Spumante and Frizzante

There is an indication Spumante or Frizzante on the labels of Italian sparkling wines. There are basic differences between these varieties of wine.

Spumante type wine can be made by two natural methods: the classical method or re-fermentation of wine in the bottle, or the Charmat method using pressure steel tanks of high capacity (from 50 000l to 100 000l) called autoclave. The base wine, that is a fresh wine from a given vintage (or from previous vintages depending on the producer), is subjected to re-fermentation using one of the above mentioned methods. The re-fermentation consist in adding an appropriate amount of sugar and yeast to the base wine to start the process. The characteristic bubbles present in the wine result from fermentation and underpressure. The content of carbon dioxide is around 7g/l under the pressure of 3,5 atmospheres. The fermentation period, using the classical method, lasts from more than ten months to few years. The more noble wine the longer period of fermentation on the yeasts. Spumante made by the classical method is usually a dry wine with low sugar level. It is obtained from Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay.

Spumante wine categories:

Pas Dose` or Brut Nature - without sugar or with sugar level below 3 g/l
Extra Brut - sugar level from 3 to 6 g/l
Brut - sugar level from 12 g/l
Extra Dry - sugar level from 12 to 20 g/l
Dry - sugar level from 20 to 35 g/l
Demi Sec - sugar level from 35 to 50 g/l
Doux - Dolce - sugar level above 50 g/l.

The best Spumante varieties of wine in Italy are Franciacorta wines coming from the area with the same name in Lombardy and Trento DOCs originating from Trento. The fermentation period of the Charmat method is much shorter, it lasts from 30 to 80 days (for example for Prosecco wines). There is also so-called Charmat lungo, of which the fermentation process is prolonged to 12 months. Spumantes made by the Charmat method are not only dry but also aromatic and sweet wines. The wine can be obtained from various grape varieties, among which the most popular is Moscato d`Asti, Brachetto, Glera, Malvasia. Its alcohol level is similar to still wines and usually runs between 12-13%. The most famous Spumante wines produced by the Charmat method are Prosecco and Asti Spumante.

While a Frizzante version of wine is made only by the Charmat method. The fermentation process is much shorter. The carbon dioxide content is also lower, it oscillates between 2 and 5g/l at the highest pressure of 2,5 atmospheres. The wine is obtained from aromatic grape varieties such as Moscato d`Asti, Malvasia as well as grapes used to make dry wines like Barbera Frizzante, Freisa, Bonarda Frizzante, popular Lambrusco or semi-dry and semi-sweet wines. The alcohol level of these wines usually runs between 5-6% for aromatic wines and 11-12% for dry wines. The most popular Frizzante wines are Moscato d`Asti, Brachetto and Lambrusco. As the Italians say a fresh frizzantino quenches thirst and stimulates the appetite.

Featured Italian Wines

Vinchio Vaglio Serra

Rebus Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato

Dry red wine made from Piedmontese native Ruche grape. The classic growing zone of this grape variety is made up of several towns in the province of Asti, among which Castagnole Monferrato. Its origins are uncertain, but this wine is known by an intense aroma bouquet with notes of rose and violet. For many years this grape variety was known only locally, then was almost forgotten, only in the 80-s of the XX century Ruche regained its place among original and unique wines of Piedmont.

Color: ruby red, shimmering.
Aroma: complex, aromatic, notes of rose, violet, ripe cherry, raspberry, apricot.
Flavor: velvety, soft, full.
Food matching: perfect with dishes based on meats and meat sauces, excellent with game: hare, boar, deer.
Serving temperature: 16°/18°C.
Alcohol content: 14%.

Aldo Rainoldi

Valtellina Superiore Inferno Riserva

Dry red wine made from Nebbiolo grape. This is a riserva of the Valtellina Superiore version, obtained from the best vineyards in the Inferno subzone, the most rocky of all denominations belonging to the Valtellina Superiore. Aged for 15 months in small French oak barrels, and for almost two years in the bottle. A wine with a great structure and power, ideal for dishes based on meat.

Color: red ruby.

Aroma: delicate, complex, fruity, spicy, toasted wood.

Flavor: velvety, harmonious.

Food matching: for red meats and venison, seasoned cheeses.

Serving temperature: 16°/18°C.

Serve in large glasses.

Alcohol content: 13,5%.

Azienda Vitivinicola Ornella Bellia

Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso

A dry red wine of the autochthonous Refosco dal Peduncolo grape variety of Veneto. The name of the grape literally means a bunch of grapes in dark red color. The grape has been widely known since the Roman times and is inseparably linked with the territory of so called Three Venetos. Refosco is a wine that has a beautiful and intensive color. It is not aged in wood, because its value is freshness and vivacity. The Refosco from Ornella comes from the trimmed and sunny vineyards of the Lison Pramaggiore zone.

Color: vivid red with violet reflections.
Aroma: intensive, ripe raspberry and wild blackberry notes.
Flavor: rounded, full bodied, slightly tannic.
Food matching: best with boiled meats, grilled beef with rucola.
Serving temperature: 18°C.
Alcohol content: 11,5%.

Cupertinum Cantina Sociale Cooperativa Di Copertino

Primitivo

A dry red wine made from native Puglia grape Primitivo. An extremely pleasant wine with rich aromas, soft and warm. One of the most typical Puglian wines, very liked by Polish customers because of its moderate acidity. Delights by its intense color and notes of fruity jam. An necessary accompaniment with grilled meats.

Color: purple red.
Aroma: complex, notes of ripe cherry, chestnut, almond, chocolate, plum jam.
Flavor: warm, soft.
Food matching: excellent with cured meats and meats, mainly grilled, and also with beef burgers.
Serving temperature: 18°C.
Alcohol content: 13,5%.

Azienda Agricola Virna di Borgogno Virna

„San Giovanni” Barbera d’Alba

A dry red wine made from native Piedmont grape Barbera, originating from the Alba zone. Vineyards are located in the town of Monforte, about 300 meters above sea level. San Giovanni, Italian for Saint John, is the name of cru, a small area vineyard generating grapes of excellent quality. A well-structured Piedmontese Barbera, aged for 14 months in French oak casks. A deep color of this wine and unusual richness of aromas will suit the tastes of most demanding fans of Piedmont wines.

Color: deep ruby red, intense.
Aroma: complex, notes of ripe blackberries, violet.
Flavor: warm, soft, rich, subtly pronounced tannins.
Food Matching: ideal for dishes on the base of meat, meat sauces, cured meats and seasoned chesses.
Serving temperature: 18°C.
Alcohol content: 14,5%.

Azienda Agricola Luigi Giordano

Langhe Freisa

A dry red wine from the autochthonous Freisa variety of Piedmont.In the dialect freisa means freesia, or flower, characterized by purple - red color. Hence the wine was named after its colour. The mentions about this grape variety date back to the late XIX-th century, then the wine obtained from the Freisa grape was already well-known and apprieciated, especially in Piedmont. Freisa from our producer was aged in wooden barrels, next was subjected to the short fermentation process in a big tank called ‘autoclave‘ . Hence Freisa is characterized by a slightly sparkling flavor and freshness. This wine is an excellent companion to grassy meats and charcuterie. Freisa of the Langhe region is a dry wine as opposed to Freisa of the Monferrato zone.

Color: ruby red, intense, vivid.
Aroma: winey and fruity notes of cherries, blackberries and raspberries.
Flavor: rich, nicely seasoned.
Food matching: hors d‘oeuvres based on meats, cured meats, pasta dishes, fried dishes, Bagna Cauda sauce of Piedmont.
Serving temperature: 14v/16°C.
Alcohol content: 13%.

Vinchio Vaglio Serra

Piemonte Cortese 10L

Dry white wine from the native Piedmont grape Cortese(100%). Cortese is the most popular white grape variety of Piedmont, which gives a wine with good structure and a slightly aromatic note. Cortese is the Italian adjective meaning nice, polite, just like the wine made from this grape, which easily adapts to the climate and soil conditions of the areas where it is grown. The practical packaging Bag in Box is a guarantee of freshness of the wine, even after opening, the contents of the carton can be consumed within 6 months.

Color: straw yellow.
Aroma: aromatic, tropical fruit notes.
Flavor: dry, crisp.
Food matching: goes very well with appetizers, fish, salad from fresh vegetables. In warm days should be served much chilled as an accompaniment to any light meal.
Serving temperature: 8/10°C.
Alcohol content: 11.5%

Azienda Vitivinicola Ornella Bellia

Incrocio Manzoni 6.0.13

A dry white wine from the autochthonous Manzoni Bianco grape variety of Veneto. It owes its name to a Venetian scientist Luigi Manzoni which between 1930 and 1935 made a cross of Pinot Bianco and Resling Renano. The wine combines the elegance of Pinot Bianco with the aromatic wealth of Resling.

Color: straw yellow.
Aroma: delicate, aromatic, scent with honey notes.
Flavor: dry, mineral, rounded.
Food matching: best with aperitifs, hors d’oeuvres, delicate cheeses and fish.
Serving temperature: 10°/12°C.
Alcohol content: 12,5%.

Cantine Nicosia

Grillo

A dry white wine made from native Sicily grape Grillo. Another autochthonous white wine of Sicily, equally aromatic and fresh. It’s a perfect accompaniment with fish-based dishes and sea food.

Color: straw yellow with greenish reflections.
Aroma: aromatic, notes of citrus, nettle and mint.
Flavor: soft, mineral.
Food matching: excellent with olive oil-fried sardines in breadcrumbs with capers, almonds, parsley and olives; raw fish and crustaceans.
Serving temperature: 10°C/12°C.
Alcohol content: 12,5%.

Cantolio Cantine del Primitivo di Manduria

Primitivo di Manduria Terra

Dry red wine from the indigenous Primitivo di Manduria grape called “Terra”, the Italian for the Earth. The vineyards are located in the deep territory, on the so-called red soils, rich in potassium and iron and on the black ones full of humus and clay. The vines are cultivated in the ‘alberello’ style (short vine trees) typical for the south of Italy. The ‘alberello’ style makes the grapes in time get close to the earth, from which obtain nutritional components, warm and humidity. Around the vine is created a kind of hole, where water is collected. Many vine trees are more than 70 years old and still yield ripe grapes. That is why Primitivo Terra so delights by freshness, ripe fruit and rich structure. The harvest is done manually until the middle of September, after a short period of fermentation the wine ages in small French oak barrels. Excellent and elegant Primitivo justifiably won a gold medal in the competition World Wine 2014 in Brussels.

Color: deep ruby red.

Aroma: rich, complex, floral-fruity notes.

Flavor: warm, fresh, gently tannic, long-lasting.

Food matching: excellent with game and meats, seasoned cheeses.

Serving temperature: 16°/18°C.

Alcohol content: 14,5%.