Alfredo Bertolani founded the winery that bears his name on April 27, 1925, in Italy’s Reggio Emilia. This region is known for its DOC Lambrusco sparkling wines. In Scandiano where Cantina Alfredo Bertolani is located, the family helped establish the D.O.C. Bianco di Scandiano in 1976 to protect the native Spergola, an ancient local white grape variety used in the local sparkling wine. Spergola is known for producing wines with high acidity and notes of green apple, almond and white flowers.
Spergola is a white variety grown in the Reggio-Emilia , notably in the Colli di Scandiano area.
In the 1970s, Alfredo Bertolani’s son, Vincenzo, and grandson, Giancarlo modernized the winery adding an automated bottling line and transitioning from bottle fermentation to autoclave fermentation. The winery was also among the first in the region to discontinue wine pasteurization and introduce a sterile bottling system, which eliminated oxidation issues. In 2023, Cantina Bertolani attained organic certification.
In 2008, Bertolani moved into its spacious new headquarters in the Scandiano foothills. This includes and the winery and expanded tasting rooms to welcome visitors. During our visit in October 2025 we met fourth generation family member, Andrea Bertolani, who oversees operations with is winemaker brother, Nicola, and sister, Elena.
Andrea Bertolani, fourth generation family member
In 2025, Cantina Alfredo Bertolani has been celebrating its centennial with many events and the release of a limited edition metodo classico sparkling red named Il Cento. Total production is 2025; each is individually numbered and available at the winery. The winery has also designated a vineyard for the future creation of a Metodo Classico Cru.
Bertolani’s limited- edition Il Cento, released in 2025, commemorates the winery’s centennial anniversary, Bottles are individually numbers.
Here is a list of wines we tasted during our visit to Bertolani:
Bertolani Spergolino Secco 2024, DOC Colli Di Scandia di Canossa 100% Spergola. A sparkling wine produced in the charmat method with 1- 2 months on lees. 11% ABV. A best seller. Fragrant with crisp acidity and notes of green apple, white flowers and almond. Terrific as an aperitivo and with shellfish.
Bertolani Spergola Brut Metodo Classico 2021 , 100% Spergola sparkling wine produced in the metodo classico, 23 months on lees. 12.5%. This is Bertolani’s best-selling metodo classico. Savory and fragrant with notes of chamomile, green apple and brioche with a persistent finish. Enjoy as an aperitivo or throughout your meal.
Bertolani Reggiano Lambrusco Rosato 60% Salamino, 40% Marani. Color is dusty salmon pink and notes are floral and citrus/grapefruit fruity 11% ABV
Bertolani Lambrusco Oro DOC Reggiano 2024 A fragrant blend of Salamino and Malbo Gentile. 11.5% ABV. This wine delivers notes of violets, cherries, blackberries, soft tannins with a fresh, clean fresh finish.
Alfredo Bertolani Commemorative Il Cento 2023 (Reggiano DOC) 85% Grasparossa 15% other local red grapes. A metodo classico sparkling wine that spends 12 months on lees. 12% ABV Brut, Only 2025 bottles produced. Due to longer aging on lees, this wine delivers notes of deep ripe dark berries and sweet vermouth, delivering a long, pleasant finish.
Finally for fun we tasted a 2007 Lambrusco Grasparossa to see how this wine ages. While the fizz was faint, the wine has interesting sarsaparilla and caramel spice notes.
Selections of wines we tasted at Alfredo Bertolani
Watch this YouTube episode of The Connected Table Live TV with Andrea Bertolani that aired November 26, 2025
100 Years/ Four Generations: Cantina Bertolani
