Sipping a glass of sparkling wine always lightens my spirits. It seems that holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions are when most winelovers pop the cork of a favorite bottle of bubbly, but I believe that a glass should be poured any time of the week! Are you with me on this? But which one, you may be asking yourself, from so many choices? Having recently returned from Northern Italy, epicenter of Italian sparkling wine production, I had the opportunity to sip and savor a variety of impressive bubblies, each exuding its own profile and style. Feeling the sparkling Italian vibe right now? Let’s go!
Asti and Moscato d’Asti from Piemonte, Franciacorta from Lombardy and Prosecco from Veneto are quintessential styles of which most are familiar. But let’s not forget wines from Trentino or Acqui Terme where distinctive wines are produced, too. Following is a quick guide to sparkling wine from Northern Italy, links to each region’s detailed website and a few recommendations for you to pour. Cin-cin!
Asti and Moscato d’Asti
Just when you think you know everything there is to know about Asti (remember sneaking sips of your mother’s Spumante in the refrigerator decades ago?), you realize you don’t know as much as you thought… This happened to me earlier this month when I had a work trip in Asti DOCG and Moscato d’Asti DOCG, regions tucked in the hills of Piemonte. There is so much to learn and understand about these wines!
Asti and Moscato d’Asti, considered two styles of premium Italian sweet wines from Piemonte, are produced using the Charmat method whereby the second fermentation is in the stainless steel tank. As a result of gentle pressing of the Moscato Bianco grapes and incomplete alcoholic fermentation (the stainless steel tanks are sealed before fermentation is finished in order to trap the CO2 and achieve the optimal level of carbonation), wines are highly aromatic, fresh, balanced and full of flavor. Because fermentation is stopped early, more sugar remains and alcohol levels are lower. To make things even more interesting, some wines in the region are produced using Metodo Classico, a process during which the second fermentation occurs in the bottle…
Asti Secco DOCG is from the Moscato Bianco grape, yet production requires special conditions for contact with selected yeasts used in the fermentation process. On the dry side, this newer style is especially fresh thanks in part to its high acidity and notes of citrus, florals and almonds. There is some residual sugar, however, that makes each sip perfect for complementing a range of foods from appetizers to fruit-based desserts.
Like Secco, Asti Dolce DOCG is of the Moscato Bianco grape and has a pervasive musky flavor with moderate alcohol, sweetness and bright acidity. On the nose, intense notes of spice, pungent yellow flowers, linden, acacia, elder flower, honey and nectarines can be enjoyed whereas on the refreshing palate, stone fruit, sweet herbs and ripe fruit are prevalent. Enjoy with sweet, spicy or savory dishes and salted anchovies on bread and butter, a regional favorite.
Moscato d’Asti DOCG, from the Moscato Bianco grape, undergoes partial fermentation in pressure tanks. Fermentation stops when an alcohol content of 5% abv is reached and much of the grape’s natural sugars remain. Slightly sparkling (frizzante), aromas and gently sweet flavors of white and yellow flowers, stone fruit such as apricot and peach, orange and sage characterize this elegant wine that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Duchessalia Asti DOCG Secco (enjoyed at a seminar at the Consorzia dell’Asti DOCG) is fresh and enjoyable with snappy acidity – qualities that make it a wonderful pairing with anything salty. Although this is technically a dry wine, there is a bit of residual sugar with delicate aromatics and notes of linden, acadia, citrus and almonds leading to a long, zesty finish.
Acquesi Asti DOCG Dolce (enjoyed at a seminar at the Consorzia dell’Asti DOCG) is low in alcohol (only 7%) and high in flavor. On the nose, elements of spice, pungent yellow flowers, linden and acacia are alluring and flavors, sweet and refreshing, are of stone fruit, herbs, ripe fruit, white peach flesh and vibrant acidity counterbalanced by sugar.
Coppo Moncalvina Moscato d’Asti 2019 “Canelli” (enjoyed at the winery) is of Moscato Bianco grapes cultivated in Canelli, a prestigious sub-zone of Moscato d’Asti DOCG. Bright florals, peaches and pears were lovely aromas that led to fresh, sweet notes of stone fruit, flowers and minerality.
Franciacorta
Located in the heart of Lombardy, only one hour from Milan, and bordering Lake Iseo, Franciacorta includes 19 municipalities in the province of Brescia. The area was carved out by retreating glaciers during the Ice Age and now, 10,000 years later, a natural amphitheater is evident. Mineral deposits, left by the glaciers, result in rich soil, an element that adds to the aromas of the wine and assists with drainage. The valley experiences hot summers and mild winters; winds flow south from the Lake to prevent fog, humidity, molds, mildews, and pests.
The predominant grape variety in Franciacorta DOCG is Chardonnay. Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc are found in the blends and all wines are produced using Metodo Classico. Wines from the area are rich and usually dry with yeasty notes we have come to appreciate in a glass of Champagne. However, each wine I’ve tasted offers unique qualities, whether it exudes aromas and flavors of honeysuckle, hazelnuts, almonds, tropical fruit, bright citrus or spice. Often called the “Champagne of Italy,” I can attest that Franciacorta is distinctive in its own right.
Franciacorta is the first Italian wine produced exclusively by bottle fermentation to have obtained, in 1995, the Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG). The word “Franciacorta” identifies the region, the wine, and the production method that comply “with strict and scrupulous rules intended to certify absolute quality”. For detailed information from the Consorzio Franciacorta, please click here.
Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta Satèn Brut (enjoyed at the winery) is of 100% Chardonnay fermented in oak barrels and considered their flagship wine. Besides its structure, balance, and notes of broad fruit, spice, and toasty almonds, I discovered a mesmerizing silkiness on the palate. Produced since 1992, Satèn Brut is exclusive to Franciacorta. It’s characterized by a lower pressure in the bottle that produces that signature satin-like mouthfeel I loved. The name Satèn? It’s from the word “silk”, a commodity that was once produced in the region.
Brachetto d’Acqui
A few weeks ago, I spent a day at Acqui Terme, a beautiful, historic city in Piemonte at the foothills and epicenter for Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG. Characterized by a climate of moderately harsh winters, hot summers and mild spring and autumn seasons this area also presents a wide diurnal temperature range allowing optimal sugar content and delicate yet intense aromatics to develop.
Brachetto is a unique variety in that we can pick this firm-fleshed, purple grape from the vine and savor its aromas and sweet flavor. As wine, elegant Brachetto is high in sugar with intense, delicate aromas of roses and orange blossoms.
Meant to be enjoyed young and fresh within two years of bottling, Brachetto d’Acqui is found in three styles: sparkling, semi-sparkling and passito. All but the passito style are low in alcohol at around 11-12% abv; the passito is at least 16% abv. Almost all of the wines are produced using the Charmat method, invented at the end of the 1800s by Federico Martinotti, Director of the Asti Institute of Experimental Oenology. For more from Consorzio Tutela Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG, click here.
Banfi Piemonte Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui 2019 (enjoyed at the winery) is a perfect all-occasion sparkler with a bright cranberry red color and subtle aromas and flavors of raspberries, roses, fresh strawberries and juicy red berries. Lifted with crisp acidity, persistent bubbles and a lasting finish enjoy a glass or two any day of the week.
Prosecco
It seems like everyone is familiar with Prosecco, that wildly popular sparkling wine from Italy’s Veneto region. Produced from the Glera grape using the Charmat method, this refreshing, easy-drinking bubbly is light in body, brilliant in acidity, and extremely aromatic.
Low in alcohol, styles can be dry to slightly off-dry and exude moderate to high acidity. Lively flavors include citrus, stone fruit, yellow flowers, melon, pears and hint of cream and, depending on terroir, honey and hazelnuts. Because the wines age in large tanks that have less pressure than in the bottle, the mousse is lighter and more bubbly than sparkling wines using Metodo Classico.
Prosecco DOC can be made as Spumante (persistent bubbles), Frizzante (moderate amount of bubbles) or Tranquillo (no bubbles). Click here for more information from Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC. Prosecco Superiore is a DOCG sparkling wine produced in the hills of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene zone. Within the DOCG designation are other types of Prosecco that indicate location or production method. For more information from Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, click here.
Mionetto IL Prosecco DOC (sample) is effervescent with spot-on acidity and bright aromas and flavors of freshly picked golden apples, almonds and minerality. Light, balanced and affordable, this lovely wine can easily be enjoyed on its own or as an ingredient in a Bellini or other cocktail.
Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG (sample) is a Brut style sparkling wine of 100% Glera grapes cultivated on hillside vineyards at medium elevation. Elegant and delicate, bright aromas are of white flowers, ripe citrus and herbs. On the palate, vibrant acidity and elements of ripe pears, hint of apricots and mint leaves are exceptional.
Trentino
Take your sparkling wine adventure to a higher level. Drink those from Trentino, a mountainous region in the northeastern corner of Italy. With high altitude Alpine air that’s as fresh and pure as we’ll ever breathe and vistas that go on for miles, the sparkling wines produced are those to find for an affordable, delicious alternative to Champagne. Trentodoc, a collective trademark of 48 sparkling wine producers, has as its signature elements not only the terroir but the method of production, known as Metodo Classico, the same process used in Champagne.
Grapes 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. 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. For more from the Consorzio of Trentodoc, click here.
Trentodoc Altemasi Brut Millesimato 2013 (sample) is of 100% Chardonnay grown on fluvio-glacial soils of mainly limestone. Complex with salinity, citrus and peach, this balanced wine was elegant and notable.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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Linda