nv Contadi Castaldi, Brut, Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy.
The lovely and vital Contadi Castaldi Brut shows the finesse and elegance of the Franciacorta region and the style that has made it a world famous spot for Champagne class bubbly. This remote and beautiful spot in Italy Lombardy region has a terroir that excels in producing acid rich and mineral laced grapes perfect for great sparkling wines, and uniquely French in character with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir being the main varietals, they also allow Pinot Blanc as well, very different from the native grape you find in Prosecco, and while there are some fantastic Prosecco wines, nothing in Italy compares to the top Franciacorta wines, especially the long aged vintage wines, like the gorgeous offerings from Berlucchi, Ca’ del Bosco and Bellavista craft, but certainly for the price the Contadi Castaldi delivers a great bubbly. I love the fresh vibrant detail in the Contadi Castaldi Brut and subtle richness of the lees, it shows refinement and decadence with brioche, vivid citrus notes, touches of steely mineral, golden fig, apple and hazelnut add complexity in a brisk dry frame. The climate and sandy/chalky soils of the famed Lake district of Italy comes through in each beautiful sip, this is a fine and excellent sparkler to enjoy anytime and the price for what you get is remarkable as well, great with seafood cuisines, especially lobster, perfect for celebrating and or just because you want a glass of bubbles.
($27 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
