Sozzigalli Estate
Sozzigalli
Historic estate in the heart of the Sorbara alluvial soils
30 hectares of unirrigated vineyard, where the Panaro and Secchia rivers have created unique soils ideal for Lambrusco di Sorbara.
History and Territory
Over 10,000 years, the flood cycles of the Panaro and Secchia rivers, together with their ancient tributaries, have deposited layers of fine silt, sand and salts in the plain. Occasional breaches of artificial embankments created a few clay pockets, forming a mosaic of micro-terroirs.
Night breezes from the rivers contribute to a cool, well-draining and yet quietly fertile soil — the ideal stage for Lambrusco di Sorbara to express its most luminous and aromatic character.
The fine granular texture of the soil provides a constant capillary moisture system for the delicate Sorbara vines — essential for maintaining loose clusters.
The loose soil encourages deep root growth, allowing the vines to draw moisture even during dry periods — indeed the Sozzigalli vineyard has no irrigation system.
The absence of active limestone has made this terrain the ideal environment for preserving pre-phylloxera clones. The Chiarli family, who vinified every Sorbara parcel separately, identified the most expressive clones among these rare specimens. The result is a proprietary massal selection across the 30-hectare vineyard.
Lambrusco di Sorbara
Grown in a restricted area of the plain north of Modena, in alluvial soils between the Secchia and Panaro rivers.
A challenging grape variety, certainly among the first domesticated from the wild vine, which we Chiarli still preserve and cultivate today in its most ancient clones with the utmost care.
At first sight, Sorbara reveals nothing of its exceptional qualities: the cluster is loose and the berries vary in size. Its yield per hectare is the lowest among the Lambrusco family.
Sorbara, with its unique colour between red and rose, sparkling fruit and uncompromising acidity, is perfect for every sparkling winemaking method.
Only thanks to passionate growers who for decades have worked to improve this variety — vinifying pure Sorbara separated from Salamino — has it been possible to produce a wine with such unique traits that it immediately drew the attention of the wine world.
These grapes play a crucial role in our best-known wines, from Fondatore and Premium to our most recent project, Quinto Passo.
The Estate
30 hectares of unirrigated vineyard, where the Panaro and Secchia rivers have created unique soils.
The Territory
Alluvial soils preserving pre-phylloxera clones — the ideal stage for Lambrusco di Sorbara.