If Prosecco is the king of Valdobbiadene then its most loyal equerry is Loris Follador. The estate comprises a mere 6 hectares and produces only 50 000 bottles a year. It is totally organic and the vines are an average of 60 years old with roots that can grow up to 30 metres long. These deep roots pick up trace elements and minerals in the soil and transmit them to the grape and it is this that gives the wine its superb minerality and complexity.

Follador has always believed in the 'Metodo Classico', second fermentation in the bottle for his Prosecco. However the twist on the champagne method is that there is no addition of yeast or sugar and the second fermentation occurs totally naturally using the wild yeasts present in the wine. The second ferment takes about 4 weeks and then the wine spends a further 4 weeks maturing on the dead yeast cells or 'lees'.

The other major difference from Champgane is there is no disgorgement and the wine is sold with the lees present! Truly an artisan wine, today Follador has achieved semi-cult status at home and abroad and his Prosecco is much sought after by the best wine shops and restaurants. The key to his wines are drinkability and complexity with lovely aromas of apples, wisteria and acacia flowers.

Tasting Note: The 6 hectares of vines that produce this champagne style Prosecco are totally organic and the clarity and frankness of the wine make it exceedingly drinkable. Aromas are of apple and acacia with an interesting mineral twist and subtle yeastiness. This is very high quality sparkling wine and easily a match for many Champagne!

Type: Dry sparkling white wine

Varietal: 100% Prosecco

Alcohol: 11.5% abv

Vineyard Location: Santo Stefano in the heart of the Valdobbiadene region of the Veneto.

Certified Organic: Yes

Ratings: 2 bicchiere Gambero Rosso