THE DISCOVER CLUB - FEBRUARY 2022
Ready to Discover your favorite sparkling wine you’ve never heard of? Crack open a lively bottle of Contratto “For England” Brut Rose from Italy and you’ll rethink any previous notions of what Italian sparkling wines can be!
CONTRATTO ”FOR ENGLAND” BRUT ROSE
2016
Winemaker: Giorgio Rivetti
Region: Alta Langa, Italia
Grape Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Viticulture: Bossolasco vineyard
Method: saignee; 42 months on the lees; hand-riddled
Serving Suggestions: serve at 44-48F
Age: drink 2022 - 2026
Nose: red berries, dried fruit, smokey minerality
Palate: intense and vibrant; mouth-watering
Finish: persistent with lingering acidity
ABOUT CONTRATTO
Contratto has been a favorite producer of mine for their vermouths for many years, but I first came by their sparkling wine in a peculiar manner: through artwork. The labels at Contratto were ornately designed by Leonetto Cappiello, one of the founders of belle epoque and often considered the father of modern advertising. While dining at a local favorite, I noticed a beautiful painting displayed in their bar. The design reminded me of the vermouths of Contratto, but the label seemed unfamiliar to me. So, after a bit of digging, I’d come to find that Contratto also proudly produced one of the oldest (if not the OLDEST) metodo classico sparkling wines in Italy. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity and brought in their Millesime 2011 Extra Brut. Since then, I’ve been in love with these unique wines from Piemonte make from the classic grapes of Champagne in the same way.
ABOUT THE WINE
For England, a sparkling wine initially produced to delight the driest palates in the British market, today is available in two beautiful expressions of Pinot Noir: Blanc de Noir and Rosé. The salmon pink color of For England Rosé reflects its extreme elegance. Its aromas are precise, with hints of citrus peel and marzipan. On the palate it is intense and well-structured, with notes of peach and thyme. The perlage is creamy and persistent. - Contratto