So this weekend sees a very large celebration of Italian fizz passing through Sydney town, with the Bolle Italia sparkling wine festival held on Sunday and Monday (full details here).
I had a sneak peak of a few of the wines featured in Monday’s ‘Degustazione’ dinner a week or so back and, again, they remind just how good Italian bubbles out there that aren’t prosecco.
That’s not to say that there is anything wrong with prosecco, but I’m often amazed at the ignorance about sparkling from this powerhouse wine nation. Much out there, lots not receiving the love it deserves (even Franciacorta is little known here, even though it is super cool in Italy).
These are some of the wines featured in the dinner on Monday eve, though circa 100 wines poured on Sunday. Likely worth a visit.
These notes are perhaps a fraction cursory but you get the drift.
Murgo Etna Brut Spumante 2011
100% Nerello Mascale from Etna. Slightly broad and almost oily mouthfeel to this. Simple fizz in a generous and approachable style. Has simple open appeal. 16.5/20, 88/100.
Ca de Mocenigo Prosecco Superiore DOC
Delicate and simple classic prosecco style. Has good direct freshness without being profound. Fresh and vital with a real airiness to it. Really drinkable and sneaky tasty. 17/20, 90/100.
Col Vetoraz Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze 2014
It’s easy to dismiss these slightly off-dry Cartizze fizz. And often the question remains about the need for residual sugar at all. But this is pretty clever wine. That initial hint of candy is at first a distraction, but underneath there is a freshness and satiny texture that is really quite nice. It’s not complex, but the purity of flavour, with the faint hints of cassis and apple, and that softness all makes for a genuinely pretty wine. 17.5/20, 91/100.
Caruso + Minini Catarratto Brut
Canei Durin Pigato Brut NV
Mirabella Franciacorta Brut NV
Ferghettina Franciacorta Brut NV
Quarticello Malvasia Emilia Frizzante Despina 2015
Monte delle Vigne Lambrusco Colli di Parma I Calanchi 2013
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