Bubbles have always been associated with conviviality and the celebration of great occasions. Inevitable to
toast the new year or to celebrate an important milestone, it is the effervescence of the perlage that makes
these wines so much loved, as lively as the spirit that surrounds this kind of event. Although it can be said
that the bubble looks good on a little bit of everything and is suitable for every moment, it must be pointed
out that there are actually many bubbles and they are all different from each other. The best known is
certainly the one obtained with the Champenoise method which, precisely in the French region of the same
name, gives life to the famous bubble obtained from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Meunier. On Italian
soil, however, alternatives are not lacking and with the same method, which we take the name of Classic
Method, we obtain wines whose name changes according to the production area. Trento Doc in Trentino-
Alto Adige, Franciacorta and Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy, Alta Langa in Piedmont and so on. The vines used
are the French classics, but there are exceptions, with Spumanti Metodo Classico which today are obtained
from the most unusual vines and with unusual aging methods. Here is our selection.
1. Trento Spumante Zero Dosage ‘Perlé Zero’
Ferrari
Area: Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige;
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay;
Color: Straw yellow with golden reflections;
Alcohol content: 12.5%;
On the nose: Grapefruit, pineapple, cumin;
On the palate: Balanced, savory and persistent;
Matching dish: Neapolitan Pizza;
We recommend it: Because thanks to its great balance it goes well with everything.
2. Trento Spumante Brut Riserva ‘Graal’ 2014
Altemasi
Area: Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige;
Grapes: 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Nero;
Color: Golden yellow;
Alcohol content: 12.5%;
On the nose: Honey, ripe apple and toasted hazelnut;
On the palate: Soft, savory and persistent;
Matching dish: Kaiserschmarren;
We recommend it: Because the quality / price ratio is excellent.
3. Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva ‘Palazzo Lana Extreme’ 2010
Berlucchi
Area: Franciacorta, Lombardy;
Grapes: 100% Pinot Nero;
Color: Golden yellow, with pink gold reflections;
Alcohol content: 12.5%;
On the nose: Candied orange, peach, toasted bread;
On the palate: Fresh and mineral, incredibly persistent;
Matching dish: Carbonara di lago;
We recommend it: Because it stays on the lees for ten years and an eternity in the mouth.
4. Oltrepò Pavese Classic Method ‘1865’ 2014
Count Vistarino
Area: Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy;
Grapes: 100% Pinot Nero;
Color: Straw yellow with golden reflections;
Alcoholic Content: 13%;
On the nose: Linden, chamomile and citrus;
On the palate: Balanced, savory and fresh;
Matching dish: Aromatic herb risotto with lemon zest;
We recommend it: Because it tells a beautiful story, that of Count Augusto Giorgi di Vistarino, who was the
first to import Pinot Noir to his estate.
5. Moscato Giallo Classic Method ‘Dilà’ 2016
Maeli
Area: Euganean Hills, Veneto;
Grapes: 100% Moscato Giallo;
Color: Golden yellow;
Alcoholic Content: 12%;
On the nose: Magnolia, thyme and bread crust;
On the palate: Fresh, savory and elegantly bitter at the end;
Matching dish: Creamed cod;
We recommend it: Because the Moscato Giallo, which reigns supreme from Maeli, is a beautiful discovery.
6. Classic Method Sparkling Wine Dosage Zero ‘KK’
Kante
Area: Carso, Friuli-Venezia Giulia;
Grapes: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Malvasia;
Color: Straw yellow;
Alcohol content: 12.5%;
On the nose: Citrus fruits, bread crust and an iodized note;
On the palate: Fresh and mineral, with an almond note at the end;
Matching dish: Cjarsons with cheese;
We recommend it: Because Malvasia del Carso brings the sea into the glass.
7. Brut ‘Abissi’ Classic Method Sparkling Wine 2017
Bisson
Area: Tigullio, Liguria;
Grapes: Bianchetta, Cimixà and Vermentino in variable quantities;
Color: Straw yellow;
Alcohol content: 12.5%;
On the nose: strongly iodized and brackish, lime and ripe apple;
On the palate: Intense minerality and freshness balanced by an elegant softness;
Matching dish: Ligurian anchovies;
We recommend it: Because the 18 months of aging on the seabed give it a unique character.
8. Champagne Rosé Brut
Ruinart
Area: Montagne de Reims, Champagne;
Grapes: 55% Pinot Nero, 45% Chardonnay;
Color: Garnet pink;
Alcohol content: 12.5%;
On the nose: Rose, lychee, raspberry and pomegranate;
On the palate: Great balance and freshness;
Matching dish: Rack of lamb with baked potatoes;
We recommend it: Because the oldest Champagne house wears pink very well.
9. Champagne Brut ‘Cuvée Reserve Essentiel’
Piper Heidsieck
Area: Montagne de Reims, Champagne;
Grapes: Pinot Nero 50-55%, Pinot Meunier 30-35%, Chardonnay 15-20%;
Color: Golden yellow;
Alcoholic Content: 12%;
On the nose: Citrus fruits, green apple and custard;
On the palate: Creamy and mineral;
Matching dish: French onion soup;
We recommend it: Because it perfectly represents the style of the Maison.
10. Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée ‘Edition 169’
Krug
Area: Montagne de Reims, Champagne;
Grapes: 43% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 22% Meunier;
Color: Golden yellow;
Alcoholic Content: 12%;
On the nose: Orange blossom, gingerbread, nougat and more citrus fruits, toasted hazelnuts, croissants;
On the palate: Great softness, great drink, great wine;
Matching dish: Indian curry chicken;
We recommend it: Because after trying it, you won’t want to drink anything else.
