Zerbina
Zerbina
Fattoria Zerbina is located on the first slopes of the Appennines in Marzeno and vinifies exclusively grapes from its vineyard of about 33 hectares at an average altitude of 200 meters. The current owner Cristina Geminiani took the path of agriculture and graduated with a brilliant degree. Motivated by this result, she trained as an oenologist in Bordeaux. Her undisputable skills, combined with a remarkable dedication to the vine, have made her one of the most respected producers in Italy. Since 1999 she has been regularly awarded three glasses in the Gambero Rosso.
It is not presumptuous to call Cristina Geminiani a pioneer. When the Bordeaux-trained oenologist took over the family business from her father in Emilia-Romagna in 1987, a new, rebellious and above all visionary wind blew through the region around Marzeno. At that time, the region was not famous for its top wines. The wines from Sangiovese or Albana were usually found in the quality level of simple mass wines. That was always a thorn in Cristina's side. She recognised the potential of the individual sites, the soil and the climate of the region. Against all odds, she began her project: to increase the value of the Sangiovese and Albana grapes of the Emilia-Romagna region.
"To achieve quality, you can't take shortcuts. And certainly not when it involves wine."
Cristina Geminiani, winemaker
From then on, she relied on modern vine training and strict selection. This significantly increased the quality of the wines, but also led to a massively smaller number of bottled wines. This approach was very unique for that time in the region and did not necessarily win her the sympathy of the other winegrowers. Especially as she already had a hard time as a woman. But she never let herself be put off and worked courageously according to her credo: "To achieve quality, you must not take any shortcuts. And certainly not when it involves wine." Today, she is a force to be reckoned with in the Italian wine world. Which also prompted other winemakers in Emilia-Romagna to follow her example.