Love for bubbles never dies
Aka let’s continue with Italian sparkling wines. Alternatives for tasting can be found from all corners of the world, but in order to make the right choice it’s good to know what’s in the bottle.
Main focus is going to be on the north side of Italy.
Even every semi wine lover knows Prosecco. A sparkling wine from Veneto region. Made out of Glera grape, using charmant method aka second fermentation takes place in a tank not the bottle. Fun fact: Prosecco is an appellation since 2009, prior to the grape was called Prosecco. Change was made in order to make sure no-one in the world outside of Prosecco can name their sparkling Prosecco. Same as champagne. Best examples have Valdobbiadene written on the bottle. More precisely Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze or Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore Rive. Majority of the wine sold has a decent amount of residual sugar giving wine a sweeter, fruitier character.
Aside from Prosecco there are interesting alternatives to taste from Italy.
All sweet teeth will find something to make their face light up from the Piedmont regions Asti and Moscato d’Asti bottles. These charmant methd Muscat Blanc sparkling wines are an excellent companion to pastries, cakes and cream desserts. Moscato d’Asti is a lighter bubble with less alcohol content.
For braver bubble hunters Franciacorta from Lombardy region is something to look out for. These Method Traditional sparkling wines stay on the lees for at least 18 months. Vintage versions like Riserva will be kept on the lees for 67 months. Wines are lavish, exciting and fruity. Made from Pinot Noir, Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc blends.
Another amazing product is Lambrusco - a red sparkling. Sadly the local Estonian market lacks in selection of good quality Lambruscos, but if you do happen to find a bottle that says Lambrusco Grasparossa, then that’s the one to try. An experience for sure.
As an added bonus Trento is something worth tasting as well, but since it’s hard to come by anywhere outside of Italy, I’d advise you to put that one on your bucket list.
PS! If you find Trento anywhere, let me know.
I want a bottle