Wine Life - Houston

As originally seen in the February 2014 edition of Galveston Monthly "The Mardi Gras Issue"

The Houston Sommelier Association  hosted a Franciacorta wine tasting and seminar with Silvano Brescianini of Barone Pizzini . Franciacorta is Italy's most prestigious sparkling wine. It is produced in a small area in the province of Brescia in the Lombardy region. Franciacorta can be made with Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc (aka Bianco) and Pinot Noir (aka Nero) and it is produced in the traditional method.  The rolling hills where the vineyards are located were created by glacial movement. This also left diverse subsoil deposits behind consisting of differing amounts of gravel, clay and sand over limestone. Each different blend of vineyard soil adds something unique to the base wines that are produced, such as higher or lower acidity, fruitiness or minerality. These base wines can then be blended to create a specific style profile.  The common component in the soils is that they all drain well which is ideal for the cultivation of healthy grapes. The weather is consistently mild

On a cold night, pizza delivery at home and a bottle of 2011 Bolla Chianti*  keeps life easy which is always good. This Sangiovese-based Chianti wine is not Classico meaning that its grapes may be sourced from a broader area in the Chianti region of Tuscany nor has it been aged like a Riserva would be, it is a fruitier, more simple wine. We cozied up by the fire and caught up on some TV shows while we sipped on this Italian red. It has aromas and flavors of fresh ripe blackberry and plum with a medium body, smooth tannins and good acidity with a fruity finish. Under $10, a recommended choice for your next pizza or spaghetti night at home. *media sample