Pure Trentodoc – Sparkling Wines from the Mountains

Sparkling wine and the holidays go together like… [you get the idea!]. But how about sparkling wines from Italy and the holidays? Now that’s a match made in wine heaven! This month, my Italian Food, Wine, Travel (#ItalianFWT) colleagues and I are sipping and writing about a bevy of bubbles from this beautiful country to complement all good things that the holidays will bring. See below for their posts.

Some of you may remember my article Essential Guide to Sparkling Wines from Northern Italy that offers an overview of many luscious choices available. (Click here to read.) This time around, I’m focusing on the wine region of Trentino, recently named Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Wine Region of the Year 2020. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trentino is located in the northeastern corner of Italy surrounded by the Dolomites Mountains. With high altitude Alpine air that’s as fresh and pure as we’ll ever breathe and vistas that go on for miles, Trentino produces unique and affordable sparkling wines with a personality all their own.

Photo Credit: Quattrocalici

Trentodoc, a collective trademark of 57 sparkling wine producers, has as its signature elements not only its terroir but the method of production, known as Metodo Classico, the same process used in Champagne.

The essential steps of Metodo Classico follow. Yeasts and sugars are added to the base wine and the bottle is sealed and left to rest. The ageing process, which varies from 15 months (for a Brut and at least 24 months for a Millesimato) to at least 36 months (for a Riserva), begins. At this stage, second fermentation leads to the formation of C02. The bottle is then placed head down on pupitres (characteristic wooden trestles in the French sparkling wine tradition) and regularly riddled (remuage) to gently move its content. At this point, the wine in the neck of the bottle (where dead yeast sediment has collected) is frozen. Then the sediment is removed and replaced with a secret mixture of high-quality wine and sugar, which contributes to the very important character of each Trentodoc wine – the mixture is selected each time by the winemaker. After sealing the bottle with the cork and giving it the metal wire cage and the label, Trentodoc is now ready to be tasted! Excerpt from Trentodoc.com

Varieties cultivated in the region include Chardonnay and Pinot Nero and to a lesser extent, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Meunier. Soils of the vineyards are of volcanic, fluvial and glacial deposit, limestone, calcareous on red Trentino rock, or sand. From mountainous peaks to the foothills, temperatures are affected by the Ora del Garda winds and the continental climate of the valley. A significant diurnal temperature swing gives the grapes considerable aromatic complexity, elegance, and acidity.

Photo Credit: Veranda Magazine

Grapes are harvested by hand, the base wine is obtained and, at the end of the process, sparkling wines exhibit bright, fragrant aromas, intriguing flavors, vibrant acidity and tiny bubbles. In fact, over 200 specific aromas, unique only to wines from this region, have been identified. Wines offer a range of styles, from delicate to bold, and a palate profile that has the ability to complement a variety of fare. For more from the Consorzio of Trentodoc, click here.

Recently, I participated in a virtual tasting with Roberto Anesi, Italian Sommelier of the Year, 2017. During our lively, bubbles-filled tasting, he explained that the wines of Trentodoc are built on a firm foundation of tradition, terroir, and ageability. In fact, wines from the region are able to age for several years on their lees without losing their primary fruit character, thanks to high acidity, lower pH levels, and neutral liqueur d’expedition.

During the tasting we opened the sample bottle of Rotari 2014 ($20), an aromatic, balanced sparkling wine of 100% Chardonnay from Trentodoc. With each swirl and sip I felt energized, as if I had returned from a hike through the snow-covered Dolomites. On the nose I discovered pure notes of pine trees, hint of caramel, herbs and toast. Vibrant acidity framed rich and broad flavors of ripe apple, lemon, toasted almonds, and fresh bread. The persistent bubbles throughout were delightful.

An iconic and highly regarded producer in Trentodoc is Ferrari. Giulio Ferrari founded the winery in 1902.  A true pioneer, he cultivated Chardonnay grapes exclusively and accolades for his wines began in 1906.  Through the years, sparkling wines from Ferrari have won scores of awards including those from Tre Bicchieri.  Since he had no heirs, Ferrari chose as his successor his friend Bruno Lunelli in 1952.  Currently, the third generation of the Lunelli family supervises over 300 acres of vineyards in Trentino.  This family winery exudes tradition and a feeling that producing delicious wine is their work or, as has been stated, their “obsession”.

Two sample bottles of wines from Ferrari were absolutely delicious. Ferrari Perle 2013 ($41.99), of the family’s “premium Chardonnay,” was complex and elegant with expressive aromas of apples, white peaches, almond blossoms and toast. The palate offered notes of sweet almonds and persistent perlage, due to long ageing on the lees. Although I indulged in this beauty with rich cheese fondue, a pizza with truffles or caviar will give any holiday a delicious jump start!

Nothing says holidays like a glass of sparkling rosé and Ferrari Rosé NV ($35.99) of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay was magnificent. Aromas of strawberries, fresh bread, red currants and flowers led to notes of almonds and citrus. And those never-ending bubbles! This wine was a lush counterpoint to the smoky characteristics and sweetness of the coal-fired barbecued chicken pizza enjoyed one evening. Consider pouring the rosé with an elegant salmon dish, polenta or vegetarian pizza to more than satisfy everyone’s Italian sparkling wine desires.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

For more Grape Experiences and a free infographic “4 Keys to a Stellar Wine Pick” click here. 

Enjoy the following articles from my #ItalianFWT colleagues.

• Terri of Our Good Life says Beviamo alla nostra! Prosecco Superiore and Happy Christmas!

• Jill of L’Ocsasionencourages us to Be in Italy for the Holidays with This Bubbly Wine Lineup.

• Gwendolyn of Wine Predator pushes Beyond Prosecco? Try These Sustainable Sparkling Wines from Italy’s Erbaluce, Franciacorta, Lambrusco, Pignoletto.

• Lynn of Savor the Harvest gives us Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco to Make Your Holiday Sparkle – La Tordera Rive Di Guia.

• Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm says Cheers to 2021…2020 Don’t Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out.

• Susannah of Avvinare pours Versatile Lambrusco for the Holidays.

• Deanna of Asian Test Kitchen serves Val D’Oca Prosecco Paired with Party Starters.

• Payal of Keep the Peas offers A ‘SeeYaNever2020’ Toast with Italian Bubbly.

• Linda of My Full Wine Glass says Hello Again, Lambrusco – Everyone Deserves a Second Chance.

• Jane of Always Ravenous pairs a Frizzante with Holiday Sweet Treats.

• Robin of Crushed Grape Chronicles pours Prosecco – Joyful Bubbles to “Wring” Out 2020.

• Jen of Vino Travels is ready to Sparkle up the Holidays with Italian Prosecco.

• Martin of ENOFYLZ Wine Blog offers A Taste of 21st Century Lambrusco; Paltrinieri Lambrusco di Sorbara Radice.

• Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla is Celebrating with Prosecco Superiore Amidst the Pandemic.