2023 Bortolomiol, Bandarossa, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Millesimato Extra Dry Sparkling Wine, Italy.
I usually like the drier style sparkling wines, with Extra Brut and Brut Nature being my absolute favorites, but that said this Bortolomiol “Bandarossa” Extra Dry Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is wonderfully expressive, rather than sweet in the glass and is delicious with crisp detailing and a fine mousse. I tasted through the excellent lineup at Bortolomiol at the Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Tasting in San Francsico earlier this year and I was impressed by the purity and distinctive quality in the collection with this one a surprise standout and it is easy to love and even better with food. The palate is lightly yeasty, clean and flows smoothly with lemon/lime, creamy peach, wet stones, a delicate hint of tropical essences and rosewater. This is delightful and would be great for picnics, as an aperitif at a celebration and good with lighter style desserts, like lemon tarts or apple pie. I certainly would have this with sushi, especially the spicier rolls and or enjoy this one with a lazy brunch.
The Bortolomiol Extra Dry Prosecco “Bandarossa” (red band) is a traditional style sparkling that the winery says was crafted with selected and ancient yeasts, already used by Giuliano Bortolomiol in the 70s, making this sparkling wine extremely unique, adding that it gives it the most elegant and refined aspects of these grapes, even with the overt fruity palate. The 100% Glera (Prosecco) grapes are slowly and gently pressed off the skins and fermented cool, at very low controlled temperatures, which brings out the aromatics, keeps everything vibrant and the flavors exceptionally pure. Bortolomiol, founded by the late Giuliano Bortolomiol, is run entirely by women, with Ottavia as the Matriarch and her daughters Maria Elena, Elvira, Luisa and Giuliana all playing key roles here. The vines, all sustainably grown are set on steep hillsides and terraces, as they’ve been fsince the 17th century and the climate with dramatic differences between day and night temps perfectly ripen the grapes and produces a fine balance. I highly recommend this crowd pleasing, softly sweeter bubbly and I suggest exploring the collection here.
($19 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive