Bolognani PerNilo Trento DOC Extra Brut 2014

For you Blanc de Blancs overs out there, how would you like to try an Italian Sparkling vibrant, lemony chalky freshness that wraps around you and pulls you into it’s embrace? Let me set you up with your next love, a beautifully made sparkling wine from Bolognani.

Bolognani PerNilo Trento DOC Extra Brut 2014

Step back to the 1950’s where Nilo Bolognani started making small batch white wines from small parcels along the Trento mountainous hillsides. Today his children continue the from the mountainous areas of Lavis, Val di Cembra and Trento. This wine is dedicated to the founder of the winery. The high altitude 4 hectares of Chardonnay are sustainably farmed, hand harvested. The first fermentation is in stainless steel tanks with a small portion in neutral wood. The second fermentation is for a minimum of 48 months on the lees, a very small dosage is added (4g of sugar/litre) and remains in the cellar for at least another 5-6 months before being released. Quantities are very limited - I happen to be lucky enough to score some.

This is such a creamy sparkling wine with fragrant aromas of white flowers, citrus notes and herbal hints. Freshly cut lemon, crisp apple and pear, just ripe peach, chalky minerality, wet river stones (spa inspired), vegetal fennel and grass that glides into biscuity, dough goodness (thanks to a minimum 48 months ageing on the lees). Creamy, well balanced with a snappy fresh finish.

I have said this before but it’s worth repeating, a 100% Metodo Classico is a feminine sparkling wine - it has elegance, bristles with energy and complexity. Need I say more? Fine persistent bubbles just keep rocking the glass in it’s elegance, outstanding quality price point. Blanc de Blancs lovers give Trento DOC a chance.

Pair with grilled swordfish lemon steaks, smoked bluefish paté or chicken breasts stuffed with sage, lemon and ricotta.