The 2023 Col Fondo is a rustic, high-character, and "unsullied" expression of Prosecco, crafted by Christian Zago using the traditional metodo ancestrale. Sourced from 50-year-old vines (Glera with small amounts of Verdiso, Perera, and Bianchetta) on steep clay and limestone slopes, the wine is bottled with its lees and no added sugar, resulting in a cloudy, bone-dry sparkling wine. The nose is vibrant and unconventional, offering a "shimmering" mix of yellow apples, tart green pears, and lemon zest layered over earthy notes of bread crust, brewer's yeast, and wet stone. On the palate, it is light-bodied and electric, balancing a fine, frothy mousse with piercing acidity and a savory, saline depth. The finish is long and refreshing, marked by a classic hint of almond bitterness and a clean, mineral snap. As a "Col Fondo" (with sediment), you can choose to store it upright for a clearer pour or gently tip the bottle to incorporate the "fondo" for a creamier, more textured experience.