What kind of wine is Spumante Brut Metodo Classico 'Christian Bellei' 2016 - Cantina della Volta?
The Spumante Brut Metodo Classico 'Christian Bellei' 2016 - Cantina della Volta is a surprising expression of white-vinified Lambrusco di Sorbara, hailing from the heart of Emilia-Romagna, in Sorbara, Modena province. It is a sparkling wine produced using the Metodo Classico – the same method used for Champagne and Franciacorta – which involves a second fermentation in the bottle and a long aging on its lees, capable of imparting great finesse and aromatic complexity to the wine. Elegant and modern, this Brut stands out for its lively freshness and refined profile, characterized by a perfect balance between acidity and softness.
Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage proved particularly favorable for Lambrusco di Sorbara. Balanced climatic conditions, with warm but not excessive summers and excellent day-night temperature variations, allowed for perfectly ripe, healthy, and aromatic grapes. A harvest that brought out the best of the varietal, offering ideal raw material for sparkling wine production.
Winemaking and aging
The base of the Christian Bellei 2016 comes from the selection of the best Lambrusco di Sorbara grapes, vinified "in white," meaning without skin contact. After the first fermentation, the wine rests in the bottle for the second fermentation according to the Metodo Classico. This is followed by an aging on lees for about 36 months, a period that allows for the development of complex notes and a fine and persistent effervescence. At the end of aging, disgorgement is performed with the utmost care to preserve its integrity and gustatory balance.
Tasting Notes
A glass of this sparkling wine reveals great personality and elegance, expressed in all its sensory components: color, aroma, and taste.
Color
Visually, it presents a light straw yellow with greenish reflections, enhanced by fine and continuous perlage that gives brightness and liveliness.
Nose
The bouquet is delicate yet complex, rich in notes of white flowers, citrus, and green apple, with hints of bread crust and slight mineral nuances derived from the long aging on lees. An elegant aroma that invites tasting.
Taste
On the palate it is fresh, taut, and harmonious. The lively acidity, typical of Sorbara, is well balanced by a subtle and creamy structure, making it pleasant and smooth to drink. The finish, dry and clean, leaves a sensation of great balance and aromatic persistence.
Food Pairings for Spumante Brut Metodo Classico 'Christian Bellei' 2016 - Cantina della Volta
Versatile and refined, the Christian Bellei 2016 is an ideal sparkling wine to accompany a wide range of dishes, from aperitifs to a full meal. Its freshness and finesse make it perfect for flavorful yet delicate dishes.
- Seafood appetizers: fish carpaccio, tuna or salmon tartare.
- First courses: seafood risotto or seasonal vegetable risotto.
- Fish main courses: almond-crusted shrimp, grilled calamari, or sea bass fillets.
- Fresh and semi-aged cheeses: also perfect with smoked scamorza or light pecorino cheeses.
Storage and Aging – How to Store Spumante Brut Metodo Classico 'Christian Bellei' 2016 - Cantina della Volta
The Christian Bellei 2016 is a wine meant to be enjoyed in its youth, when the freshness and liveliness of the bubbles are at their peak. It is recommended to consume it within 2-3 years of purchase. The bottle should be stored horizontally, in a cool, dry place away from direct light, at a constant temperature of around 12°C. This will preserve the integrity of the perlage quality and the purity of the aromas that distinguish it.
Cantina della Volta
The history of Cantina della Volta winery Cantina della Volta is an authentic gem in the Italian wine scene, where tradition and innovation intertwine to create wines with an unmistakable character. Founded on a long family heritage, the winery takes its name from the turning point (in Italian "v...
How to best open and serve Spumante Brut Metodo Classico 'Christian Bellei' 2016 - Cantina della Volta
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Spumante Brut Metodo Classico 'Christian Bellei' 2016 - Cantina della Volta, it is important to position the bottle correctly. Keep it upright for at least a couple of hours, allowing any sediment to settle at the bottom. Avoid shaking or abrupt movements, as these could compromise the wine's clarity and stability.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Serving temperature directly influences the sensory experience of this Metodo Classico sparkling wine. We recommend serving Spumante Brut Metodo Classico 'Christian Bellei' 2016 - Cantina della Volta at a temperature between 6°C and 8°C. Chill it gradually, preferably in an ice bucket with a little water, avoiding the freezer to prevent altering its aromas.
3. Opening the bottle
To safely open the bottle:
- Remove the foil and always keep your thumb on the cork to prevent sudden openings.
- Gently loosen the wire cage (without removing it completely) while firmly holding the cork.
- Hold the bottle at a 45° angle, slowly rotating the bottle – not the cork – to allow the gas to escape softly and silently.
- A slight puff upon opening is a sign of correct internal pressure and perfect preservation.
4. Inspection and first taste
Once the bottle is open, observe the color and brilliance of the wine. The perlage should be fine and persistent, a distinctive characteristic of a high-quality Metodo Classico sparkling wine like Spumante Brut Metodo Classico 'Christian Bellei' 2016 - Cantina della Volta. Upon the first taste, check the freshness, aromatic complexity, and the balance between acidity and structure, typical of this 2016 vintage.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although decanting is not necessary for most sparkling wines, a brief period of oxygenation in the glass can enhance the evolved aromas of this cuvée. Pour a small amount into the glass and let the wine breathe for one or two minutes before tasting: more complex notes and subtle nuances of yeast and bread crust will emerge.
6. Serving
Serve Spumante Brut Metodo Classico 'Christian Bellei' 2016 - Cantina della Volta in tulip glasses, ideal for enhancing the perlage and concentrating the aromas. Pour slowly, tilting the glass slightly to preserve the vivacity of the bubbles. This sparkling wine pairs perfectly with fish dishes, shellfish, refined appetizers, and soft cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, store the wine with an airtight sparkling wine stopper, keeping it in the refrigerator at about 6°C. It is advisable to consume it within 24-48 hours of opening to best appreciate its freshness and the finesse of the perlage. Avoid exposure to direct light and temperature fluctuations, which could compromise the quality of the product.