2019 Pignoletto Frizzante Colli d'Imola, Romandiola

Wine Variety: (Yet) another variety to set one's head spinning. Pignoletto appears to be a native of the hills around the Emilia-Romagna city of Bologna in central Italy. However, it is also grown in Umbria, where it is known as Grechetto di Todi. Wines made here are often simply labelled Grechetto...despite the fact that this grape is genetically distinct from Grechetto di Orvieto (although they seem to be closely related). I hope this is clear. What is not clear at all is whether the Grechetto authorised in a number of DOCs in Umbria, Lazio and the Marche is this grape or Grechetto di Orvieto. More research required, me'thinks.

Wine Region: Emilia Romagna (Emilia being the hinterland, Romagna the coastal Adriatic belt) is a huge region in central Italy. The Emilian plain is the (in?)famous home of Lambrusco, that high-acid sparkling, austere red wine eminently suitable for partnering with the fatty dishes of the region. Romagna is where Sangiovese holds sway and may even be the site of the grape's origins. Above all, Emilia Romagna is a source of vast quantities of wine, little of which makes DOC level. There are however surprises to be found here. Trust us!

Wine Producer: Cantina Forli is part of the Cevico Group, a consortium of co-operatives, which quite rightly describes itself as "an emerging force". Founded in 1963, the Cevico Group has been active in wine-growing for over 60 years; it encompasses 15 wineries, 4,500 wine growers and some 6,700Ha of production!