Hands up if you like sparkling wine. Hands up if you like incredibly made sparkling wine from Italy.

Both of my hands are up. Way up. Crafted with 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Nero (Noir), you’d think this bottle of bubble hails from France, wouldn’t you? It comes from the beautiful vineyard region of Piedmont, Italy – home of the Nebbiolo grape. This traditional method sparkling wine boasts over four years of ageing in the bottle before its release adding to its complexity and finesse.

Founded in 1974 by Ernesto Dellapiana and his wife Lia, Cantina Rizzi is a family affair. Their daughter Jole heads up the business’s commercial side, and their son Enrico is in charge of production. The vineyards of Rizzi cover over 44 hectares, with over half of that land devoted to Nebbiolo. Spread across six large wine-growing areas of Barbaresco, the families’ vineyard holdings range in altitudes of 220 to 430 meters above sea level. The family mandates a sustainable approach to vineyard management. The Dellapiana’s want to create a legacy of healthy vineyard environments for future generations.

My wonderful friend, Sylvia Talbot, purchased this bottle for us to enjoy together. We paired it with Miss Vickies potato chips, as you do! I can also see this beautiful wine accompanying oysters, sushi, prawns in a light butter sauce or a charcuterie board.

Rizzi Alta Langa Metodo Classico Pas Dosé 2014 DOCG

• Pale, straw colour in the glass with fine, persistent bubbles.
• Aromas of mango, white peach, nectarine and a hint of jasmine.
• Bright minerality on the palate – almost electric.
• Expressive, elegant and delicious.
• Available at Marquis Wine Cellars for $56.00

As a wine lover and forever student, I always enjoy trying new wines, new blends and new varieties. This is how we learn and train our palates to understand what is in our glass. I do hope you have an opportunity to shake it up a bit this year and discover new wines to enjoy…like this one!

Happy sipping.

Christine