Wine With Wanda

Wine That Makes Me Sing: Martini & Rossi Prosecco & Asti

It takes a sparkling personality to make sparkling wine! Winemaker Giorgio Castagnotti has worked for Martini & Rossi for 35 years and is still passionate about his job.  

Their catchy jingle has been stuck in my mind for decades, but now it's the Martini & Rossi wines that I can't stop thinking about. I was too young to really appreciate wine when the vintage "Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante, When You've Got Good Taste it Shows" commercial was a television staple, but I was absolutely old enough to dig a disco-ish jingle celebrating the pleasures of sparkling wine. That commercial was retired ages ago but it succeeded in making Martini & Rossi a name that I would never forget. And now I'm more than old enough to enjoy a glass! 

Founded in 1863, Martini & Rossi is truly an icon. Italy's largest producer of sparkling wine, it would be too easy to assume that Martini & Rossi pumps out a sea of generic wine but a recent tasting with Martini & Rossi winemaker Giorgio Castagnotti quickly shattered any preconceived notions that I had. Our tasting of Martini & Rossi Asti and Prosecco showed me that high volume does not mean inferior quality. Well-made, refreshing, and accessibly priced, Martini & Rossi sparkling wines are a delightful reminder that wine can be produced on a large scale without compromising quality or style.



Martini & Rossi Prosecco DOC ($14.99)
Who says that classics can't be innovated and improved? Martini & Rossi has recently introduced a drier style of their famous Prosecco and it is now Extra Dry with just a hint of sweetness. Winemaker Giorgio Castagnotti gleefully proclaimed that he is "obsessed with freshness" in the flavor profile of his sparkling wines and the updated style of the Prosecco certainly reflects that esthetic. Crisp and refreshing, it has vibrant citrus flavors & aromas with hints of green apple, pear, and thyme. The blend is 85% Glera (the classic Prosecco grape) with dashes of other grapes, including Verdiso and Chardonnay. A very well-structured Prosecco with fine & persistent bubbles, this is a sure-fire way to get the party started. 



100% Glera, Martini Collezione Speciale Prosecco DOC ($25) takes their passion for innovation and craftsmanship to the next level. Giorgio describes this elegant wine in the striking bottle as "pure Prosecco" that was achieved through an "obsessively controlled winemaking" process. The Glera grapes were selected from a specific vineyard. The connection to their traditional Prosecco is evident in its Extra Dry style and vibrant fruit, but this special version is more intense with a pronounced minerality and a hint of exotic fruit flavors. 



Martini & Rossi Sparkling Rosé ($14.99)
Extra Dry and absolutely delicious, Giorgio cheerfully describes the shade of this vivid rosé as "Disco Pink." A blend of Riesling Italico, Chardonnay, Glera, and Nebbiolo; it is fresh and fruity but not overly sweet. Lively red fruit flavors are revved up with a hint of orange zest. 


image courtesy of Martini & Rossi

Martini & Rossi Asti DOCG ($12.99)
Long before Moscato became trendy, Martini & Rossi Asti was there. Crafted from 100% Moscato Bianco grapes from Piedmont in the north of Italy, Martini & Rossi Asti bears the prestigious DOCG designation that denotes the highest level of quality for Italian wines. The pure and natural sweetness of the grapes shines through in this lively sparkling wine with vibrant flavors of peach and melon. People often pair Asti with dessert but winemaker Giorgio Castagnotti suggests a savory pairing, like a salami panini, that won't compete with the sweetness of the wine. Low alcohol, big flavor! 

Martini Collezione Speciale Asti DOCG ($25)
This limited-edition Asti made from Moscato Bianco grapes sourced from specific vineyards shows that Asti can reach a higher level of nuance and finesse. Naturally sweet with flavors of peach, citrus, and elderflower, it also has subtle hints of savory herbs. Great by itself at the end of a meal or with suggested pairings of fresh fruit, chocolate, and blue cheese. 



It was an absolute joy to sip Martini & Rossi Asti and Prosecco with winemaker Giorgio Castagnotti. I'll never forget this very established winemaker, with degrees in oenology and food chemistry, happily joining me for an impromptu duet of the old Martini & Rossi television jingle. Wine brings people together for conversation, laughter, and sometimes a song! Sparkling wine, in particular, has a very special way of setting the tone for celebrations. Martini & Rossi's well-crafted and consistent sparkling wines are an excellent way to pop the cork on some delicious bubbles without breaking the bank. However, you may break into song! 

If your travels take you to Italy, Martini & Rossi welcomes visitors at their historic Casa Martini in Pessione di Chieri (Turin). The former home of co-founder Luigi Rossi and the production site of MARTINI, the property has a history that spans more than 150 years. Highlights include the Wine Museum and Mondo Martini Gallery. 

Spinning Bottles: Viña Pomal Blanco 2016

So much wine, so little time! My cell phone is filled with photos of almost every bottle that I taste but it is impossible to write about each one. Inspired by the childhood game of Spin the Bottle, instead of spinning an actual bottle and kissing the person that the bottle points at, I've opted to take a spin through my wine photos until one gives me that tingling feeling that reminds me of how delicious it was. After all, a great glass of wine is almost as good as kissing (sometimes better)!


Meet my new wine crush - Viña Pomal Blanco 2016 ($15). Chock full of personality, this charmer from Rioja is an exquisitely textured and balanced blend of the traditional varieties Viura (70%) and Malvasia (30%). As elegant and crisp as Antonio Banderas in a white linen suit, it is a supple and fresh white wine with a hint of sexy warmth and toastiness garnered from 4 months of aging in French and American oak. However, there is no overwhelming oaky taste to Viña Pomal Blanco and it retains vibrant fruit and minerality plus a hint of herbs and a seductive creaminess from time on the lees. I was honestly surprised at the $15 price tag because Viña Pomal beautifully over-delivers. A perfect match with warm summer nights, flirty conversations, seafood, salad, and mild cheeses. 

Wine Makes a Family: The Enduring Legacy of Ruffino

 

"We don't just want to share the calm side of Tuscany, we want to share the adrenaline, the competition of the harvest, the emotion." - Gabriele Tacconi, Chief Winemaker, Ruffino

Italy is renowned for its legendary winemaking families that span generations and centuries. But it isn't just shared DNA that defines a family, familial bonds are also built by a mutual commitment and passion for a common cause. So I don't doubt Ruffino winemaker Gabriele Tacconi's sincerity when he strongly proclaims "We are proud. We are the family." The we that Gabriele speaks of, the winemaking team at Ruffino, may not have Ruffino in their genetic bloodline but they are united in their devotion to its legacy and future. “The Ruffino style is steeped in tradition, elegance, and drinkability, and has been developed over time. It’s a style that my team and I treat with great respect."

Founded in 1877 in Tuscany by cousins Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino, the winery has survived and thrived for more than 140 years. The very first Chianti wine exported to the United States, Ruffino has won countless awards and acclaim -- in the early 19th century they were even selected as the official supplier of the Italian royal court. But we're living in the 21st century. How do Ruffino's wines fit into the lives of today's wine lovers around the globe?


image courtesy of Ruffino

Over lunch at Union Square Cafe in Manhattan, Gabriele shared his reverence for Ruffino's storied past. But this motorcycle-loving modern man from Modena is all about making wines that speak to how we live, dine, and entertain today. Elegant but not pretentious, complex but not arrogant, Gabriele and the wines he makes for Ruffino are authentic and intriguing. "It is the passion, not perfection that brings people to wine," said Gabriele.


Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2014 ($40.99)
Gran Selezione is an exclusive and relatively new category that represents an elite selection of wines at the very top of the Chianti Classico quality pyramid. A blend of high quality Sangiovese, Merlot, and Colorino grapes from several Ruffino estates in the heart of Castellina in Chianti, Riserva Ducale Oro is meticulously aged for 36 months. Translating to "Reserved for the Duke," Riserva Ducale is named after the Duke of Aosta -- he appointed Ruffino as the royal court's official wine supplier in 1890. I think the Duke would approve of this elegant and expressive wine and its precise but passionate fruit, herb, and earth flavors. Bold and beautifully structured with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity, this wine has what it takes to age gracefully. 


Ruffino Greppone Mazzi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2013 ($80)
Beyond Chianti Classico, Ruffino also produces another of Italy's most revered wines, Brunello di Montalcino, at their Greppone Mazzi estate. A pure expression of place and grapes, it is crafted from 100% Sangiovese Grosso, which is known as Brunello in the Montalcino region of Tuscany. Crafted from the finest grapes in the vineyard, Greppone Mazzi was aged a total of 40 months. Complex and nuanced with impressive balance, Greppone Mazzi is rich but not overbearing. Luscious and deep red fruit flavors are bolstered by warm hints of chocolate and earth. A sophisticated sip meant to stand the test of time. 



Ruffino Modus 2015 ($24.99)
 Modus elegantly blends Tuscany's signature Sangiovese with the international varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Plush and plummy with silky tannins, this superb Super Tuscan was aged in French oak for 12 months. Subtle hints of vanilla beautifully accent the luscious fruit flavors and hints of herbs. 



Ruffino Alauda 2015 ($99)
Only produced in exceptional vintages, Alauda blends international favorites Cabernet Franc and Merlot with the Tuscan variety Colorino. All of the grapes are sourced exclusively from Ruffino's finest vineyards at their acclaimed Montemasso and Poggio Casciano estates in the heart of Tuscany. These low-yield vines produce limited quantities of exceptional fruit. Aged a total of 22 months, Alauda is sultry and voluptuous with velvety tannins and impressive complexity and grace. Big ripe berry and plum flavors meld harmoniously with touches of dark chocolate and savory & sweet balsamic notes. Another Ruffino wine that will age extremely well for many years. 


image courtesy of Ruffino

I've only scratched the surface of Ruffino -- their extensive portfolio includes white, red, sparkling and rosé. From everyday drinking wines to more complex splurge-worthy vinos, La Vita Ruffino, the embodiment of the fine Italian art of good living, is accessible to everyone. And if your travels take you to Tuscany, you can get more fully immersed in La Vita Ruffino by booking a Ruffino tour and tasting. Winemaker Gabriele said, "My favorite wine is the one that brings something special to the bottle. It is a story of people and I want to bring us to the bottle." So the next time you see a bottle of Ruffino at a wine shop or restaurant, remember the story of Gabriele and the team that have bonded together to create a modern expression of a winemaking family. 

Wanda's Wine Glass: Donnafugata, Bonterra, and Champagne Pommery

Whether I'm wining & dining with friends or just relaxing at home, wine is an essential part of my life. When a wine makes me lift up my glass and say WOW, I have to share my tasting notes with you. Cheers, Wanda  

Donnafugata "Floramundi" Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2016 ($30)

Donnafugata means "woman in flight" but you should run towards, not away from, this elegant and sultry wine from south-east Sicily! A blend of the indigenous Sicilian grapes, Nero d'Avola (70%) and Frappato (30%); Floramundi is a lighter-bodied red that you can serve slightly chilled on a hot summer day. Fresh cherry and berry flavors are enhanced by a subtle kiss of spice. Floramundi is another beautifully made and expressive Donnafugata wine that is boldly adorned with artwork of a powerful and alluring woman. Fun fact: Cerasuolo di Vittoria is Sicily's only DOCG wine - the top tier of quality for Italian wines. 

Bonterra Rosé 2017 ($16)
Just when I think that I couldn't possibly drink another glass of rosé, I sip a particularly delicious pink wine that reminds me that rosé is a lifetime love, not just a summer fling. Made from organic grapes, this charming Grenache-based rosé from Mendocino County, California, is crisp and vibrant. Dry but fruity with juicy flavors of strawberry, watermelon, and pomegranate. Bonterra consistently delivers beautifully crafted wines at great prices. 



Pommery POP Champagne ($15 each)
No, this is NOT an announcement about my personal life - the only thing I'm expecting is a wine delivery from my charming UPS man! Pommery POP It’s a Girl and It’s a Boy limited-edition personal champagne bottles are perfect for baby showers and other baby related festivities! Or you can just follow my lead and pop them open while relaxing at home with Netflix and takeout! Don’t let the cutesy bottles fool you - the champagne inside is serious! The white and rosé are both crisp, extra dry, and balanced with fine bubbles. These adorable POP bottles are also available without the baby talk. 

Mixed Barrels & Pure Passion: Beronia Winemaker Matías Calleja Innovates in Rioja

Was it destiny? Beronia winemaker Matías Calleja was born to a winemaking family in Ollauri, the historic town in La Rioja where Beronia is located. Matías has completed 36 harvests at Beronia! 

Winemaker Matías Calleja is endearingly modest when he talks about his impressive career. Considered one of Rioja's innovators, Matías has been at the acclaimed Beronia winery since 1982 and became Technical Director in 1996 -- that's pretty impressive considering that the winery was founded in 1973. His long tenure at Beronia has had a definitive impact not only on their wines but on winemaking throughout Rioja and all of Spain. Matías balances his technical know-how with authentic passion and humbly says, "Everyday I enjoy my job. I enjoy making wine."

It's hard to fathom but there was a time when Spanish cuisine and wines were not as celebrated abroad as they are now. Having lived in Spain in my younger years, I can say that it was frustrating when I returned back to the US and couldn't find authentic expressions of the flavors that I had grown to love. Of course, times have changed and you'd be hard pressed to find an American food-loving city that doesn't have a first-rate tapas bar with a great Spanish wine list. In the old days, Spanish wines had a reputation for being more rustic than elegant but Beronia has been one of the leaders in elevating the quality of Spanish wines without obliterating their authenticity.


image courtesy of Beronia

Located in the north of Spain, Rioja is the country's preminent wine region and is divided into three distinct sections: Rioja Baja, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Alta. Beronia's vineyards are concentrated in the heart of Rioja Alta and experience a mainly Atlantic climate along with various micro-climates. The soils have a balanced structure of sand, sediments, clay and other qualities that make them ideal for the production of quality wines. 


image courtesy of Beronia

But one of the most distinctive traits of Beronia's winemaking style is what I call "The Matías Method" for barrel aging. Why choose a barrel made exclusively from French or American oak, when you can combine both? 95% of the wines produced by Beronia are red and designed for long aging. Matías, a self-proclaimed oak enthusiast, pioneered combining French and American oak in one barrel to achieve optimal aging results for a selection of their wines. The Matías Method of aging reds in barrels made up of American staves and French tops is a hallmark of the Beronia Style. American oak tends to be more intensely flavored and contributes oaky flavors such as cinnamon, vanilla, and coconut. French oak imbues the wines with more subtle and pungent spicy notes like clove and black pepper and Matías believes that it "respects the fruit more." Combined together in this clever fashion, the two very different oaks balance and enhance each other. 


My recent tasting of Beronia included a barrel sample and showed how oak selection influences their wines. 

When we talk about Rioja reds, Tempranillo is la reina (the queen) and occupies more than 75% of the region's vineyards. In younger wines, Tempranillo's fresh & fruity nature are its main appeal but the grape also has the structured needed to grow more complex during many years of barrel and bottle aging.


Beronia Reserva 2013 ($19.99) is mostly Tempranillo (95%) with kisses of Graciano (4%) and Mazuelo (1%). Crafted from a selection of the best grapes from the oldest vineyards, Beronia Reserva 2013 was aged in mixed French & American oak barrels for 20 months and aged in bottle for another 18 months before release. That's a lot of serious, creative, and meticulous winemaking at a very affordable price! A captivating shade of deep cherry red, the winemaker's notes describe it as "On the nose complex aromas of black fruits, above all blackberry. It also shows a great bouquet of spices with cinnamon standing out and notes of cedar on the finish. On the palate smooth with sweet and round tannins. Great balance between acidic fruit and oak. Fresh, structured, and complex with a long aftertaste."



Beronia Gran Reserva 2009 ($29.99) takes it to the next level. 98% Tempranillo with a besito of Graciano (2%); shows Matías's flexibility and precision as a winemaker. For the Gran Reserva, he opted to age the wine exclusively in new French oak for 28 months, not mixed barrels, and an additional 36 months in the bottle. Silky and bold but not aggressive, the winemaker's notes say "Beronia Gran Reserva 2009 shows a deep intense maroon color. On the nose intense and complex with dried fruits and plums standing out over chocolate and sweet spice. On the palate structured and full showing black chocolate and tobacco. This wine shows great personality with a full body, elegance, and freshness." 



Reds may rule in Rioja but Beronia brings the same level of passion and innovation to their white wine Beronia Rueda 2017($12.99). Crafted from 100% Verdejo grapes from two different harvests in the same vineyard that were vinified separately, it has a perfect balance of crisp freshness and nuanced complexity. Rich and aromatic but very refreshing, the winemaker's notes say "Beronia Rueda 2017 is pale yellow in color with greenish tints. Intensely aromatic, it displays notes of citrus and white fruit along with herbaceous aromas that are typical of the grape variety, such as fennel. Richly textured on the palate, it is fresh and elegant, with a slight touch of bitterness on the finish, also characteristic of the Verdejo grape."

      

In 1982, Beronia was integrated into the highly regarded González Byass wine family but has retained its unique Beronia style. Tasting wine and sharing laughs with Matías, during his recent visit to Manhattan, transported me back to Spain for a few wonderful hours. This conviviality is truly in the DNA of their wines - Beronia was founded by six friends from the Basque country who loved to wine & dine together while vacationing in Rioja. Elegant, authentic, and creative; Beronia's beautiful wines are made for sharing and bringing people together. 

Click here to learn more about Beronia's complete portfolio of wines and to plan your visit to their winery in Rioja.