MY SUGGESTIONS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
L'Eccezione Brut 60
Brut Nature classic method vintage
Exception Brut 60 is a Brut Nature classic method vintage from Manseng and Chardonnay grapes. Aged 60 months on its own yeasts then 3 months in the bottle after disgorgement.
Millesimato FALCHINI BRUT
Classic Method Spumante
Falchini Brut" is a Vintage Classic Method sparkling wine produced with a careful selection of the best Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chardonnay grapes from the estate's vineyards in Casale, together with a small portion of other white grapes.
CONTINUO SPUMANTE ROSATO
long Charmat method
Continuo Rose Spumante from the Organic Tenuta La Macchia is our Pick of the season
CONTINUO Sparkling Rosé is obtained from the rosé vinification of two different harvests, from the pressing of Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes followed by a second fermentation in an autoclave using the long Charmat technique.
This sparkling wine has a deep, bright rose petal color; the nose is delicate and elegant with notes of cherry, wild strawberry, and orange zest.
Frescobaldi - Leonia Éternelle
DOC - Classic Method - Brut
Leonia Eternelle 2014 Pomino Spumante Bianco DOC 100% Chardonnay Method Classico
Bouquet of citrus, apricot and green apple. Long ageing on lees, 8 yrs, gives a highly complex finish.
Vin Santo
Holy Wine
The traditional Italian dessert wine from Tuscany, made by drying grapes (like Trebbiano & Malvasia) for months, then fermenting them in small barrels for years, resulting in sweet, nutty, honeyed flavors, famously paired with Cantucci biscotti.
Caffè Corretto
Your best espresso with a kick!
Add a shoct of Grappa or your favorite tipple.
UNDERSTANDING ITALIAN SPARKLING WINES
Italian sparkling wines come with all kinds of designations that help you know what’s in the bottle. You’ll see regional names like Prosecco, Franciacorta, Trentodoc, and Asti, as well as general terms such as Spumante for fully sparkling wines and Frizzante for lighter, semi-sparkling styles. Labels also hint at sweetness levels—like Brut, Extra Dry, or Demi-Sec—and sometimes the production method, such as Metodo Classico, which uses traditional bottle fermentation.
You may also notice DOC or DOCG on the label. These are quality and origin guarantees, with DOCG being the stricter of the two. They ensure that specific grapes (like Glera in Prosecco) and approved methods are used, so you know you’re getting an authentic taste of the region.
Key Terms & Designations
Spumante: The Italian word for fully sparkling wine.
Frizzante: Semi-sparkling, with softer bubbles.
Tranquillo: Still wine (not sparkling).
DOC/DOCG: Quality tiers; DOCG (Controlled & Guaranteed Designation of Origin) is stricter than DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin).
Metodo Classico: Traditional method (secondary fermentation in bottle, like Champagne).
Charmat/Tank Method: Used for Prosecco, preserving fruity notes.
Sweetness Levels (Driest to Sweetest)
Brut Nature / Pas Dosé: No added sugar (driest).
Extra Brut: Very dry.
Brut: Dry.
Extra Dry: Slightly off-dry (sweeter than Brut).
Dry / Secco: Noticeably sweet.
Demi-Sec / Dolce: Sweetest.