By Rick Riozza
A couple of years ago, around this lovely time of the year, Santo Valentino made his way into this Vino Voice Column by sharing his wine-loving recommendations of the most romantic rosés for Valentine’s Day. (https://coachellavalleyweekly.com/santo-valentinos-lovely-vino-shares) This time around, Santo is sharing his specific selection of Brut Rosés sparklers.
At that time, we introduced him to our readership: Everyone knows that Santo Valentino is a lover. He loves love; and he loves vino, among other things, for certain. He’s not only a man-about-town—he’s a man about the world. We want to know his comings, and we want to know his goings. It’s tough to imagine a more beloved celebrity; and the vino he’s currently quaffing, well, inquisitive minds do want to know.
Santo’s selection this time lands wonderfully with the on-going Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic games, as he is recommending Brut Rosés from the Franciacorta region of Italy nearby Milano. For last few years, Brut Rosés have become the bubbly hit of sparkling wine: they are so delicious, so festive, and match most meals on the dining table. Santo often quips in Italian, “In caso di dubbio, la scelta migliore è lo spumante Brut Rosé! (translation: when in doubt, Brut Rosé is the “shout”)
The region Franciacorta is from is warmer than Champagne and has different soil, which can impact the flavor and acidity of the wine. Franciacorta is often considered more fruity, riper, bigger, and floral than Champagne, and sometimes softer as well. Champagne is often considered more austere and has higher acidity.
As to their Brut Rosé, the sparkler tastes crisp, dry, and refreshing, with vibrant red fruit flavors like strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, often balanced by citrus zest, floral notes (rose petals, orange blossom), and sometimes toasty, brioche-like hints from aging on lees, offering a sophisticated profile with bright acidity and a clean, lingering finish. It’s fruity without being sweet, characterized by its “brut” (dry) sweetness level, making it very food-friendly
And now: Santo’s approves, shares, and recommends these Brut Roséswines below for your week of love consideration:
2018 Ca’ del Bosco Annamaria Clementi Rosé Franciacorta DOCG ($180)
As one would expect, prices for the Franciacorta sparkler can zoom ahead depending on the winemaker’s craft & vintage. A definite treat for the price as the wine compares well with four-hundred-dollar French rosé on the market.
This bubbly brims with aromas and flavors of pink grapefruit, raspberries, red berries. Very fine bubbles. It’s romance in a glass!
Berlucchi ’61 Rosé Brut Franciacorta DOCG ($40). This is a non-vintage sparkler made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. A few hours’ maceration of the Pinot Noir on the skins—rosé maceration, to emphasize the aromas and hue of the grape give this wine a wonderful palate. 12.5% ABV.
This is such a romantic wine for brunch & dinner! The bubbly is bright, savory, and refreshing with aromas of juicy raspberry, wild cherry, baking spice and a whiff of bread crust. The palate is full of fresh red fruits with a tangy candied nectarine note closes the finish. Exceptional acidity and full-bodied. What else can you ask for with this premium sparkler at the price?
Vigna Dorata NV Rosè Brut Sparkling (Franciacorta) ($30)
Lifted and light aromas of cranberry and strawberry rise from the glass with a hint of candied orange peel and freshly baked fruit tart. Elegant on the palate with more subtle sour cherry notes that give way to a delicate mousse and spiced finish.
Wine Enthusiast says, “Berry, apple and pastry aromas delicately swirl in the glass while the vibrant palate offers white peach, tangy tangerine zest and white cherry. An elegant, persistent perlage and bright acidity provide elegance and energy while a ginger note wraps around the finish. Alcohol 12.5%.” Santo says, “Cosa stai aspettando? (translation: What are you waiting for?)
Elisabetta Abrami Brut Rose Franciacorta Italy DOCG NV This is such a romantic wine for brunch & dinner! The bubbly is bright, savory, and refreshing with aromas of juicy raspberry, wild cherry, baking spice and a whiff of bread crust. The palate is full of fresh red fruits with a tangy candied nectarine note closes the finish. Exceptional acidity and full-bodied. What else can you ask for with this premium sparkler at the priceElisabetta Abrami Brut Rose Franciacorta Italy DOCG NV This is such a romantic wine for brunch & dinner! The bubbly is bright, savory, and refreshing with aromas of juicy raspberry, wild cherry, baking spice and a whiff of bread crust. The palate is full of fresh red fruits with a tangy candied nectarine note closes the finish. Exceptional acidity and full-bodied. What else can you ask for with this premium sparkler at the price?
It’s perfect as an aperitif; it will pair well with a summer platter of cold meats and charcuterie, full-flavor first courses, and matured cheeses. Delicioso!
Consider these bubblies as well:
Villa Crespia NV Brolese Extra Brut Rosé $33, 93 points. Made with Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, this offers delicate scents of wildflowers, orchard fruit and a whiff of baking spice. Racy, linear and refreshing, the crisp dry palate delivers Rennet apple, nectarine and a hint of ginger, while a graphite note adds depth. It’s elegant, with small, continuous bubbles.
Ferghettina 2023 Brut Rosé ($63) 92 Points Savory and vibrant, this bright polished sparkler delivers aromas and flavors of red cherry, crushed raspberry, Rennet apple, tangy nectarine and bread crust. Refreshing acidity and a lively, refined bubbles lift the finish. Ferghettina always produces wonderful wine!
Finishing now with Santo’s favorite line: Crediamo nell’amore! In love we trust! Saluti!
