The colour is deep ruby. On the nose cherries and lawn. In the mouth not much body, but a pleasantly sour and drying finish. The kind of wine that pairs well with greasy dishes. The aftertaste doesn’t last long.
Naigartèn is a natural wine made by Gradizzolo winery in Monteveglio on the hills near Bologna. Before release, it is aged 12 months in big oak barrels and 6 months in bottle. It is made with 100% Negrettino grapes.
Negrettino is an ancient bolognese grape variety, known as early as the 15th century. Nowadays, it is one of the lesser-known indigenous varieties of Emilia-Romagna, the only Italian region where it is cultivated. It produces dark-coloured, but low-tannin red wines. During the post-phylloxera replanting period, Negrettino was widely used for its hardiness and in particular its tolerance to diseases, but hardly made as varietal. It was used as a blending wine for its richness in color, often along with Barbera and/or Sangiovese. In recent years almost all the old vineyards of this variety have disappeared.
I bought this bottle directly at the winery and paid 10 EUR. In Switzerland, at VinNatur Suisse, the same bottle can be purchased for double the price: 22 CHF.
Country: Italy
Region: Emilia-Romagna
Grapes: Negrettino
Type: Red
Vintage: 2019
Producer: Gradizzolo
Price range: Economic (<15 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5