The Erbamat grape is an ancient native variety from the Brescia area, long forgotten and only recently rediscovered. Erbamat is mainly found in the area of Lake Garda and Franciacorta, where it has recently been included in the ampelographic composition of the classic method sparkling wines Franciacorta DOCG. It is a variety with pronounced acidity and delicate aromas, ideal for sparkling wine production but also suitable for vinification as a still wine, either in blends with other grape varieties or in purity. The recent resurgence of Erbamat is primarily due to the need to include a grape variety whose peculiar characteristics are functional to addressing the climatic trends that are now evident to all. Indeed, year after year, the climate sees rising temperatures, especially in summer, and the ripening of grapes destined for sparkling wine production, particularly Chardonnay, becomes increasingly critical.
To prevent excessive heat from over-ripening Chardonnay clusters, depriving them of the acidity necessary for sparkling wine production, harvests are conducted earlier and earlier each year. However, it seems that this warming process, particularly in the Lake Iseo area, is inevitable and that sooner or later, it will no longer be possible to further advance the harvest. Erbamat, with its late ripening period and richness in tartaric and malic acid, of which Chardonnay is relatively deficient, seems to be at least partly a solution to the problem, adding an element of autochthony to the wine that contributes to its differentiation.
