Case Paolin Col Fondo Asolo Prosecco Superiore 2023

Finally a Prosecco for those who are over the sweet, boring stuff. t’s called Col Fondo, which basically means it's Prosecco's pét-nat cousin. At Case Paolin they take grapes from their oldest vines, let them macerate on the skins for a hot second (18 hours, but who’s counting), and bottle it for a second fermentation, in accordance with the traditional method, but without disgorgement. That's the fondo.

Baked apple, a perfectly bruised pear with a fairly lifted note of yellow plum and straw. There's a light, bready character giving it this creamy, yeasty depth. Pretty taut and tart-edged, finishing with a clean, mineral sharpness that’s almost tinny in the best way. A revelation, truly.

Before you open it, flip the bottle upside down gently. GENTLY. Just to blend in all that sediment sleeping at the bottom. This isn’t a shake-and-shoot situation; it’s a soft stir. Then open, pour, and watch everyone ask you what this magical wine is. You can tell them it’s a story about a farmer named Emilio and his sons, or you can just say: “It’s COL FONDO.”