I've been impressed with the offerings from Valentin Bianchi for several years now. The thing that most hits home with me is their ability to craft well made, value driven wines at numerous price tiers. What I've found is that whether you buy one of their under $10 wines or one of their higher end wines such as Enzo Bianchi you're getting a lot of value for your money. This is true throughout their many tiers of wine. That's no small consideration, especially in the economic times we're in. Today I'll look at their Sparkling Wine.
The Valentin Bianchi Extra Brut Sparkling Wine is a Non Vintage offering. Fruit for this selection was sourced at two of their vineyards; Dona Elsa Estate and Las Parades Estate. The vines on these two parcels are an average of 760 meters above sea level. This offering is composed of Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Noir (40%). This Sparkler was produced using the traditional French Champenoise method. 5,000 cases of this wine are produced per year of this wine and the suggested retail price is $29.99.
As I sit on my deck enjoying the one day of sun this late summer weekend has bestowed I continue to wonder why as a people we don't drink more Sparkling Wine. For some reason it's largely been relegated to New Years Eve and other celebrations. There is something about popping a cork on some bubbly during those times that signifies a party. But those are all positives, so why don't we reach for it more often? I can't answer that, but what I can do is make a more concerted effort to drink Sparkling Wines and cover them here when they stand out. This example from Valentin Bianchi is just another notch on their belt for me as a go to producer of Argentine Wine.
This Extra Brut has a nice yellow hue, slightly tinged by a splash of green bell pepper. Hints of apple, pear and a dash of vanilla are part of the inviting nose. This wine is full flavored and complex. Flaky biscuit, buttery apple pie crust, hazelnut and white pepper join the fruit to form an expressive palate. The finish on this South American Sparkling Wine is lengthy and persistent with spice elements providing a lasting tingle on the tongue and back of the throat.
Whether you choose to drink this Sparkling Wine from Valentin Bianchi with a meal or as a celebratory toast you're going to enjoy it. This is a well made offering that continues the Bianchi tradition of over-delivering in its price point.