Cantina della Volta: The Fine Craftsmanship of Metodo Classico
Written by Paola Restelli | Published in wine 
Refined and sophisticated, a true emblem of precision and research in winemaking, Cantina della Volta is an Emilian winery dedicated to crafting noble sparkling wines. Here, “nobility” comes with hands-on, hard work, reflecting the dedication of those who never stop working and constantly challenge themselves.
Located in Bomporto, near Modena, the winery thrives on two distinct yet complementary souls: on one side, Lambrusco di Sorbara; on the other, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This dual identity is further enriched by the partnership of Christian Bellei, heir to a four-generation family tradition, and his counterpart Angela Sini, CEO and Head of Sales & Marketing. Christian, a reserved yet brilliant winemaker, works alongside Angela, an enthusiastic, charismatic ambassador known for her warm hospitality.
The Sorbara grapes, known as the most acidic, elegant, and vibrant among the Lambrusco family, are cultivated along the Secchia River on flat, sandy, and silty soils, rich in potassium. Thanks to this naturally suited environment and Christian’s skillful intervention, the winery produces wines that are both flavorful and expressive, yet refined and vertical, with impressive sapidity and mineral complexity.
The winery was founded in 1920 by Francesco Bellei, Christian’s great-grandfather, originally focusing on naturally re-fermented wines with sediment. The family’s expertise was later elevated by Giuseppe Bellei, Francesco’s grandson, who pioneered a rigorous pruning protocol among his grape suppliers to enhance fruit quality.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Giuseppe traveled to Champagne to study the Metodo Classico, a transformative experience that completely reshaped his winemaking philosophy. Upon returning, he abandoned the traditional Lambrusco Salamino blend, focusing exclusively on Sorbara, while introducing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which he planted in the Serramazzoni hills at 600 meters altitude. The chosen site, with its clay-limestone soil and gypsum outcrops, closely resembles the terroir of Ay in Champagne.
The first Champagne vine cuttings, imported directly from France, were planted in 1986, and six years later, the first bottles were produced—marking the start of an ambitious new chapter.
Following the sale of the Francesco Bellei brand to Cavicchioli, Christian revived the family business in 2010, renaming it Cantina della Volta—a tribute to the Modena canal running near the winery, where boats would make a “volta” (turnaround) before returning to the city.
At the core of Cantina della Volta lies Christian’s clear enological vision, built on precision, purity, and meticulous refinement. The harvest is always done by hand, allowing for careful grape selection, and since 2016, the vineyards have been organically farmed.
Vinification occurs exclusively in stainless steel, even for the liqueur d’expédition, ensuring maximum aromatic freshness. The winery is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a Bucher Vaslin press, which allows for delicate, precise grape pressing. The temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks and advanced climate-control system maintain optimal conditions, while a state-of-the-art disgorgement line enables precision dosing of the liqueur.
Cantina della Volta produces approximately 130,000 bottles annually, including 30,000 bottles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with over 500,000 bottles aging in storage, highlighting the evolutionary potential of both international varietals and Lambrusco, which continues to surprise over time.
The winery places great importance on showcasing each vintage’s unique character.
Among its Metodo Classico Sorbara wines, which showcase the grape’s elegance, fruit texture, and sharp sapidity, notable highlights include Pinot Nero and Chardonnay, Il Mattaglio Blanc de Noirs and Lo Specialist.
An eye is also kept on exceptions to the Metodo Classico, such as Rimosso, a bottle-refermented Lambrusco without disgorgement, paying homage to historic winemaking traditions, and La Volta, a frizzante wine made for casual enjoyment, undergoing bottle fermentation and then being cleared of lees, offering a fresh, juicy, and easygoing experience.
With a wide range of wines to explore, Cantina della Volta delivers a multifaceted tasting experience, always precise, surprising, and meticulously crafted—a true masterpiece of enological craftsmanship.
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