I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV
$9.99
The Independent Wine Review - "A grape variety indigenous to Campania, which sits in the place of the shin on Italy’s boot, Asprinio is only really cultivated around the town of Aversa (something that limits the quantities available for consumers quite considerably). Cultivated in an unusual and traditional manner (strung between poplar trees 20-50feet up in the air) the harvest is done by brave men on long ladders, something that again limits the quantity of grapes that can be cultivated and indeed adds to the cost of production of wines made from the Asprinio grape.
Almost extinct in the recent past, the Asprinio grape was really rescued by a few dedicated growers who believed in the variety and its potential to produce outstanding wines. One of these growers was Nicola Numeroso - one of the Numeroso clan who have been growing Asprinio for over 100 years from their home cellar at Lusciano (near to Aversa) – and a grower who has been singly credited with gaining Asprinio and Aversa it’s DOC (higher quality) classification within the Italian wine classification system.
Produced in a slightly sparkling form (similar to much Prosecco) this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante is released in a bottle sealed with an exposed cork and traditional string seal (something which not only denotes this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante’s slightly sparkling style, but also qualifies this wine for a lower level of tax). This string seal adorns a traditionally shaped, low shouldered bottle similar in shape and weight to most Italian sparkling wine. A green and black label adorns the face of the bottle.
In the glass, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is a clear, golden colour of moderate intensity. Unusually golden for a sparkling wine, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is certainly a shade richer in colour than Champagne or Prosecco. A limited number of fine bubbles rise from the base of the glass (with a few collecting underneath the surface tension at the rim). Lighter in alcohol than the majority of sparkling wine (including the two other I Borboni Asprinio Spumante wines already reviewed), this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV comes in at 11% abv which results in legs that dissipate particularly quickly when the wine is swirled.
On the nose, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is clean and light with citrus and tropical fruit the predominant (although muted) aromas. Lemon zest is complimented by a twist of pineapple, in a bouquet that whilst hinting at the exotic is not in the slightest overpowering.
Once in the mouth, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is similarly crisp. A dry wine, with high acidity, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV exhibits a body lighter than the other I Borboni sparkling Asprinio wines already reviewed. In keeping with the nose, lemon citrus provides the bulk of the flavour with pineapple providing a more tropical twang and additional acidity. The palate is comparatively short, although the balance of fruit and acidity keeps this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV very refreshing and indeed enjoyable.
In conclusion, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is a slightly unusual Italian sparkling wine with bags of character and style. Attractive and seductively easy to drink, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is crisp, refreshing and with its limited alcohol content could well make the perfect aperitif. Nicely made, this is an Asprinio that has been respectfully vinified with just the right blend of Asprinio’s signature characteristics and a more internationally appealing style."
Almost extinct in the recent past, the Asprinio grape was really rescued by a few dedicated growers who believed in the variety and its potential to produce outstanding wines. One of these growers was Nicola Numeroso - one of the Numeroso clan who have been growing Asprinio for over 100 years from their home cellar at Lusciano (near to Aversa) – and a grower who has been singly credited with gaining Asprinio and Aversa it’s DOC (higher quality) classification within the Italian wine classification system.
Produced in a slightly sparkling form (similar to much Prosecco) this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante is released in a bottle sealed with an exposed cork and traditional string seal (something which not only denotes this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante’s slightly sparkling style, but also qualifies this wine for a lower level of tax). This string seal adorns a traditionally shaped, low shouldered bottle similar in shape and weight to most Italian sparkling wine. A green and black label adorns the face of the bottle.
In the glass, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is a clear, golden colour of moderate intensity. Unusually golden for a sparkling wine, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is certainly a shade richer in colour than Champagne or Prosecco. A limited number of fine bubbles rise from the base of the glass (with a few collecting underneath the surface tension at the rim). Lighter in alcohol than the majority of sparkling wine (including the two other I Borboni Asprinio Spumante wines already reviewed), this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV comes in at 11% abv which results in legs that dissipate particularly quickly when the wine is swirled.
On the nose, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is clean and light with citrus and tropical fruit the predominant (although muted) aromas. Lemon zest is complimented by a twist of pineapple, in a bouquet that whilst hinting at the exotic is not in the slightest overpowering.
Once in the mouth, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is similarly crisp. A dry wine, with high acidity, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV exhibits a body lighter than the other I Borboni sparkling Asprinio wines already reviewed. In keeping with the nose, lemon citrus provides the bulk of the flavour with pineapple providing a more tropical twang and additional acidity. The palate is comparatively short, although the balance of fruit and acidity keeps this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV very refreshing and indeed enjoyable.
In conclusion, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is a slightly unusual Italian sparkling wine with bags of character and style. Attractive and seductively easy to drink, this I Borboni Asprinio Frizzante NV is crisp, refreshing and with its limited alcohol content could well make the perfect aperitif. Nicely made, this is an Asprinio that has been respectfully vinified with just the right blend of Asprinio’s signature characteristics and a more internationally appealing style."
| SKU | 38566 |
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