Bianco Frizzante 'Stropel Bianc' Ferretti

Ferretti's 'Stropél Bianc' label is a dedication to the work of the winegrower and the dialect of Reggio Emilia, through that term indicating the small willow tree from which the ties to tie the vines to the row are traditionally made. Denise and Elisa represent the latest generation of a family of winemakers: their attention is constantly focused on the traditional processes derived from their great-grandfather Sante and the territory's characteristics, represented in the sparkling white by the variety of aromatic grapes used.

Ferretti makes 'Stropél Bianc' with a blend of aromatic grapes that are absolutely typical of this part of the plain stretching between Parma and Reggio Emilia: Malvasia Aromatica di Candia and Malvasia Bianca, both used for a 25% share, and Moscato Bianco, which is used for a 20% share. The blend is completed by the other two varieties widespread in the area: Trebbiano, used for 20%, and Pignoletto, for the balance of 10%. The grapes come from one of the family's most recent plantings, planted in 2014 on the characteristic clay matrix soils and conducted according to the rules of organic farming. Harvesting is done manually, with picking in boxes. In the cellar, the grapes are gently pressed, and the skins are left to macerate on the must for a short time in steel tanks with no temperature control. The spontaneous fermentation is conducted by indigenous yeasts only, while the effervescence is formed directly in the bottle through refermentation. The sparkling white stays on its lees for at least 6 months before release and does not undergo any degorgement, filtration, clarification or stabilisation.

"Ferretti Vini's 'Stropél Bianc' offers itself to the eye in a luminous straw-yellow guise, enriched by a lively froth and a very fine and persistent bubble. The nose is immediately won over by the aromaticity of the main grapes used, unravelling between white floral and then fruity notes of peach and pear, sensations of acacia honey and citrusy hints of grapefruit. The sip is dry and full, characterised by a soft nuance, a snappy freshness and a tense saline note that leads to a bitter and persistent finish. This is a sparkling white wine to die for, delicious as an aperitif and an excellent companion to raw fish or white meat, but surprisingly also to simple desserts such as a buttery shortbread.