With so much attention on Sangiovese from Tuscany, its often goes unmentioned that it is the most widely planted grape in Italy, which means that other regions are making great wines with Sangiovese. Neighboring Emiglia-Romagna is one such region and Villa Papiano is a shining example of the regional expression. Winemaker Francesco Bordini comes from wine royalty, his father Remigio a widely respected enologist. His approach is local and agriculturally focused, achieving full organic status in 2009 and continuing towards full biodynamic status to this day. Calling its holdings “the vineyards above the clouds” Villa Papiano is high in the hills above Romagna, bordering Tuscany. The family operation is run by the four siblings Maria Rosa, Giampalolo and Enrica, with Francesco as vintner.
Albana, a thick-skinned varietal cultivated since Roman times, is fermented in amphorae with three months of skin contact . Planted in 1980, rooted in sandy soils at an altitude of 480 meters, high in the clouds of the Italian Apennines. Farmed with organic and biodynamic farming practices, including the use of preparations like cow horn manure and horn silica.