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Ciro Picariello Brut Contadino 2019

$38.99
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From the importer: I think the most interesting Italian sparkling wines are generally those that don't try to copy Champagne. Picariello’s sparkling is one of my new favorites; a classic method (aka Champagne Method) sparkling wine made with Fiano. The base wine is from Summonte, the site closer to Ciro’s home, and could be Fiano di Avellino.

The grapes are picked a little early for acidity. In my opinion the yeasty flavors that come from this winemaking method combine very well with the gunflint quality of Fiano. Both delicious and very distinctive wine. Very limited.

What are the great Italian whites? There are many promising categories. But an important one that is getting much attention these days is the traditional white grapes of Campania, including Fiano and Greco.

One of our favorite producers of these wines is Ciro Picariello. It's a domaine that specializes in white wines made from high-altitude vines, all native to Campania, grown in volcanic soils. Because of the high altitudes—up to 2,100 feet above sea level—it takes a long time for the grapes to get ripe, and they develop wonderful depth while preserving their natural acidities. With very minimal work in the cellar (natural fermentation, minimal sulfur), the pure essence of these grape varieties and their volcanic terroirs shines through in bottle.

How good are these wines? Very good! With fruit, minerality, verve, and that special sense of terroir, you can compare them without shame to the great whites of Burgundy, the Loire, or the Mosel.

Professional Reviews

Antonio Galloni

AG 92
"More savory than sweet and with depths of character, the NV Brut Contadino wafts up from the glass with roasted almond, baked pear, washed cheese rind, and dried florals. On the palate, stimulating acids usher its fine beaded textures across the senses, with notes of young orchard fruits and savory herbs, while sizzling with saline-minerality. The finish is medium in length, resonating on mineral-infused pear with a hint of savory spice. This Fiano spumante from Ciro Picariello is a fantastic Champagne alternative at a fraction of the cost." -Vinous

Details

  • Grape Variety

    Other White Grape

  • Vintage

    2019

  • Size

    750ml

  • Farming Practice

    Organic

  • Style

    Earthy , Elegant , Minerally

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Light Bodied

Customer Reviews

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