by Daniel Rogov » Thu Apr 28, 2011 1:08 pm
Richard, Hi...
Several Tuscan wineries produce red sparkling wines, those largely from Sangiovese grapes and almost invariably by either the charmat method or what I call the "Coca Cola method", that is to say, of inserving carbon dioxide into the wine. What can I say...if you enjoy light-bodied bright purple sparklers whose aroma and flavor profile may well call to mind somethng between Sprite and Double Bubble chewing gum, you might go for those. For whatever it may be worth, those wines are sold primarily at grocery stores within Tuscany.
On a more serious note, Banfi produces a Banfi Brut, a non-vintage blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco (50%, 40% and 10% respectively). Made by the methode Champenoise, invariably a lively sparkling wine, good mousse, finely focused bubbles that linger nicely, aromas and flavors of citrus and citrus peel, green apples and not infrequently a hint of either papaya or mango. Overall, a nice sparkler, not one to be taken too seriously but great fun as an aperitif or with first courses.
Another producer of sparkling wines – actually with a separate facility for making sparkling wines - is Carpinetto with three wines: the Spumante Brut Bianco, Spumante Brut Rosé and the sweet Spumante Dulce each of which I might categorize as entry-level bubblies.
Best
Rogov
