What kind of wine is Trento Brut Riserva DOC 'R' 2016 - Cantina Rotaliana
The Trento Brut Riserva DOC 'R' 2016 - Cantina Rotaliana is a classic method sparkling wine, meaning it undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, the same process used for Champagne. It originates in the heart of Trentino, an area particularly suited for mountain sparkling wines, thanks to its altitude and cool climate which impart acidity and finesse to the wines.
The result of a perfect balance between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this Trento DOC represents the highest expression of Cantina Rotaliana's elegant and mineral style, crafting a Riserva with a bold yet harmonious character.
Vintage details
The 2016 vintage stands out for being balanced and favorable. The grapes benefited from a cool spring and a regular summer with good temperature variations between day and night, ideal conditions for obtaining healthy and mature bunches. The harvest, which took place between late August and early September, ensured berries of excellent aromatic concentration and balanced acidity.
Winemaking and aging
Cantina Rotaliana produces its Trento Brut Riserva DOC 'R' 2016 with careful soft pressing of the grapes to extract only the free-run must, the most prized part. Fermentation takes place in steel and small oak barrels, combining freshness and aromatic complexity. After the cuvée, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle according to the Classic Method and remains on the lees for approximately 80 months. This long aging imparts structure, creaminess, and depth of flavor, before the traditional riddling (manual rotation of the bottles) and disgorgement, with the addition of the final liqueur d'expédition.
Tasting Notes
A Trento DOC of rare elegance, where every phase of the tasting reveals the soul of the territory and the artisanal care of Cantina Rotaliana.
Color
Visually, it presents a brilliant straw yellow with golden reflections, enhanced by a fine and continuous perlage that highlights its long aging on the lees.
Nose
The bouquet is broad and refined: notes of white flowers and ripe fruit blend with hints of bread crust, toasted hazelnut, and slight nuances of vanilla. The olfactory complexity grows with aeration in the glass, revealing an aromatic depth of great balance.
Palate
On the palate, it is rich and fresh at the same time. The lively acidity supports the structure, while the fine bubbles provide a creamy and persistent sensation. The finish is long, mineral, and pleasantly dry, with citrus and dried fruit notes.
Pairings for Trento Brut Riserva DOC 'R' 2016 - Cantina Rotaliana
Thanks to its structure and elegance, the Trento Brut Riserva DOC 'R' 2016 is ideal for accompanying dishes of great balance and delicacy. Here are some pairing suggestions:
- Fish and seafood appetizers, such as tuna tartare or marinated shrimp
- Ravioli with butter and sage or porcini mushroom risotto
- Baked fish, white meats, and traditional Trentino dishes
- Also perfect as an aperitif glass for those seeking a rich and refined toast
Storage and aging
For an optimal tasting experience, it's important to know how to store Trento Brut Riserva DOC 'R' 2016 - Cantina Rotaliana wine. The sparkling wine should be kept in a cool place, away from direct light and temperature fluctuations, preferably horizontally to maintain contact between the wine and the cork.
Although it is a Riserva with great longevity, it is advisable to consume it within 2-3 years of purchase, in order to best appreciate its freshness, the fineness of the bubbles, and its most intense aromatic notes.
Rotaliana Winery
The history of Cantina Rotaliana winery Cantina Rotaliana represents a benchmark for Italian enological tradition, with roots deeply embedded in a long cultural and innovative heritage. Situated in the heart of one of the most renowned wine regions, the winery has skillfully blended respect for a...
How to best open and serve Trento Brut Riserva DOC 'R' 2016 - Cantina Rotaliana
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Trento Brut Riserva DOC 'R' 2016 - Cantina Rotaliana, it is important to position the bottle correctly. After transport or handling, let it rest upright for at least an hour. This way, any sediment will settle at the bottom, ensuring a clearer and cleaner serving.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Serving temperature significantly affects the tasting experience. We recommend serving the wine at a temperature between 8°C and 10°C. Too rapid cooling (e.g., in a freezer) can compromise the aromatic balance; it is better to use a bucket with ice and water for gradual cooling.
3. Opening the bottle
To safely open your Trento Brut Riserva DOC 'R' 2016 - Cantina Rotaliana, follow these steps:
- Gently remove the metal capsule and wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork to prevent sudden spills.
- Hold the bottle at a 45° angle and rotate the base, not the cork: this way, the internal pressure will help the cork detach silently and controllably.
- Avoid the classic "pop," which would disperse the wine's most volatile and refined aromas.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, pour a small amount of wine into a tasting glass. Observe the clear and brilliant color, and bring it to your nose to perceive the first aromas. A brief taste will allow you to confirm the integrity and freshness typical of Trento Brut Riserva DOC 'R' 2016 - Cantina Rotaliana.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Even though it is a classic method, slightly oxygenating the wine can enhance the yeast aromas and evolved notes. You can do this in two ways:
- Gentle decanting: slowly pour the wine into a carafe to promote contact with the air, avoiding stirring the bubbles too much.
- Oxygenation in the glass: leave the wine in the glass for a few minutes before tasting it, so it can express its full aromatic bouquet.
6. Serving
Use large tulip-shaped glasses that enhance the persistence of the perlage and allow the aromas to open up. Fill them only one-third full to allow for proper oxygenation. For impeccable service, hold the bottle by the body, not the neck, and pour slowly along the side of the glass.
7. Storage after opening
If you do not consume all of the Trento Brut Riserva DOC 'R' 2016 - Cantina Rotaliana, use a special airtight stopper for sparkling wines. Store it in the refrigerator, ideally at 8°C, and consume it within 24-48 hours to maintain the wine's fragrance and effervescence.