Monte Tondo Spumante Garganega Brut 2016

100% Garganega, 40 months on the lees, single-vintage, top lots from the winery, Charmat method, 11g dosage, disgorged August 2020. As we said, serious stuff, rich and round, perfumey, and loaded with fine acidity and fascinating aromatics of baked apple, poached pears, candied lemon, ginger, white blossoms, minerally and ultra-fresh...wow! OUR PRICE! It can’t be beat...

In almost every way, the small, family operated estate of Monte Tondo sets itself apart. Contrasting the large coops which dominate the Soave Classico region, Monte Tondo represents the true artisinal minority: not only are their wines low yield, single estate and picked by hand, but in lieu of grapes grown in the vast alluvial flatlands, Monte Tondo’s whites hail from various crus on the hillside above the town, each complete with its own unique soil profile. These sites in turn allow Gino Magnabosco and his daughter, Marta, to create tiers of Garganega-driven whites with a remarkable array of personalities.

Read a bit more about Soave in general HERE (it is an ancient winegrowing region focused on one of the great Italian varieties, Garganega), if you like, but suffice it to say we LOVE what this winery is doing and think this sparkler is something extra special!

PAIRING IDEAS: As noted above, think Thanksgiving food -- this is superb with roasted fowl, potatoes, sweet potatoes and even cranberry, yes. At this price? You can have enough for everyone coming over!

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: “Come Dancing” by the Kinks. Sweet, happy, melancholy, cheery...all at the same time!