Explore sparkling wines through these thrilling Traditional Method picks that are made in the same way as Champagne.
Ferrari Perlé Rosé Riserva 2012
Established in 1902, Giulio Ferrari’s eponymous winery has become emblematic of the fine Metodo Classico (Traditional Method) style of sparkling wines from this part of Italy. Trentodoc in Trentino is the first DOC in Italy created specifically for Metodo Classico, and the second in the world after Champagne. This vintage Rosé from its Perlé range, for instance, comprises 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay from its vineyards located 300-600m above sea level. It spends 50 months on selected yeast, leading to characteristic notes of ripe currants and wild red fruit. The structure is unmistakably Pinot Noir, and the hint of almonds, brioche and spices brings it together for a taste that’s far more luxurious than the price. $88 from Giorgio-ferrari.com
Roederer Estate Quartet Brut NV
Despite being established in Mendocino County since 1982, you might not have heard of Roederer’s Californian outpost. Building on the Champagne label’s 200 years of expertise, the vineyards in Anderson Valley were picked for their cool climate and well-drained soils. The Brut NV comprising 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir weighs in at 12.5% ABV, with a fresh and generous red fruit character at the forefront. Toasty brioche from two years’ lees ageing is balanced out by clean juicy acidity and aromatic white flowers. Enjoy as an aperitif or paired with white meat. $60 from grandvin.com.sg
Muga Cava Conde de Haro 2016
This third-generation Rioja wine family has much to be proud of, not least having its own cooperage and purported to employ the only cooper left in Spain. Their stock of 10,000 barrels mostly go to the flagship reds, but don’t overlook the Cava under their Conde de Haro label. The house white is a 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia blend that is barrel fermented yet gives no impression of colour oxidation in the glass. Its persistence and honeyed notes are buoyed by surprising citrus acidity and a creamy fullness on the palate. $52 from Cellarmaster, cmwines.com.sg
TRENTINO 2012 VINTAGE REPORT:
• Overall yields in the Northeast Italy were down by 10% to 20% in most areas, which was slightly better than the rest of Italy which suffered up to 30% less yields due to a hot summer and uneven ripening.
• White grapes that were picked by mid-September fared well, under fair weather conditions before some rains arrived at the end of September.
FAMILY IS SUSTAINABILITY. That’s the tagline of the newly launched PFV Prize 2020, created by the association Primum Familiae Vini (PFV). The group of 12 represents some of the most powerful families who are producers of great European wines: Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Famille Hugel, Symington Family Estates and Vega Sicilia among them. The annual award, worth €100,000, will be presented to a family company in any enterprise, not just wine, that exemplifies excellence in sustainability, innovation, craftsmanship and successful transmission from one generation to the next. The timing is no coincidence; they believe that the long-term thinking of family companies will provide the right foundation for long-lasting success. Applications close on 30 Oct at www.thepfvprize.com
