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What We Say Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Secco
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Mission Codename: Scintillare Fresco Rosso
Operative: Agent Sparkle
Objective: Secure an exclusive Italian sparkler for our operatives
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Alberto Quacquarini
Wine Subject: Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Secco DOCG
Backgrounder:
Produced in the Marche province of Macerata, Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Secco DOCG is primarily made from Vernaccia Nero grapes and sometimes has some Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo added. These rare and unique red sparkling wines can be made in form dry secco or semisweet to sweet. These wines undergo three fermentations that result in its spumante character.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Dark ruby red with brighter ruby streaks that shine though this wine’s clear and effervescent heart when held to the light. Moderately persistent ruby tinged mouse when initially poured that descends to a slow stream of steady small bubbles. Pale ruby along the edges and when swirled, slow medium legs hand on the side of the glass.
Smell – Fresh, bright and youthful on the nose with aromas of red fruit including cherry and raspberry along with floral violets, slate minerals and herbal notes as well.
Feel – This dry wine has exceptional minerality that balances over the finely textured medium tannins and fresh acidity. Its effervescence adds to the vibrant and fresh. Medium-bodied, clean and crisp with its spumante lingering on into the finish.
Taste – Fresh, sweet and tart flavors of fresh red fruit including red cherry, raspberry and red plum meld with slate minerality and the floral violet notes found on the nose. A touch of green herbs and medium hot and exotic spice adds depth and complexity to the fun wine.
Finish – Crisp and clean with a lingering minerality that supports its fresh red fruit flavors as the minerality, spice and floral notes linger on and on inviting another sip.
Conclusion – The *Quacquarini Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Secco DOC * is a clean, bright and very fresh with red sparkling spumante with plenty of character. Fresh red fruit, floral violets, subtle green herbs and fantastic minerality on the nose and palate and into the finish. This is a great wine to serve at any spring gathering_. Enjoy this wine right now as there is no reason to cellar this lovely fresh sparkler.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of the Macerata in Italy can be seen in this <A HREF=”http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Macerata,Italy&hl=en&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=47.838189,68.642578&oq=Macerata&t=h&hnear=Macerata,Marche,+Italy&z=12” TARGET="NEW">satellite photo.
What the Winery Says
Alberto Quacquarini
About This Wine:
Vernaccia di Serrapetrona is a unique wine. It is one of the most interesting grapes in Italy, both ancient and rare. Theories abound to explain the origin of the name Serrapetrona. Some say it is derived from Petronius, an exiled Roman noble who was supposed to have settled in the area, or it could simply be due to the stony (petrus) fields in the surrounding area. Produced from Vernaccia Nera grapes, part of the harvest is dried on straw mats and added to the wine in January for a second fermentation. The wine is naturally sparkling. Lively and ruby red in color. Fine and persistent effervescence, typical and intense aromas, soft, velvety and full-bodies with a long and pleasant finish. Best served will chilled. Serve with all savory dishes. Excellent as an aperitif.
About The Winery:
Located at the base of the Appenines between Ancona and Perugia, the Quacquarini business came to life in the Serrapetarona to give a voice to the grapes of Vernaccia di Serrapetrona. A passion for the work in the vineyards and in the cellar give value to the work as an expression of terroir and “genius loci.” The founder of this family business, Alberto Quacquarini, expresses his passion in terms of daring and strength and the belief in the value of his land. Vernaccia di Serrapetrona is a unique wine. It is one of the most interesting grapes in Italy, both ancient and rare. Theories abound to explain the origin of the name Serrapetrona. Some say it is derived from Petronius, an exiled Roman noble who was supposed to have settled in the area, or it could simply be due to the stony (petrus) fields in the surrounding areas. Considered the only sparkling wine that goes through three fermentations, Vernaccia di Serrapatrona is a the perfect selection when it comes to choosing a sparkling wine for the holidays, especially when paired with pannetone natalizione with candied fruit and raisins. Please visit their website for further information.
Technical Analysis:
Appelation: Vernaccia di Serrapetrona
Varietals: 100% Vernaccia Nera Grapes (Percentage from dried grapes: 55% – 60%)
Alcohol: 12-13%
Vinification: Part of the harvest (55% – 60%) is dried on straw mats and added to the wine in January for a second fermentation. The wine then undergoes a third fermentation (9/10 months) which brings about the effervescence.
Vineyard: Vineyards in Cese and Cappannacce
