What kind of wine is Trento Brut DOC 'Riserva Graal' 2018 - Altemasi

The Trento Brut DOC 'Riserva Graal' 2018 - Altemasi is a Classic Method sparkling wine, meaning it is produced with secondary fermentation in the bottle, similar to Champagne. It originates from the most suitable vineyards in Trentino. This area, located between the Dolomites and Lake Garda, offers an ideal microclimate that ensures significant temperature excursions and constant ventilation, perfect factors for obtaining grapes of great finesse and aromaticity. It is an elegant and complex wine, an authentic expression of the Altemasi style and the Trentino territory in a modern and fresh key.

Vintage details

The 2018 vintage in Trentino is remembered for its regular climatic conditions. The winter was cold with good water reserves, while the summer brought warm but well-ventilated days, allowing for balanced ripening. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes achieved a perfect balance between sugars and acidity, guaranteeing the wine freshness, structure, and a long persistence.

Winemaking and aging

The Trento Brut DOC 'Riserva Graal' 2018 - Altemasi is produced according to the Classic Method, which involves a second fermentation directly in the bottle. After the separate vinification of the grapes in steel tanks, the base wine is blended and bottled for the secondary fermentation. This is followed by a long aging period of 72 months on the lees (six years), during which the sparkling wine develops complexity, balance, and refined aromas. The result is a sparkling wine of great personality, soft yet lively.

Tasting Notes

The Trento Brut DOC 'Riserva Graal' 2018 - Altemasi impresses with its balance and finesse, a perfect synthesis of freshness, structure, and aromatic complexity.

Color

In the glass, it presents a brilliant straw yellow color with golden reflections. The mousse is abundant and creamy, while the perlage, the chain of bubbles that forms in the glass, is fine and persistent, a sign of long aging on the lees.

Nose

The aromatic profile is broad and multifaceted: notes of crusty bread, ripe fruit like apple and peach, and hints of citrus and dried fruit are recognizable. With oxygenation, nuances of honey and vanilla emerge, speaking of the prolonged maturation in the bottle.

Palate

On the palate, it is harmonious, with a fresh and vibrant attack. The acidity is well-balanced by the creamy perlage. The finish is persistent, with mineral and citrus returns that leave the mouth clean and invite another sip.

Food Pairings for Trento Brut DOC 'Riserva Graal' 2018 - Altemasi

Versatile and refined, the Trento Brut DOC 'Riserva Graal' 2018 - Altemasi is suitable for both important toasts and elegant dinners. Thanks to its structure and complexity, it is perfect to accompany:

• fish-based dishes, such as carpaccio, tartare, and crustaceans
• delicate or medium-aged cheeses
• creamy pasta dishes with vegetables or mushrooms
• white meats and poultry

Also excellent as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed alone to fully appreciate its finesse and complexity.

Storage and aging: how to store Trento Brut DOC 'Riserva Graal' 2018 - Altemasi wine

To maintain its characteristics, the Trento Brut DOC 'Riserva Graal' 2018 - Altemasi should be stored in a cool, dark place free from temperature fluctuations, ideally in a horizontal position to keep the liquid in contact with the cork. While already perfectly mature, it can evolve for another 2-3 years after purchase, developing more complex tones and slightly toasted notes. However, it is advisable to enjoy it young, to best appreciate the freshness and liveliness of its bubbles.