Pleasantly fruity on the nose and (especially) in the mouth. It doesn’t really have any persistence worth mentioning, but thanks to its acidity and effervescency, the wine is very refreshing.
Bardolino Chiaretto Spumante is a simple, easy to drink wine. One of those particularities of the widely diverse wine world that I find fun and likeable, and from time to time appreciate drinking. More an alternative to the over abused Prosecco than anything else. I always enjoy a glass for aperitif while spending time in Bardolino.
The production process is basically the same as Prosecco, using the Charmat-Martinotti Method. Unlike the Classic Method used to produce Champagne, where secondary fermentation is made directly in the bottle, in the Charmat-Martinotti Method the secondary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, making the sparkling wine (much) less expensive to produce. Moreover, Bardolino Chiaretto Spumante is made with Valpolicella blend grapes varieties, instead of the Glera grape used for Prosecco.
Besides being enjoyable for the consumer, the Bardolino Chiaretto Spumante (a still version is also produced) is probably a good fallback for those grapes that result too sour for still wines.
This Bardolino Chiaretto Spumante is produced by Guerrieri Rizzardi, but Zeni and others also have it in their range of products. This one sells for 8.70 EUR.
Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Molinara
Type: Sparkling
Vintage: N/A
Producer: Guerrieri Rizzardi
Price range: Economic (<15 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5