Bellavista NV Franciacorta Cuvee Brut (Italy)

"'This is a brilliant wine from winemaker Mattia Bezzola. The reference point for brilliantly pure, elegant, Italian sparkling wine, this offering can stand up to the finest Champagnes. This prestigious estate, created in the seventies by proprietor Vittorio Moretti, continues to fashion a bevy of dazzling sparklers.'
-Wine Advocate

Of all the Bellavista wines, Brut Cuvée best represents the characteristic qualities of Franciacorta. Its balance derives from the blending of at least thirty selections. The addition of some older wines, with their distinctive perfumes and flavours, confers consistency to the taste, plus roundness and finesse. The grapes used are 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero. The mousse is white, lively and persistent, the bubbles small and long-lasting. The colour is light yellow with hints of green. The perfume is full, inviting, rich in ripe fruits, chlorophyll and vanilla; these perfumes are fully reflected in the taste, and are echoed in the aftertaste."

Fattoria di Pancole 2004 Chianti Colli Senesii

"Fattoria di Pancole 2004 Chianti Colli Senesi ($12.99)
Clear, very dark garnet. Black cherries and subtle spice on the nose, juicy fruit and snappy acidity in the flavor; fresh-fruit acidity and soft tannins in a long finish. Just about a perfect model of fresh, straightforward Chianti. US Importer: Five Star Fine Imports Ltd., Plainview, N.Y. (Jul 25, 2006)

FOOD MATCH: Characteristic Chianti, made for red meat; its fresh acidity and fruit makes it a natural with snappy, tomato-based pasta dishes or a caprese salad or just about anything made with fresh summer tomatoes and basil."

Champagne H. Billiot Fils NV Brut Rosé

"Champagne H. Billiot Fils NV Brut Rosé ($52.00)
This 'grower' Champagne comes from a small producer in Ambonnay, one of the top villages of the Champagne region. It's made 100 percent from black Pinot Noir grapes, which impart a pale salmon color with just a hint of rosy hue. Multiple streams of lasting pinpoint bubbles loft subtle and complex aromas that mingle apple and strawberry and a distinct hint of cocoa. Rich and rather full-bodied, crisp and tart flavors follow the nose. It finishes fresh and clean, with a lasting aftertaste of fresh apples and a citric snap. US Importer: Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, N.Y.; A Terry Theise Estate Selection. (Dec 16, 2006)

FOOD MATCH: This full-bodied, rich Champagne is fine for drinking by itself, but can also serve well at the dinner table for just about any seafood, fish or lighter meat course."

Vini pregiati della Duca di Salaparuta: Bianca di Valguarnera

Vino di Indicazione Geografica Tipica Sicilia. Nasce da uve Insolia in purezza coltivate ad alberello sulle pendici della collina di Salemi a circa 350 metri sul livello del mare.

Coltivato in terreni argillosi-calcarei, i vigneti sono allevati ad alberello con alta densità di ceppi per ettaro (oltre 5.000), di età superiore ai 20 anni e con bassa produzione per pianta. A maturazione avanzata le uve vengono raccolte manualmente, scrupolosamente selezionate e subito pressate. Il mosto ottenuto, reso limpido per sola decantazione, viene fermentato in selezionatissimo legno nuovo di rovere e lì rimane sino a primavera per evolvere a stretto contatto con i suoi fermenti.

Il colore è giallo dorato con riflessi verdognoli; si distingue tra i vini pregiati per il suo profumo complesso ed intenso, ricco di sensazioni tipiche di frutti maturi impreziosite da sentori di vaniglia e frutta secca, dovuti allevoluzione del legno. Si consiglia di servirlo a temperatura di circa 12/14° C., in calice ampio a stelo lungo."