Tag Archives: Sparkling wine

Riondo ‘Blu’ Prosecco

IMG_2780by Andrew Chalk

Riondo ‘Blu’ Prosecco ($11) may be the bargain Prosecco of the season. Recall that Prosecco comes from a denominated region in north-eastern Italy and is made from the Prosecco grape (aka Glera). It is a dry sparkling wine and usually plays the role of either a half-price substitute for Champagne at celebrations or as a mixer in Bellinis and other cocktails. Blu is perfectly acceptable in either role. The nose has hints of mineral and citrus, the taste is predominantly green apple with stone fruit emerging as the wine warmed up in the glass. Weight is medium. Acid is medium-high. Good value for money.

HEB has just started carrying this wine, according to the importer so look for it at Central Market.

Disclosure and procedures: Wine sent by a vendor at no cost to reviewer. The local reseller named after a price quote is the one who, on wine-searcher.com, had the lowest price. Wines sent by vendors may not be reviewed and will not be returned. Wines considered the most meritorious in the opinion solely of the reviewer, are the ones most likely to be reviewed.

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A Trio Of Italian Sparklers

chalk sparklerby Andrew Chalk

Martini, the Italian drinks company, has just refreshed their line of sparkling wines. The Asti ($14 Pogo’s) is a traditional Piedmont Asti Spumante. That is, sweet and easy-drinking. Perhaps to have with cake or tarts for dessert. The Rosé ($12 Total Wine and More) is the pink version of same. Prosecco ($16 Goody Goody) is a traditional Prosecco, originating from the Veneto-Friuli region of northeastern Italy. It is dry, crisp and and can be served with shellfish or in a “Martini Royale” cocktail.

Disclosure and procedures: Wine sent by a vendor at no cost to reviewer. The local reseller named after a price quote is the one who, on wine-searcher.com, had the lowest price. Wines sent by vendors may not be reviewed and will not be returned. Wines considered the most meritorious in the opinion solely of the reviewer, are the ones most likely to be reviewed.

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More Sparkling Wine For The Holidays

chalkby Andrew Chalk

Religious activities continue this week with another sparkler to turn carpe diem into carp with veggies. The most famous sparkling wine in the world is Champagne. It is distinguished by, among other things, its location, choice of grapes and its method of production. However, of these, the grapes and the production technique (secondary fermentation in the bottle) can be used in other locations. So it is with the three wines here today.

These are all made by Ferrari (no relation to the car maker) in Trento, Italy. All use the Champagne production method, which the Italians call Metodo Classico (classical method). The Ferrari Brut, Trento DOC ($25, Goody Goody) is 100% Chardonnay. This is dry, like Champagne, crisp and yeasty, like Champagne, but the price is a bit lower.

The Ferrari Rosé, Trento DOC ($37) is made from 60% Pinot Noir/40% Chardonnay, like rosé Champagne, and dry and crisp with a hint of Pinot fruit.     Continue reading

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