Wine: Barone Montalto Premiere Cuvee
Country: Italy
Region: Sicily
Designation: IGT
Producer: Barone Montalto
Grape Varietal: Blend of indigenous Cataratto and Grillo and international varieties such as Pinot Grigio
ABV: 11.5%
Type: Sparkling
Code: 2815


Tasting Note
Brilliant pale straw with persistent mousse and elegant perlage (stream of bubbles from the bottom of a flute glass). This elegant sparkling wine appeals with a nose of fresh apple, citrus and white flowers. The palate is lean and crisp, with ripe apple and white peach fruit. The finish is clean and refreshing

Producer
Founded in 2000 in Santa Ninfa, Sicily, Barone Montalto strives to produce genuine Sicilian wines, true to their origin. They believe this is only possible by having an understanding of the local, ancient wine varieties and a passion for the unique Sicilian terroir. The company also works closely with local farmers to identify international grape varieties which thrive in the Valle de Belice.

Winemaking
This wine is produced using the Martinotti Method, in which the secondary fermentation which takes place in large vats, preserving all the natural aromas and flavours of the grapes. This is the same method used for the production of Italy’s most popular sparkling wine; Prosecco.

Fun Fact
In 1968 a massive earthquake shook the Valle de Belice destroying much of the area. One of the affected towns Gibellino was rebuilt several years later in a nearby location. The original site of the town became an artistic project by Alberto Burri who created a permanent memorial called Cretto di Gibellina. The remains of the town were concreted over with recreated streets on top of the rubble and collapsed buildings. The memorial today is known for is contemplative eerie stillness when walking the deserted streets from before the earthquake.

Food pairing
A celebration friendly wine, this is perfect as an aperitif or to accompany canapes. Its light fresh profile makes it an ideal wine to continue serving with light lunches.