For several generations the Sommariva family worked the vines on the high plains of the Veneto, growing a mix of French and local varietals and selling off most of their crop as was common practice at the time, but it was Caterino Sommariva who pinpointed the slopes as the best place for vines and began purchasing hillside vineyards together with his wife Urbana in the 1970s. The couple also had great faith in the Prosecco varietal (sometimes known by its historical name, Glera) and decided to plant it exclusively on their new property, which gradually grew as they continued to snatch up adjacent parcels over the years.
This great foresight put them in a very advantageous position when Prosecco and the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene began to gain recognition in the late 80s for the light, clean sparkling wine we know so well today. Despite Prosecco's reputation for being light and easy, the Sommarivas take their work very seriously, adhering to eco-friendly practices in the vineyards, harvesting manually, and keeping a very close watch over the vinification process while many of their neighbors settle for easier methods and mediocre wine. These are perfectionists who only sit back once the work is done and it's time to enjoy the delightfully fresh, elegant fruits of their labor.
This is a fantastically complex Prosecco: tart Granny Smith apples and ripe and creamy Meyer lemons move into tropical fruits like lychee and pineapple. The palate is rich but dry, with just a tease of toastiness that draws favourable comparisons with Champagne.
Decanter 91 Points
Aromas of white spring flower and Granny Smith apple lift out of the glass. The green-apple note carries on to the fresh creamy palate along with yellow pear and white peach, while a foaming mousse provides finesse.
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