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What We Say Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Dolce
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Mission Codename: La Vida Dolce
Operative: Agent Sparkle
Objective: Secure an exclusive Italian sparkler for our operatives
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Alberto Quacquarini
Wine Subject: Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Dolce DOCG
Backgrounder:
Produced in the Marche province of Macerata, Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Dolce DOCG is primarily made from Vernaccia Nero grapes and sometimes has some Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo added. These rare and unique red sparkling wines can be made in form dry secco or semisweet to sweet dolce as is the case with this wine. These wines undergo three fermentations that result in its spumante
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Dark ruby red with some garnet is graced with brighter ruby streaks that glisten though this wine’s clear and effervescent core when held to the light. Moderately persistent ruby tinged mouse when initially poured that descends to a slow stream of steady very small bubbles. Ruby along the edges and when swirled, slow medium legs hand on the side of the glass.
Smell – Fresh, bright and youthful on the nose with aromas of red fruit including cherry and raspberry blend with subtle dried and fresh green herbal and soft earthy notes along with floral violets, powdery minerals and toasted vanilla notes as well.
Feel – This demi-to-sweet (closer to demi) wine has exceptionally crisp minerality that balances over residual sugar and finely textured tannins. Fresh acidity blends with this wines effervescence to a vibrant and fresh feel. Medium-to-full bodied, clean and crisp with its spumante and delicate sweetness lingering on into the finish.
Taste – Sweet, fresh and tart flavors of fresh red fruit including red Italian cherry, raspberry and red plum meld with this wine’s soft earthy and herbal undertones. Slate minerality and the floral violet notes found on the nose also linger on the back of the palate along with some exotic spice adding complexity to this unique wine.
Finish – In spite of is dolce residual sugar, this wine remains crisp and clean with a lingering minerality that supports its fresh red fruit flavors as the soft earthy, herbal, spice and minerality persist and invite another sip.
Conclusion – The very rare and unique Quacquarini Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Dolce DOCG is a clean, bright and very fresh with red demi to full sweet dessert spumante wine. Fresh red fruit, soft earth, floral violets, subtle green herbs and fantastic minerality on the nose and palate and into the finish. This is a great wine to serve at the conclusion of any great meal as you linger with good friends_. Enjoy this wine right now as there is no reason to cellar this lovely fresh sparkler.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of the Macerata in Italy can be seen in this <A HREF=”http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Macerata,Italy&hl=en&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=47.838189,68.642578&oq=Macerata&t=h&hnear=Macerata,Marche,+Italy&z=12” TARGET="NEW">satellite photo.
What the Winery Says
Alberto Quacquarini
About This Wine:
Vernaccia di Serrapetrona is a unique wine. It is one of the most interesting grapes in Italy, both ancient and rare. Theories abound to explain the origin of the name Serrapetrona. Some say it is derived from Petronius, an exiled Roman noble who was supposed to have settled in the area, or it could simply be due to the stony (petrus) fields in the surrounding area. Produced from Vernaccia Nera grapes, part of the harvest is dried on straw mats and added to the wine in Januar for a second fermentation. The wine is naturally sparkling. Lively and ruby red in color. Rich, joyous and persistent effervescence, typical and intense aromas, round and full-bodied with long and pleasant sweet finish. Best served well chilled. Pairs well with sweets and pastas. An excellent meditative sparkling wine.
About The Winery:
Located at the base of the Appenines between Ancona and Perugia, the Quacquarini business came to life in the Serrapetarona to give a voice to the grapes of Vernaccia di Serrapetrona. A passion for the work in the vineyards and in the cellar give value to the work as an expression of terroir and “genius loci.” The founder of this family business, Alberto Quacquarini, expresses his passion in terms of daring and strength and the belief in the value of his land. Vernaccia di Serrapetrona is a unique wine. It is one of the most interesting grapes in Italy, both ancient and rare. Theories abound to explain the origin of the name Serrapetrona. Some say it is derived from Petronius, an exiled Roman noble who was supposed to have settled in the area, or it could simply be due to the stony (petrus) fields in the surrounding areas. Considered the only sparkling wine that goes through three fermentations, Vernaccia di Serrapatrona is a the perfect selection when it comes to choosing a sparkling wine for the holidays, especially when paired with pannetone natalizione with candied fruit and raisins. Please visit their website for further information.
Technical Analysis:
Appelation: Vernaccia di Serrapetrona
Varietals: 100% Vernaccia Nera Grapes (Percentage from dried grapes: 55% – 60%)
Alcohol: 12-13%
Vinification: Part of the harvest (55% – 60%) is dried on straw mats and added to the wine in January for a second fermentation. The wine then undergoes a third fermentation (8/9 months) which brings about the effervescence.
Vineyard: Vineyards in Cese and Cappannacce
