Surprised by an Italian sparkler
I have been tricked by bottles before such as when a very dark bottle turns out to contain a white wine and not a red. Most recently, had I done any research (I never do before I open something) or drunk Gragnano before I would have know that this 2014 Grotta del Sole, Otto Uve, Gragnano dell Penisola Sorrentina was a young, sparkling wine. It contained enough bubbles to be served colder than cellar temperature but not so much that it required a wire-cage to prevent the tapered cork from flying out. So into the refrigerator it went. I followed the wine for several nights, one glass at a time. This blend of eight different varieties proved to be complex, flavorful stuff, very much akin to drinking a robust red wine with bubbles. Think of it as a rugged sparkling wine for a bracingly cold fall night. This wine was purchased at MacArthur Beverages.
2014 Grotta del Sole, Otto Uve, Gragnano dell Penisola Sorrentina – $14
Imported by Michael R. Downey Selections. This is a blend of Aglianico, Piedirosso, Sciascinoso,Olivella, Supprezza, Castagnara, Sauca, and Surbegna. Alcohol 11.5%. There was a low-amount of firm bubbles. The dark flavors made complex by the baking spices became noticeably drier in the middle and eventually, quite thick. Upon revisiting it was really a complex wine despite the grapey, youthful start. I particularly liked the play between dryness and spices as well as the continued presence on the tongue. *** Now.
That’s good to know, because one of MacArthur’s weakest wine selection is their Lambruscos.I have not had this Gragnano, but will pick some up.