Sparkling wines: the practical guide to recognize them and what to accompany them with

We are getting closer and closer to the end of the year, which is usually the perfect time to share and celebrate around a good sparkling (or sparkling) wine. But, we believe that this drink is perfect for more than one occasion. That’s why, Advantage He met with the bartender and sommelier Luis Llanos, to learn more about some of the types that exist from the Riccadonna brand. In this note you can learn more about each style and how to enjoy it in the best way. Take note!

This experience began by learning more about Prosecco, which is a Controlled Origin designation from the Veneto area, in northern Italy, which necessarily requires 85% of a grape called glera, as Luis Llanos explains. It has 11% alcohol and its color is particularly pale, with almost greenish yellow tones.

Its aroma is reminiscent of citrus peels but also of fruits such as green apple or pears. Its flavor is very fresh and leaves a clean sensation in the mouth, you can feel the citrus. If it is the perfect companion, the sommelier recommends tiraditos, salads, carpaccio, raw seafood, among other options.

The second label we tested consisted of a mixture of strains based on at least 85% glera grapes, since this is what is necessary for Riccadonna Prosseco Rosé Milesimato to have a Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC). The difference is that the remaining 15% is Pinot Noir, a red grape.

Its color has a very soft touch of pink, almost orange. The smell is fresh with sweet touches, lots of citrus, but also red fruits. Its flavor is mainly citrus, but it is also very reminiscent of red wine, leaving a fairly clean taste in the mouth.

It goes very well with sweet or savory bites that include cream cheese, fruit jams or caramelized onions, for example. Desserts with almonds or fresh fruits are also a good idea.

The sweets

One of the most interesting sparkling wines in the tasting was a sweet sparkling wine, composed of Moscato (85%) and Malvasia and Bracchetto grapes (15%), both red. Thanks to this combination it has an elegant yellow color with very faint pink touches. Riccadona Moscato Rosé has smells reminiscent of strawberries or red fruits combined with acidic notes.

The taste in the mouth is sweet at first, without being cloying and ends up being quite fresh thanks to the acidity it has. “Imagine this with Japanese food, fresh fish, even tartars,” recommends the specialist.

At this point, we were presented with a sweet sparkling wine, but different from what is usual since it is red. It consists of a mixture of Moscato (15%) with two types of red (85%). It has 8% alcohol, a particular reddish color and a smell of red fruits, elderberry and blackberry, for example. “It’s like the smell when you open a panettone thanks to the candied fruit,” explains Llanos.

As the sommelier pointed out on more than one occasion, it is important that it is very cold and maintained at this temperature, to enjoy it in the best way. Riccadonna Ruby combines very well with Creole food, with flavors such as barbecue sauce or with hamburgers with caramelized onions.

We end the experience with the sweetest on the list, but no less balanced if enjoyed at the correct temperature. If we talk about sweet sparkling wines, Riccadonna Asti is the best known and consumed by Peruvians, especially on dates such as Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebrations. But, as the sommelier comments, it can be combined with various preparations, especially desserts with nuts or cookies.

Unlike prosseco, it has a more golden and transparent color, the smell is quite fruity and sweet, as is its flavor. It can also be combined with a cheese board.