Berzmein

Juicy, smoky-fruited and properly moreish, this is Marzemino doing its dark, herbal thing, think blueberry and black cherry, a little burnt-ash smokiness, fresh green herbs, and cracked black pepper on the finish. It’s smooth and full of energy, the sort of red you can happily drink on its own, but it really comes alive with anything grilled or vaguely charred at the edges. 

Il Farneto (Marco Bertoni) is one of those Emilia-Romagna growers who keeps things honest, organic fruit, native-leaning, minimal-fuss winemaking, and élevage in old wood so the vineyard stays front and centre. Berzmèin is a rare sight outside Italy because Marzemino itself is fairly under-the-radar, which makes it feel like a proper “how have I not been drinking this for years?” bottle when you crack it open.