Claudio is something of a legend in Emilian agriculture. Professor of agricultural science at the Universities of Parma and Bologna, political activist, organic farming pioneer, and devoted preserver of the region's viticultural heritage. Not your average winemaker.

Born in Castelnuovo Rangone in 1952, farming was in the family from the start. He embraced organic methods in 1986, long before it was fashionable, and by 2000 viticulture had become the sole focus on the farm.

His most remarkable work has been the rediscovery of almost forgotten local varieties, turning his vineyard into a living library of grapes on the brink of extinction. Uva Tosca, Festasio, Lambrusco del Pellegrino, Uva Ruggine, Trebbiano di Spagna, and Sgavetta, all grown on three hectares of alluvial, limestone-rich soils on the east bank of the river Tiepido.

These wines are singular, like the man himself. Lambrsuco that needs to be taken seriously.