INSIDER'S PICK: NV CANTINE BONELLI VINO SPUMANTE BRUT 'LA MADRE TERRA' $15.99

Continuing to celebrate our return to tasting, and what better way to celebrate than with a bit of bubbly! Nothing intensive though, just a little bit of 'fun fizz' that tastes a lot more serious than it costs. Prosecco has most of the notoriety for sparkling wine in Italy, but a large number of the regions in the North have very strong reputations for making them in good quality. Franciacorta in the Lombardy region has almost as long a reputation for sparkling wine as the Champagne region, though it was decimated by phylloxera at the turn of the century and didn't regain it's worthy stature until after World War II. Their influence has spread around the region, not just for quality of sparkling wines made but for the use of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir -the workhorse grapes in Champagne- to make the wines. The vineyards for Cantine Bonelli sit just to the South of Franciacorta near the Po River and feature 100% Pinot Noir in this surprisingly dry and immensely enjoyable sparkler. Crisp dusty strawberry and peach skin aromas with a light but fairy persistent bead to it. The wine is made in the Prosecco method of carbonation, so it isn't as aggressive as Method Champenoise, but stays going surprisingly well. The palate is juicy, soft and elegant like a nice still Rose with just a tickle on the finish from the bubbles that gives the finish a bit of added tartness, and as the carbonation leaves it still finishes dry and clean. A tasty cocktail and easy to enjoy with light snacks.

The Insider's Pick wine will be available to taste Thursday and Friday and gets a 10% discount during the tasting. Come on by and taste some delicious wine!

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