This talk was recorded by Heritage Radio Network as a part of RAW Wine NYC 2019's Speakers' Corner - with Martina Celi (Costadilà), who worked alongside Ernesto for years, in conversation with Megan Krigbaum (PUNCH).

One of the pioneers of natural Prosecco, Ernesto Cattel became a posterboy for artisanal winemaking in a region whose international success in the early 2000s saw both the vineyard and cellar become industrialised. As the demand for Prosecco grew internationally, growers abandoned their old hillside vineyards in favour of the easily mechanisable, easily sprayable, high-yielding valley floors. In 2005, Ernesto and a group of friends decided to do just the opposite, buying up parcels in the pre-Alpine foothills of Treviso. What followed was the development of a polycultural ideal that was as much about growing plants and nurturing livestock as it was about making delicious wine. Ernesto adopted biodynamics (one of the first to do so in the region) and went on to become one of the most strident advocates not only for clean farming but also of traditional Prosecco col fondo (‘sur lie’), whose international revival is in no small part thanks to him. So next time you enjoy a glass of cloudy Prosecco, take a moment to raise your glass to this force of passion and love who sadly passed away in the summer of 2018 at just 54 years of age. Join us for a look back at his life through a collection of 8 of his wines, and learn more about what made Ernesto just so unique.

Wines being featured:

• 450 slm 2017
• Ultracosta (Ernesto Magnum)
• Màt 2010
• Ombretta Agricola 2017
• Ratto 2006
• Móz 2017

Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.

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