Sparkling Wines of Italy

About Italian Sparkling Wines:
Italy does not try to compete with Champagne but does boast a number of unique sparkling wines that are sure to please any wine enthusiast! From Veneto's Prosecco, which traditionally opens a meal, to sparklers like Murgo Brut that are made from indigenous southern varietals, Italy's diverse wine regions offer delightful options that display the character of the land and demonstrate the traditional styles of bubbly enjoyed by generations of Italians.

Veneto's Prosecco:
Prosecco is the traditional way to start off an Italian meal. This sparkling wine, hailing from the province of Treviso in the hills north of Venice between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, is generally softer than Champagne and typically carries notes of almonds and peach. This spumante is made from the indigenous grape of the same name and produced through the Charmat or tank method. Locals believe it to be a relative of the Pucinum wine of ancient Rome, where it was the drink of choice of Empress Livia. This wine has gained favor worldwide for its simple, refreshing nature.

IWM’s Recommended Producers: Ruggeri, Col Vetoraz

Bubbles of Piemonte:
Hailing from Italy's Northern region of Piemonte, Asti Spumante is the world’s second favorite sparkling wine after Champagne. This semi-sweet sparkler is made from the Moscato grape using the tank method. Moscato d’Asti, another sparkler from Piemonte, is similar except that it has 1-2 degrees less alcohol and lower CO2 pressure (i.e. fewer bubbles.) Both of these wines have glorious evergreen, mint and Muscat notes. Other varietals used to produce Piemontese sparkling include Chardonnay and Brachetto, the light-skinned red grape from which Brachetto d'Acqui is made.

IWM’s Recommended Producers: Bruno Giacosa, Rocche dei Manzoni

Franciacorta
Franciacorta is Italy's sparkling wine star. Unlike most other Italian sparklers, Franciacorta is made using the Champagne method of crafting sparkling wine. That is, the wine is fermented in the bottles, rather than in a vat. This leads to smaller, more plentiful bubbles and a more subtle taste. Franciacorta is a name of a place, a region in the Lombardy Lake District. This wine is made using a combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc, in French), and Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) grapes. It is a dry, somewhat complex wine, with hints of almond, vanilla, and yellow ripe fruit. According to Italian wine law, Franciacorta must be aged for at least 18 months, vintage Franciacorta for 30 months. Drink Franciacorta with risottos, seafood, white meat, and baked fish.

IWM’s Recommended Producers: Castellino Franciacorta

Sicilian Sparklers:
The Murgo estate is situated in a privileged position southeast of Mount Etna and has been making wines traditional to this territory since 1850. In 1981 Baron Emanuele Scammacca del Murgo modernized the estate to optimize the quality of his wines, and his sons Michele, Pietro, and Matteo focus on that same goal in their daily work in the vineyards and cellar. The unique conditions created by the volcano make for wines with unusual finesse, aromatic complexity, and strong personality.