Barbolini, Matteo Buffagni

	Emilia-Romagna, Italia. (Town of Modena) 35 hectares.
	Barbolini. (bahr-boh-LEE-nee)
	Matteo Buffagni. (mah-TAY-oh boo-FAHN-yee)
	Alberto Musatti. (ahl-BARE-toh moo-ZAH-tee)
	Certified organic. Hand-harvested. No irrigation.
	11,000 cases.
	Barbolini has been part of the Small Vineyards family since 2009.

For over a century, the Barbolini family has dedicated themselves to producing world-class delicacies of their homeland: balsamic vinegar from Modena and spectacular Lambrusco.

Founded in 1889 by Egidio Barbolini, the estate is located in the village of Casinalbo in Emilia-Romagna. Barbolini’s great-grandson, Matteo Buffagni, is a fourth generation winemaker and keeper of the family flame.

As a specialist in Lambrusco, made infamous in America by Riunite in the 1970’s, Matteo has had to develop a commendable persistence and good sense of humor when speaking to Americans. For many, Lambrusco was an enological disaster; a sweet, cloying glass of purple, fizzy plonk, that destroyed the category before anyone ever had a chance to taste the best. “It was a bit like being introduced to the violin by hearing a five year-old play it,” jokes Matteo.

Upon tasting the gorgeous, plum-soaked, mineral-laden Lambrusco of Barbolini, however, the inevitable response is: “Holy Cannoli!” It is, absolutely stunning. Barbolini maintains incredibly high standards, using the latest technology, a low-lit cellar to protect the color of the wine and a no-pump gravity racking system that extracts the juice ever so gently.