Vignal Verduzzo NV

Vignal Verduzzo NV
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Verduzzo (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Light golden yellow with an abundance of bubbles, this wine has aromas of peach and other tree fruit with distinct notes of nuts. Very light and initially slightly sweet on the palate, the fruit flavors emerge into the finish, which is on the dry side and a bit toasty.

Our rating: This very fine sparkling wine would be a perfect accompaniment to a brunch or to serve at a festive occasion. We, on the other hand, were in a mind for pizza, not a traditional pairing to be sure, but we enjoyed it just as much. This is our first sparkling verduzzo, but it certainly won't be our last. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent. (Note: the bottle image shown is somewhat different than the bottle we reviewed.)

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: brilliant yellow. Fragrance: fruit-like taste. Flavour: pleasant, sapid and properly sweet."

Winery website: Vini La Delizia.

Botter Verduzzo Prosecco NV

Botter Verduzzo Prosecco NV
Origin: Veneto, Italy
Blend: Verduzzo (51%), Prosecco (49%)
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2009
Purchase price: $8.99

Our review: A pale silver-green in color, this wine is both lightly fragrant and lightly sparkling. There is considerable mineral character that accompanies the citrus (mainly lime) flavor on the palate. The finish is clean, though brief.

Our rating: This dry wine makes for a delightful aperitif or an accompaniment to a light brunch. It is not overly flavorful, but has a brisk, fresh taste. It is priced a little high to be used as a mixer, but if so used, it would complement the base drink rather than overwhelm it. We rate it on the high side of Average. (Additional note: the cork in our bottle was rock hard and nearly impossible to remove. This wine comes with a standard bottle cork, not the oversize ones typically found on sparkling wines.)

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale light yellow colour, with fine perlage. Delicately fruity, slightly aromatic bouquet with hints of flowers among which honey and wild apple scents can be perceived. Well balanced and light body."

Winery website: Botter s.p.a..