The best Italian sparkling wines, region by region, according to Idressitalian…
The New Year has a great ability to light in all of us, a great enthusiasm. We place, in fact, in the year that is about to begin a great and new hope; Throw out the old to toast to the new!
Before we start, however, it is good to clarify the difference between classic method (sparkling wine / champagne) and Charmat method (sparkling wine)
We begin by saying that the classic method has a practically identical process to that of champagne; so far, the great Italian sparkling wines, only for a matter of brand, can not be called as the most famous French wines.
The substantial difference is that the sparkling wine production (fermentation) that for the Charmat method takes place in a large tank of steel while the classic method takes place in the bottle.
In the Charmat Method of sparkling, time is short (a few months), while in the classic method of fermentation, time is much longer (at least 24 months)
Therefore it can be assumed that the Prosecco is a wine easier to drink in peace, with a fresher taste and serving temperature; to drink at an aperitif. The classic method, however, is more challenging and complex and that can be eaten throughout a meal.
So watch out not to be fooled: if you ask for a sparkling quality make sure you will be served with a traditional method whine and not a simple prosecco.
Now we can drink aware and change to our ranking.
We have compiled a ranking based on the history, the sensory quality and price. Enjoy!
TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE – Giulio Ferrari Collezione 1995
It conquers for the fullness perfectly balanced by the freshness that sustains the taste . Its explosion of vitality leads to a final amazing persistence .
Very few vintages , only the best ; and a long aging on the lees . Giulio Ferrari Collection comes from the desire to defy time , the nature and myth . The one that led to the Giulio Ferrari is a cru , a single vineyard of Chardonnay . The vineyard is called Maso Pianizza , up to 650 meters high . Product in just 1500 copies , so hard to find. Alternatively Classic Giulio Ferrari Reserve Founder , would stand the first position ( Price € 80 approx )
2. VALLE D’AOSTA – Il Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle Cuvèe du Prince DOC
Fine wine, it is one of the municipalities of Morgex and La Salle , in Valdigne . The wine comes from the slopes of Mont Blanc . Here the vineyards are among the highest in Europe and the vine grows and prospers thanks to a very special microclimate characterized by mild temperatures . Mont Blanc , in fact , hinders the cold currents .
The first fermentation takes place in large oak and larch ; the second bottle , compared to the classic method , for 48 months.
It’s a wine to drink young , to preserve the fragrance and freshness . Of particular and intense pleasure : fruity with hints of rennet apples, almond aftertaste and a mineral finish .
3. LIGURIA – Spumante Classico Abissi Dosage Zero 2013
A bet , a brilliant thought of Pierluigi Lugano , responsible of the Enoteca Bisson in Chiavari and small wine producer of interesting quality , to achieve a “sparkling”, rather than with a classic method, using a completely innovative technique and seemingly extravagant.
As he had the chance of writing even in the New York Times , on May 20 2009 the first 6500 bottles of wine of the 2008 vintage a cuvee of Bianchetta Genovese and Vermentino , with varying percentages depending on the year , thanks to the collaboration of the Area Marine Park Portofino , were immersed in “Cala des Anglais” in the heart of the park , off the coast of Portofino . Placed in steel caissons under the sea .
Revealed after 18 months this “Ligurian” classic method, surprises for its quality and finesse.
4. LOMBARDIA – FRANCIACORTA DOCG 1701 Vintage 2009
Una vita ad immaginare e costruire un futuro che non è mai stato così chiaro e limpido. Fatto di emozioni inesauribili alla vista dei colori che questo mio Paese sa ogni giorno regalarmi. Ho viaggiato, senza mai stancarmi, per poi fermarmi dinanzi al blu del mio Mediterraneo. Lì capire che qualcosa di grande e profondo, intenso e meraviglioso, stava accadendomi; e che non mi sarei mai più fermato. Tuffandomi in quel mare sapevo che non avrei più potuto tornare indietro. Al contempo sapevo che i brividi che mi percorrevano sarebbero stati i vostri. E che insieme avremmo corso sempre più veloce verso qualcosa di puro, autentico, genuino, felice. Qualcosa che con orgoglio chiamo Idressitalian.
Vincenzo Girasoli
