Fattoria Zerbina, Albana di Romagna Passito DOCG, Scacco Matto

About Fattoria Zerbina

Fattoria Zerbina is a distinguished wine estate located in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, in the hills near Faenza. Founded in 1966 by Vincenzo Geminiani, the estate has been under the leadership of Cristina Geminiani since the late 1980s. Cristina’s innovative approach and dedication to quality have elevated Fattoria Zerbina to a leading position in the region, particularly for their work with the native Sangiovese and Albana grape varieties.

The estate covers approximately 33 hectares of vineyards, with a focus on cultivating Sangiovese and Albana, alongside smaller plantings of other varieties. The soils are predominantly clay and limestone, providing an ideal terroir for the production of structured, elegant wines. Fattoria Zerbina employs meticulous vineyard management practices, including hand-harvesting and careful selection of grapes to ensure the highest quality fruit reaches the winery.

Fattoria Zerbina is particularly celebrated for its Sangiovese-based wines, which include both Romagna Sangiovese DOC and Superiore DOCG bottlings. Their flagship Sangiovese, Pietramora, is known for its depth, complexity, and ability to age gracefully. The estate also produces Torre di Ceparano, a vibrant and expressive Sangiovese that showcases the varietal’s freshness and fruit-forward character. These wines are made using a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques, including temperature-controlled fermentation and aging in French oak barrels, which add complexity without overpowering the wines’ natural aromatics.

Albana, another key focus at Fattoria Zerbina, is an indigenous white grape of Emilia-Romagna. The estate produces several expressions of Albana, most notably the Scaccomatto, a passito-style dessert wine made from late-harvested, partially dried grapes. Scaccomatto has received widespread acclaim for its balance of sweetness, acidity, and aromatic intensity, and it has played a significant role in raising the profile of Albana di Romagna DOCG. The estate’s dry Albana, Bianco di Ceparano, is also notable for its freshness, minerality, and floral notes, offering a distinctive alternative to more widely known Italian whites.

Fattoria Zerbina’s philosophy centers on respect for the land and the expression of terroir. The estate has adopted sustainable viticultural practices, minimizing chemical inputs and promoting biodiversity in the vineyards. In the cellar, the approach is hands-off, allowing the character of each vintage and vineyard site to shine through in the finished wines. This commitment to quality and authenticity has resulted in numerous awards and high ratings from Italian and international wine critics.

Visitors to Fattoria Zerbina can experience guided tours and tastings, gaining insight into the estate’s history, winemaking philosophy, and the unique characteristics of their wines. The estate’s combination of tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to the local terroir has established Fattoria Zerbina as a benchmark producer in Emilia-Romagna, celebrated for both red and white wines that reflect the region’s rich viticultural heritage.