“ITALIAN WINE ON THE "FEBRAURY" TOP 10 WINES US/UK PRESS"

FIVE ITALIAN WINE THIS MONTH ON THE TOP WINES MEDIA&PRESS

UK PRESS

Ferghettina Franciacorta Brut Satèn 2010, Italy

Continuing this week’s Valentine’s fizz theme was Terry Kirby of The Independent, who recommended trying a variation on Champagne. This Italian sparkler from Franciacorta is made using the same method as Champagne.

He said: “Made in Lombardy according to the méthode champenoise from Chardonnay grapes and therefore close to a lighter Blanc de Blancs – creamy, faintly citric flavours, floral hints. Simply gorgeous.”

Price: £22.99, allaboutwine.co.uk; £23.95, stonevine.co.uk

US PRESS

De Angelis Falerio 2013, Marche, Italy

While Tebbiano typically yields “nondescript correct, if uninteresting, wines”, this example, dominated by the Italian grape, proved to be an exception to the rule according to McIntyre, who called it “vibrant and refreshing”.

He said: “The blend includes a grape called Pecorino, not to be confused with the cheese of the same name but great for conversation. Stock up on this one for the spring and summer.”

Price: $10

Cascina Fonda Brachetto bel Roseto 2013, Piemonte, Italy

Fizz is always popular when its comes to Valentine’s Day, with this Italian pink sparkler no exception.

He said: “It’s sweet and fizzy, with strawberry and orange peel and enough acidity to match chocolate cake, especially when fruit (such as strawberry or raspberry) is involved.”

Price: $22

2013 Casata Parini Miraggio, Terre di Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy

“There is no pretense about this inexpensive red wine from a little-known corner of Italy”, wrote Michael Dresser in the Baltimore Sun of this Italian red.

“It’s a medium-bodied, rustic, fruity, earthy, peasant-style wine that makes up in homespun charm what it lacks in complexity”, he said. “And did I mention the price? A little wild and woolly at first, it mellows in the glass. It’s quite similar to a Montepulciano D’Abruzzo.”

Price: $9

2010 Nino Franco Grave di Stecca Brut

“Prosecco is so ubiquitous that you probably think you know what it is—a frothy, fruity, best-selling bargain. But trust me, not all Prosecco is equal. Most is boring—some is brilliant”, wrote Elin McCoy at Bloomberg.com this week.

Of Nino Franco’s Grave di Stecca Brut from Valdobbiadene, McCoy said: “It is dry, elegant, polished, and savory, but so different from typical high-end Prosecco it can’t use the term on the label.”

Price: $45