Ca' del Vent

Ca’ del Vent is an icon among Italian natural wine producers—and by now, far beyond that realm. Antonio Tornincasa and Flavio Faliva produce sparkling wines in northern Italy’s Franciacorta region that are of such outstanding quality, you’ll likely find their equals only among the very best grower Champagnes. The sparkling wines of Ca’ del Vent impress with depth and precision, complexity and elegance. They have a distinctive personality and are exceptional expressions of their terroir. In short: they are, in our view and beyond the natural wine conversation, the finest sparkling wines not only in Franciacorta but in all of Italy.

Located in the hilly Alpine foothills of the historic wine-growing area of Cellatica, near Lake Iseo, the duo farms 6.5 hectares of steep slopes, spread across 11 crus, using biodynamic principles. The soils here are characterized by limestone and clay. The proximity to both the lake and the Alps creates a mild microclimate, with cool summer nights thanks to consistent ventilation. The old vineyards are dominated by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Antonio and Flavio take a site-specific and vintage-specific approach, working with low yields to maintain vine balance and maximize quality.

In the cellar, they practice professional, artisanal minimalism: grapes are gently pressed, fermentations are spontaneous, and the base wines are aged in used barriques. Secondary fermentation takes place without liqueur de tirage—they skip the usual blend of cane sugar and cultured yeast, opting instead for native yeasts and a Pas Operé method. This means that after at least 46 months of bottle aging, when disgorgement finally occurs, neither liqueur d’expédition nor sugar solution (dosage) is added.

All of their sparkling wines are, in other words, Brut Nature.