From: Cortese dell'Alto Monferrato, Piemonte, Italy
Varietal: Cortese
Taste: The 2021 Tacchino Trivoli Cortese Frizzante is a pure expression of 100% Cortese as Frizzante! With a light, shiny gold hue, this wine exudes delicate aromas of green apple, orchard pear, citrus fruits, and roasted almond, complemented by fizzy hints of lime, peach, melon, and minerals. The nose is enriched with layers of dry honey, fresh nuts, coconut, and orange skin. On the palate, lemon, grapefruit, melon, pear, and white peach meet a mineral edge and a creamy, nutty texture. Its elegant weight and balanced acidity bring forth a vivid and refreshing taste. Delicious!
Pairing: Ideal matches include grilled prawns, pasta enriched with basil and pine nuts (check out the recipe below for an alternative pasta with pine nut pairing), and the spicy depth of seafood laksa. This wine is a perfect companion for seafood selections, particularly scallops, white fish, sushi, and grilled fish accentuated with lemon and basil. It harmonizes with salads, especially those complemented by a citrus dressing, and elevates light pastas, risottos, and the aromatic flavors of Northern Italian coastal cuisine, spotlighting fragrant pesto pastas and seafood dishes infused with basil and lemon. Additionally, this Frizzante complements olives, olive oil drizzles, vinaigrette, various soft cheeses like goat cheese and feta, and mains like chicken in a white wine sauce or risotto primavera. For a take-out or finger-food twist, consider pairing it with fried chicken or fried seafood and vegetables.
Pasta With Bacon, Cheese, Lemon and Pine Nuts
By Julia Moskin
“When it comes to Romina Tacchino's sparkling Cortese, don't let its light hue and subtle aromatics fool you - this bubbly from Piedmont's Alto Monferrato area possesses a surprising weight and real fortitude in the glass! High altitude vines, artisanal yields, and calcareous, white tufo soils help lend this lip-smacking bubbly its bold, balanced acidity, and 4-6 months on the lees add to both its personality and elegance. With only 3000 bottles made per year, we're lucky to get a US allocation!” - August Imports
Meticulous, thoughtful, and full of joy, Dolcetto masters Romina Tacchino and her brother Alessio work side by side in the high, green hills of Alto Monferrato. Subtle, subalpine aromatics tend to belie complex, powerhouse palates bursting with flavor. And with multiple Tre Bicchiere awards now under their belts, they're clearly just hitting their stride!
