Country: Italy  Region: Veneto Varietal: Sparkling (non-Champagne style)Vintage: NV  Category: Sparkling White  Colour: WhiteProducer: Ca' di Alte "We've been watching the Cantina Colli Vicentini for a few years and weren't surprised, with the arrival of Alberto Marchisio as director and winemaker with the 2012 vintage, that the quality of the wines has improved dramatically.The grapes are grown primarily on the hills south of Vicenza, the Colli Berici, which ensures lower yields and better ripeness. With Alberto's hand in the winery, the delicate aromas of the whites, both of which are unoaked, have been preserved. The Sauvignon Blanc is surprisingly fragrant and varietal (ripe rather than herbaceous) while the Pinot Grigio has an attractive biscuity character.The Pinot Nero shows just what can be achieved with the cool nights (thanks to altitude) here. The wine has good colour and an appealing cherry perfume, decent depth on the palate and good length. It puts many a Bourgogne Pinot Noir to shame. The Merlot is riper and juicier than other Merlots from the Veneto and offers great value.These wines, the cream of the production from the Colli Vicentini co-operative, are, we're convinced, just what our customers are looking for at the moment."Product Features: Vegan;Vegetarian Winemaker: Alberto Marchisio Vineyards:  The vineyards are located in the hills and are south-west facing. The hillside sites experience cooler nights, allowing the aromatic compounds of the grapes to develop. Vines are trained using the Guyot and Sylvoz systems and are planted to a density of 3,500 to 4,000 vines per hectare. The soil is calcareous and of volcanic origin.  Vinification: This Prosecco was made using the long charmat method. The grapes were hand-picked and the stalks removed before crushing. Soft pressing separated the skins and seeds from the must before alcoholic fermentation and second fermentation in a pressure and temperature controlled autoclave. After filtration and centrifugation, the wine was refrigerated and bottled under pressure. Tasting Notes: Light straw yellow with fine bubbles. A pleasant bouquet with notes of pear and floral hints is followed by a very bright, clean and lifted, palate. Very dry, with lingering freshness. Food Suggestion: Try with aged hard cheeses drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV: 11.5% Classification: IGT  Acidity [g/l]: 6