Pick of the Pignolettos: top 12 to try (cont...)
Wines were tasted independently by both Carla Capalbo and Sally Easton MW
Il Monticino, Frizzante del Monticino Pignoletto Brut, Colli Bolognesi NV 89 N/A UK www. ilmonticino. it
From a 2.5ha Morandi family vineyard at 200m-250m in the hills close to Bologna. Made in the Charmat-Martinotti method, with about 40 days on lees. The nose has green apple, pear, peach, even a hint of tropical melon, reflected on the palate with spiky-fresh yet soft lemon-sorbet frothiness. SE Drink 2020-2021 Alc 12%
Villa Cialdini, Pignoletto Millesimato Brut 2018 89
£ 14.99-£ 16.30 Alexander Hadleigh, Exel, Hangingditch, Harrogate Fine Wine Co, Liberty Wines, The Wine Reserve
Another from Chiarli vineyards, made by Franco De Biasio. Lively apple and citrus aromas are followed by a full palate with light almondy notes, then a refreshing citrussy finish of grapefruit and hints of herbs. CC Drink 2020-2022 Alc 12%
Riunite, Tesco Finest Pignoletto Spumante Brut 2018 88
£8.50 Tesco
Made in partnership with one of Emilia Romagna’s largest cooperatives, which boasts 1,700 growers and specialises in both red and white sparkling wines. It has an attractive white-floral nose, followed by refreshing apple and pear notes on the palate. The soft bubbles leave a bright and clean finish. CC Drink 2020-2022 Alc 11.5%
Sainsbury’s, Taste the Difference Pignoletto Spumante Brut NV 88 £9 Sainsbury’s
Grapes undergo cold maceration for 10 hours, then soft pressing. The must ferments at low temperatures and the Charmat-Martinotti method is used, with about 30 days on the lees. A light, floral nose leads to red-apple flavours on the palate, a pleasant hint of bitterness and a lively finale. CC Drink 2020-2022 Alc 11%
Vallona, Ammestesso Pignoletto, Colli Bolognesi Classico Superiore 2014 95 N/A UK www.fattorievallona. it
Grechetto Gentile grown at about 300m, matured in cement tanks for three years on lees with stirring. A complex wine that shows aromas of honey, cinnamon and steeliness. Creamy in texture, fresh, rich, concentrated and silky smooth, with flavours of honeyed quince and sweet spices. Well balanced and poised. SE Drink 2020-2023 Alc 14%
Gaggioli, Pignoletto, Colli Bolognesi Superiore 2018 90
N/A UK www.gaggiolivini. it
Grechetto Gentile is hand-harvested then fermented in stainless steel to preserve the grape’s natural aromatics. Shows white-floral aromas, fresh quince and apple, along with more concentrated notes of baked apples and pears. The palate is smooth, fresh and wholesome, with good flavour density and a long finish. SE Drink 2020-2022 Alc 12.5%
Aldrovandi, Alto Vanto Bianco, Colli Bolognesi Classico Superiore 2017 89 N/A UK www. altovanto. it
Some of the fruit for this wine comes from Pignoletto vines dating back to 1938, on sommelier Federico Aldrovandi’s single hectare in Monteveglio. Fermented in French oak, one-third of which is new. Aromas of honeyed buttercream and lemon toast also show on the round palate. Honeycomb richness, smooth texture and creamy concentration. SE Drink 2020-2022 Alc 13.5%