So happy to have the opportunity to taste and review three Prosecco wines, from the Villa Sandi winery in Italy, one white and two rose! (Rose Prosecco is a newer wine to be allowed in the DOCG, making me even more excited to try.) Prosecco must be made from at least 85% of the Glera grape. For the white, this was blended with Chardonnay and with the roses it was blended with Pinot Nero. The notes below after my initials are my tasting notes, the rest of the descriptions of the wine and winery came with my samples.
The Wines
Villa Sandi , Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Extra Dry, NV SRP $25
From the hilly and historic DOCG area Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, this Prosecco is made with 85% Glera and 15% Chardonnay. This luscious and fruity wine shows golden apple, stone fruit and honey aromas, followed by flavors balanced by lively acidity and a mouthwatering finish.
EB: This was the sole white sparkler, though looking at the color in the bottle in reminded me of a light lemon. (This wine and all of the others, was sampled in a wine glass instead of a flute, so the bubbles are not as noticeable but the aromas are.) Aromas included white peach, lemon and cream. Got many more of those aromas on the mouth: that same creaminess and lemon like a lemon Gelato, lemon ice or Limoncello, as well as peach (a stone fruit), with a balanced finish of fruit and creaminess.
Villa Sandi Il Fresco Rosé, Treviso DOC, NV, SRP $17
Crafted from a blend of native Italian grape varieties 90% Glera and 10% Pinot Nero Il Fresco Rosé epitomizes the perfect summer wine. Aromas of fresh berries and a hint of spice lead to a palate of crisp acidity and a creamy mouthfeel. This delightful sparkler is dry, fresh and zesty.
EB: This wine, a Rose Brut Rosato, was the color of strawberries. On the nose there was plum, strawberry, pomegranate and a noticeable minerality. The taste reminded me of sweet fresh and stewed fruit, strawberry shaved ice, a bit of ruby port wine with some minerality and a medium finish.
Villa Sandi il Fresco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2021, SRP $22
This vintage is crafted from a blend of 85% Glera and 15% Pinot Nero grapes in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. Its aromatic freshness offers a bouquet of red fruits and floral scents with notes of pomegranate and rose. The well-balanced palate is silky and full.
EB: Our last wine to sample was also the color of a fruit, this time it was ripe peach. Somehow that same peach also came forward on the nose, along with melon and wet stones. Tasting the wine I got cantaloupe, honeydew and kiwi with a mild acidity and balance.
About
A sparkling jewel in the heart of the Treviso Province, Villa Sandi’s majestic property with an extensive network of underground cellars, dates back to 1622. Today, the villa is headquarters to Tenuta Villa Sandi owned by the Moretti Polegato family.
Rooted in tradition, their inspiring wine story began in the 1920s with the purchase of vineyards by Mario Polegato. The untimely sudden passing of his son, saw his daughter-in-law Amalia Moretti take the helm in the 1970s, and she and her children took charge in restoring the Villa Sandi estate to its former glory. Pioneers in the export of Prosecco, in the early 1980s they lead the way in raising international awareness and appreciation for Prosecco.
A fertile land of ancient origins, Villa Sandi now comprises five estates that extend through the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia and encompass the entire Prosecco area, from the gentle hills of the Asolo DOCG, to the steep slopes of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, to the special Cru of Cartizze.
At every stage of production, from vineyard to wine cellar, Villa Sandi is committed to environmental protection and the development of a new ethic of cultivation. Their Biodiversity Friend Certification is a sustainable agriculture model with a low environmental impact employing eco-friendly measures that promote biodiversity and minimize their carbon footprint.
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
