2017 Sparkling Wine

The pinnacle of Masottina’s production, Le Rive refers to the best vineyard in the town of Ogliano in the Valdobbiadene region of Prosecco. Here the soil is formed from remnants of an ancient glacial flow and is full of minerals. This is the very finest expression of Glera, the variety used in Prosecco: a bright, fresh and elegant wine with additional savoury notes from extended lees ageing. Fresh pear fruit, great concentration and very fine bubbles show really how good quality Prosecco can be. Ready to drink now.
Matt Smith, Buyer (spring 2019)

This is an outstanding traditional-method sparkler from the wonderful Vincent and Tania Carême, standard-bearers for the appellation of Vouvray. Made from 100% Chenin Blanc (from parcels certified organic), it’s aged for 18 months on its lees prior to disgorgement. Trim and tense in its youth, it gains body and complexity with time in bottle – the complex nose now includes aromas of honey, ripe citrus and freshly baked apple turnovers. A delicious and original apéritif. Drink now to 2021.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (November 2019)

This complex, multi-layered wine gains its fizz from the ancestrale, rather than Champagne or traditional method, but Vincent opts to disgorge it after 18 months to remove some of the sediment. The nose is expansive, with aromas including honey and baked apple, while the palate is precise and bone dry. There’s a cooling thread of freshly squeezed lemon from the attack to the end of the long, mineral finish.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (November 2019)

This finely crafted wine comes from Paolo’s vineyards in the iconic hamlet of Ogliano in Conegliano. Like the classic Valdobbiadene style, it is Extra Dry in style (between 12 and 17 g/l residual sugar), but the fermentation for this cuvée is longer, followed by three months’ aging developing more complex flavours. The nose is finely tuned with notes of green apple, flowers and perfume. The palate is robust and complex with peach, nectarine and a hint of fresh hazelnuts. Always a beautiful apéritif, it is also a fantastic partner for sushi and sashimi.
Matt Smith, Senior Buyer (winter 2019)