La Montecchia "Fior d'Arancio" Sparkling Moscato
La Montecchia "Fior d'Arancio" Sparkling Moscato
Fior d'Arancio DOCG, Colli Euganei, Veneto, Italy
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Tasting Notes
Crafted from the renowned Muscat Gialla grape variety, this sparkling captivates with its radiant pale yellow hue, kissed with delicate green undertones. Aromas of vibran citrus and orange blossom. Palate delights with flavors of apricot and citrus, offering a delicate balance of sweetness contrasted by a refreshing zest of citrus. perfect for any occasion, leaving friends and guests with a lasting impression.
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Story
La Montecchia is one of the oldest family-owned wine estates in Italy, with a winemaking history that spans over a thousand years. Located in the Colli Euganei hills of Veneto, this historic estate has been owned by the noble Emo Capodilista family since the Middle Ages—key figures in the founding of the Serenissima Republic of Venice. Among their most notable ancestors is Angelo Emo, the last great admiral of Venice.
Today, La Montecchia produces high-quality, small-production wines that reflect both tradition and terroir. In the early 1990s, Count Giordano Emo Capodilista revitalized the vineyards with a focus on sustainable viticulture and native grape varieties, including Moscato Giallo, Raboso, and Carménère, alongside international varietals like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate’s 45 hectares of vineyards, spread across La Montecchia in Selvazzano and Monte Castello in Baone, benefit from volcanic soils and a Mediterranean microclimate, making it ideal for aromatic grapes like those used in Fior d'Arancio DOCG wines.
La Montecchia uses eco-friendly farming practices and renewable energy in the cellar, showcasing their dedication to sustainability. Their Fior d’Arancio Spumante, made using the Charmat method, is a vibrant, floral sparkling Moscato with notes of citrus blossom, orange zest, and honey—an expressive and refreshing wine that beautifully captures the soul of the Euganean Hills.
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Somm Notes
The Moscato grape, with its origins dating back to ancient times and boasting over 200 varieties, is one of the most appealing wines for non-wine drinkers. Everyone starts somewhere, and many people start with Moscato.
Among its numerous clones, Muscat de Alexandria stands out as one of the most renowned, tracing its lineage to the ancient Egyptians. While the Muscat grape is not often considered remarkable due to its consistent aroma reminiscent of muscat, its enduring appeal lies in its unmistakable scent, which mirrors the essence of the grape itself. Typically, Muscat wines are characterized by their fresh, fruity, and floral aromas, evoking images of vine-ripened grapes and fragrant blossoms.
Enter the Moscato Giallo varietal from the Fior d'Arancio DOCG, a shining example of the grape's potential to reflect terroir. Here, in this esteemed region, the Moscato Giallo grape takes on a unique persona, with a persistent orange blossom note that pays homage to the very essence of its surroundings. What sets this wine apart is not only its aromatic profile but also its higher acidity, which brings a refreshing balance to its inherent sweetness. This combination of floral elegance and lively acidity elevates Moscato Giallo from a mere sweet wine to a harmonious symphony of flavors, that surprises the palate, and leaves and impression. A moscato unlike any other.
I like to think of it as a Mimosa, hold the OJ - definitely a crowd pleaser. -
Region
Nestled within the enchanting landscape of northeastern Italy, the Colli Euganei region boasts a Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry, sun-drenched summers and brisk winters punctuated by concentrated rainfall. Here, the influence of the Sirocco wind, a fiery breeze originating from the Sahara desert, often graces the vineyards, infusing the air with warmth and intensity, while potentially aiding in the ripening process of the grapes. The undulating hillsides of Colli Euganei offer a mosaic of microclimates, with varying sun exposure and soil compositions. Rich in volcanic history, these slopes, formed over 355 million years ago, reveal a tapestry of limestone and clay soils, ideal for nurturing vines and yielding wines of unparalleled complexity and character.
Within this captivating terroir lie the renowned sub-regions of the Euganean hills, each boasting its own distinct climate and geological features. Among these, the Fior d'Arancio DOCG stands as a testament to the region's viticultural prowess, celebrated for its production of the esteemed yellow Muscat grape, also known as Moscato Giallo. Established in 2010, this prestigious designation encompasses 230 hectares of vineyards, representing a small yet impactful contribution to the local wine production. The name "Euganei" itself pays homage to the ancient inhabitants of the region, a testament to its rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy in the world of Italian winemaking.