdi's Buttafuoco is a blend of 65% Croatina, 25% Barbera, and 10% Uva Rara sourced from multiple parcels in the villages of Canneto Pavese and Castana in southern Lombardy's Oltrepo Pavese zone. The winery sits in the hamlet of Vergomberra within Canneto Pavese, on hillsides with calcareous clay and marl soils that drain well and add a savory mineral edge to the wines.

Grapes are harvested by hand and destemmed with a gentle crush. A cold pre-fermentative maceration of 6 to 7 days follows, with soft pump-overs. Fermentation runs 4 to 5 days using the CO2 produced in the tank to break the cap, without mechanical pumps or paddles. Malolactic fermentation occurs immediately after in cement tanks. The wine then rests up to 6 months in stainless steel before bottling.

The result is a wine of substantial color and concentration with notably soft tannins. Croatina drives the dark fruit and structure, Barbera adds acidity and brightness, and Uva Rara contributes a floral, lighter-bodied lift. Buttafuoco — the name translates to 'throws fire' — is a style designation under its own DOC, established in August 2010, covering seven communes in Pavia province.