Dinavolo is one of the great milestones of vini macerati, those wines whose white grapes are actually processed like red wines. It is made in the hills south-west of Piacenza from a hodgepodge of grape varieties in which, as is so often the case with orange wines from Emilia, Malvasia di Candia Aromatica sets the tone, structure and flavours.
The skin of this very special Malvasia variety is as thick as that of a hippopotamus and therefore the grape variety also has tannins like a good Barolo. It is flanked by Ortrugo, its congenial partner, which counters the aromatic explosion of Malvasia with composure and neutrality. Marsanne, a French grape variety that was supposedly introduced to the region two hundred years ago by Napoleonic troops and is called Sciampagnino - little champagne - in local jargon, also plays its part. The limestone-based vineyard (the Denavolo) is cultivated organically. After a rather late harvest, the grapes are fermented and matured in a rather radical way. A six-month maceration period is followed by a further eight months in steel tanks.
The Dinavolo is neither filtered nor fined, the temperature is not controlled and Giulio has not used sulphurisation for several years.
Style
Uncompromising, territorial and rustic. Yellow fruit, a decidedly salty note and a vegetal undertone define the nose of Dinavolo, while a taut acidity and tight, tight and gripping tannins are responsible for the structure and give the wine direction. This points straight to the palate and far beyond.
Data sheet
Grape variety: Malvasia di candia aromatica, Ortrugo, Marsanne and small proportions of indigenous and traditional varieties
Plant protection: only sulphur, copper and plant or animal-based preparations, not certified
Vineyard: Denavolo - limestone and rock, shallow humus layer
Harvest: by hand
Fermentation: spontaneous | wild yeasts, 6 months on the skins
Ageing: for 8 months in stainless steel tanks
Filtration: no
SO₂: unsulphurised
Alcohol content: 11.5 % vol.
Closure: Natural cork
Drinking temperature: 10-12 °C
Perfect drinking maturity: from now - 2030
Content and price per litre: 0.75 l/(€33.5/l)
All the winegrowers listed on Vinonudo work with compost, organic fertiliser and natural preparations in their vineyards and do not use herbicides, pesticides or artificial fertilisers.
