Casalfarneto “Ancestrale NV” Lightly Sparkling White Wine to Launch on May 18, 2026

Vintners Inc., a wine importer and distributor based in Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, and led by President Michiaki Isoda, will release the new lightly sparkling wine “Ancestrale NV” from the Marche winery Casalfarneto in Italy on May 18, 2026. Casalfarneto is a producer dedicated to exploring the appeal of Verdicchio, a grape variety sometimes called “Italy’s Chablis.” Through its distinctive approach of intentionally varying harvest timing for grapes grown in the same vineyard, the winery creates a wide range of expressions. This new wine is made using the traditional “Méthode Ancestrale,” in which the wine is bottled during fermentation, resulting in a flavor profile that combines freshness with complexity. It joins the lineup as a refreshing lightly sparkling wine suited to early summer and summer occasions. Product overview: ANCESTRALE NV / Ancestrale Type: Lightly sparkling white wine, dry Appellation: VINO BIANCO FRIZZANTE Grape variety: 100% Verdicchio Winemaking: Grapes are harvested two weeks earlier than the usual harvest period to preserve acidity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, and the wine is bottled with yeast during fermentation, allowing secondary fermentation in the bottle. Residual sugar: 0.1g/L Pressure: 2.0bar Alcohol: 11.0% Suggested retail price: 4,356 yen including tax The wine has a lemon-tinged, slightly cloudy golden color. It offers fresh, crisp aromas reminiscent of green apple, herbs, and citrus. The bubbles are extremely delicate and creamy. Alongside its freshness, the wine shows complexity, with grapefruit-like nuances enhancing its refreshing character. Created in 2023, this wine was made with the cooperation of acclaimed winemaker Stefano Chioccioli, who earned 100-point scores from both Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator for Tua Rita’s “Redigaffi.” The method of bottling wine during fermentation and using only residual sugar to promote secondary fermentation in the bottle is known as “Méthode Ancestrale.” The word “ancestrale” means “traditional” or “ancestral.” Because the wine is bottled unfiltered, sediment remains at the bottom of the bottle. Gently stirring before drinking can bring out greater complexity and umami. Casalfarneto’s label features moon phases, inspired by the tradition that farmers once relied on the waxing and waning of the moon to determine the timing of harvest and winemaking. The design symbolizes the natural, rhythm-based philosophy behind the Ancestrale method. About Casalfarneto: Casalfarneto is a winery in Italy’s Marche region, located in the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi area. It was founded in 1995. The estate owns 60 hectares of land at an elevation of 300 to 400 meters, cultivating not only vineyards but also olives and sweet peas, a specialty of Marche. Founder and current owner Paolo Togni has continued to pursue harmony between innovation and tradition in winemaking. His philosophy is to “follow the rhythms of nature and value the taste of time.” This passion is present in every Casalfarneto wine. Danilo Solustri became head winemaker in 1995, and bottling began the following year in 1996. While many producers make different wines from separate vineyard parcels, Casalfarneto has established its own style by creating individuality through varied harvest timing for grapes grown in the same vineyard. About Vintners: Vintners Inc. is an importer founded in 1998. Today, it handles more than 160 wineries, mainly from France, Italy, and Spain, offering a diverse selection of carefully chosen, high-quality wines. With the corporate slogan “Discover your Delicious,” the company helps customers find wines that match their individual preferences from among its broad range of high-quality offerings. Official website: https://www.vintners.co.jp/