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Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Serprino Could Be Your Next Favorite Wine
The U.S. market is the largest and most dynamic destination for Prosecco in the world. Imports reached a record of 117,6 million bottles in 2024, with a strong double-digit growth (+17%) over the previous year. It's easy for American wine lovers to find a bottle of Prosecco everywhere, as the presence of this sparkling wine is ubiquitous in American restaurants and retail, and the trend toward premiumization and sustainability is likely to further drive demand in the coming years. Things could change, though. There is a rising demand for premium and higher-quality DOCG Prosecco (as the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, or Asolo), as American consumers become more sophisticated in their sparkling wine preferences and seek for more complex and gastronomic bubbles, but this category of wine is not for every pocket. On the other hand, there are numerous individuals who are seeking sparkling wines that are less expensive than Prosecco or as a bubbly everyday alternative. If you are one of these wine lover, but don't want to give up to a Glera-based wine, then Serprino might become your wine of choice. The Wine Coming From Volcans This wine is produced in Veneto, the same region as Prosecco, but in a different zone: the volcanic soils of the Euganean Hills that surround Padua city and its neighborhood. The best part? It's slightly sparkling, and a fizzy wine is typically easier and more approachable than a sparkling one. It's the only fizzy wine made with an autochthonous grape in Veneto that benefits from a denomination of origin, and among the few in Italy to be linked to a single territory. Serprino can only be produced in the area of the Euganean Hills, which is protected as a Regional Park. You can consider Serprino as the Prosecco's unknown brother also because of its pretty limited production. The different Prosecco denominations (Prosecco DOC, Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, Asolo Prosecco DOCG, Cartizze subzones) extend for over 367,000 acres in total, and the production counts over 660 million bottles a year: compared to that, the tiny Serprino denomination produces only 1 million bottles on 2,100 acres. The Mistery Of A Bizarre Name Squeezed by such a giant, it's no wonder that even many Venetian people ignore Serprino's existence. Yet it can boast a viticulture story dating back to the old Atestina civilization (between IX century B.C. and 1st century A.D.), where this local variety has always benefited from special care by the farmers. According to some scholars, the Serprina grape owes its name to the sinuous, almost serpentine shape of the clusters (the word 'Serprina' in Italian language recalls the word 'serpe', snake), or to the vigorous growth of the vine. Many hypotheses, no certainty: to date there is no definitive answer to the origin of the name. Instead, it is certain that it has a close kinship with Glera: Serprina is likely a specific biotype of the Prosecco grape. However, being cultivated exclusively in much more restricted and well-defined areas with unique geological and microclimatic characteristics has given the grape its original and unmistakable characteristics. The volcanic and alluvial soils of Euganean Hills rich in marine fossils, clay, and limestone, imparts distinctive minerality and freshness to the wine, setting Serprino wine apart from Prosecco. Euganean Hills, A Treasure Of Biodiversity If you look at the Soil Map of the Euganean Hills, such as that kept in the headquarters of the Consorzio di Tutela Vini Colli Euganei, you'll see a puzzle of colors reminiscent of Harlequin's dress, where any color points a different soil. They range from very ancient sedimentary type rocks, formed when the area was still home to a vast tropical sea, to more recent volcanic rocks. Euganean Hills are a treasure trove of biodiversity, and not only naturalistic but also historical, artistic and cultural, thanks to the presence of Venetian villas, castles, villages, monasteries and abbeys. Today they are also a UNESCO Man And Biosphere (MAB) Reserve. Although nowadays there are some producers who also make sparkling Serprino, traditionally people have always preferred vinified Serprina as a slightly sparkling wine, to show off its originality. A Wine For Every Occasions The grape's scents and nuances can be influenced by the soil, slope, or altitude at which it is grown. The climate of the hills is temperate sub-Mediterranean, and areas that are almost arid where dwarf prickly pear or capers grow wild alternate with others that are much wetter and cooler, in the woods where chestnut trees are common. This variety of environments, soils and microclimates is revealed in the glasses of Serprino with aromas of ripe white fruit (pear, apple, peach) that sometimes come along with citrus or tropical notes if the grapes come from vineyards located in warmer areas. Conversely, in the case of vineyards located at higher and cooler altitudes, Serprino expresses more vegetal scents, reminiscent of aromatic garden herbs such as mint and thyme, reaching balsamic and aromatic notes of herbs, mint, thyme, reaching balsamic and menthol nuances. In either case, however, the freshness and cleanliness of the sip, the ease of drinking and the great versatility of food pairing make this wine a very pleasant tasting experience, at all hours of the day and on all occasions. Serprino is a contemporary product, because it meets the requirements that today's most demanding consumers look for in a wine: bubbly, white, from an indigenous grape variety cultivated in an environment rich in biodiversity, with a low alcohol content (10 to 11.5 degrees) and a very attractive price-quality ratio. A versatile wine, whose characteristics complement a wide range of foods: fish or vegetable appetizers, risottos with wild herbs or peas, typical pastas of Italian cuisine, shellfish, and cured meats. A glass of this wine is perfect even with sushi and sashimi, pizza or poke. If you are curious to know more about this wine, and plan to do a jump in Veneto sooner or later, don't miss the wine events organized throughout the year by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Colli Euganei. Being a volcanic wine, Serprino is unable to stay still and quiet…
Forbes
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
6 Long Island-Produced Wines To Try, According To A Local Sommelier
getty New York's Long Island wine region tends to be most associated with rosé and sparkling wine but there are plenty of other notable varieties produced here. Long Island has three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), including the Long Island AVA, North Fork AVA and the Hamptons AVA. Historically, the region's found success with Bordeaux varietals as the island's maritime climate mimics that of the region in southwestern France, but it's also found modern acclaim for its crisp whites, rosé and sparkling wine produced in the traditional method. As a United States wine region that still offers price for value, local sommelier Vanessa Price shares her favorite Long Island bottles you should be trying (and collecting!) this summer, from Rosato to Petit Verdot. This Hamptons-based winery produces some of the 'most interesting varietals that most people have never heard of,' according to Price. Including their Lagrein Rosato—a 'juicier, richer, inkier style' of pink wine. Native to South Tyrol in northern Italy, Lagrein is renowned for its cherry, currant and wild berry palate that showcase beautifully in a fruit forward, fuller body Rosato. 'Channing Daughters makes an entire series of Rosato wines from various lesser-known grapes that are perfectly suited for the style,' shares Price. She adds that its 'crisp acidity and broad structure' make it great not just for summer sipping sans food, but also for pairing with summer fare like the tomato salad with fennel pollen on the menu at Mavericks Montauk where Price pours it by the glass. Wölffer Estate 'The Grapes of Roth' Merlot If you've only heard of one Long Island-produced label, it's likely Wölffer Estate—'one of the first wineries to make Long Island wine famous with their Summer In A Bottle rosé,' explains Price. While Price enjoys a summertime rosé, she chooses to highlight the estate's 'The Grapes of Roth' Merlot, made from some of the oldest vines on their property which results in 'the true potential of what Long Island Merlot can be,' says Price. 'It's on the splurgier side of Hampton's wine pricing, but I dare you to find me something better to pair with your summer steaks.' Over in the North Fork AVA, Price refers to the Palmer Vineyards' Albariño as one of 'the most iconic wines' from the region. 'Made in small quantities and often quick to sell out each season, this is one of my favorite white wines made out east,' says Price, describing the wine as fresh, round, salty and juicy in all the right ways. 'The sea brine element that shines through from North Fork terroir also makes it perfect for a shrimp cocktail on our outdoor patio at Mavericks. The tang of the cocktail sauce goes hand in hand with the bright acid on this easy wine.' Bedell Cellars 'Musée' This Bordeaux blend showcases how ageable Long Island wine can be, which is part of the winery's ethos of making wine for serious wine drinkers. 'It's definitely capable of making any Napa Cabernet or Bordeaux drinker happy while supporting local viticulture that is right in our backyard,' says Price. 'This is something that I would have with our 42-ounce porterhouse from Double R Ranch. Big wine and big meat; sometimes it's just that deliciously simple.' Paumanok 'Apollo Drive' Petit Verdot For another shining example of a wine that is one of an ageable Long Island wine, Price points to this second generation winery of which she currently lists their 2014 Petit Verdot on the Mavericks' menu. 'Being able to have over a decade's worth of age without breaking the bank on dinner is always a nice feeling,' says Price. 'The richness of the body, the power and texture of the wine and the brooding, dark fruit notes, make this an excellent choice for any of our steaks, particularly the Wagyu we serve from Snake River Farms.' Paumanok is also a winery for the adventurous as it is for the classics, advises Price, as they have a minimalist intervention portfolio that are akin to natural wines for something really 'interesting and fun.' Sparkling Pointe Brut Rosé 'No summer wine program is complete without some bubbles,' says Price. The rosé made from Sparkling Pointe, on the eastern edge of the North Fork, is one of Price's 'favorite sleeper wines' on Long Island. 'Their quality of wine gives Champagne a run for its money at a fraction of the price,' she advises. The particular sparkler is juicy, delicious and a perfect pairing for tuna tartare. 'These wines provide serious value if you are a bubblehead,' adds Price.
Forbes
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Cool New Champagnes And Sparkling Wines For Summer
Chandon's newest bubbly, Reserve Blanc de Blancs Chandon It is an ideal time to be drinking Champagne and sparkling wines—not only because hot summer days are best quenched with millions of pearly bubbles but also because some of the world's best producers are debuting exciting and cool new expressions. Laurent-Perrier made a splash this summer with the arrival of a Champagne composed entirely of reserve wines. In California, winemaker Andrew Books launched a sparkling wine that has been ten years in the making and Piper Heidsieck just launched a new brut rose. Adventures in bubbly start now with this list of the coolest new Champagnes and sparkling wines: Laurent-Perrier Héritage: A marvelous new expression from the family-run house of Laurent-Perrier—in many ways the Hermès of Champagne. One of the few houses that is independent and family-owned, they prize legacy, tradition and history as well as dedication to craft. They rush nothing and are devoted to precision. This new expression (which is a BIG deal, as they've debuted only eight wines in 86 years of production) is a unique blend composed entirely of reserve wines. They blended over 40 different crus (50% of which are Grand Cru) aged the wine for four years and added minimal dosage. The palate dances with lively notes of lemon cream and peach; the texture is silky and rich and the finish brings lovely notes of buttered biscuit. Just a gorgeous Champagne, and brand new to the market this summer. $124.99 Chandon Reserve Blanc de Blancs: (on shelves in August) The new Reserve Blanc de Blancs is a bit of a departure for Chandon's winemaker Pauline Lhote. It has more oak aging and a yeastier, more 'reserve' flavor profile that calls to mind Lhote's favorite Blanc de Blancs from Champagne. It was aged 52 months, Fuji pear, apple, citrus, brioche, almond, and honey. Made from 100% Chardonnay, with partial fermentation in French oak barrels for added layers of richness and complexity, the wine was aged for 52 months. Ripe apple and pear notes layered with lemon, cream and buttery croissant character show on the palate. Complex and alive, a truly rich expression of Carneros terroir and climate. $40 Kernel Sparkling Pinot Blanc, Los Carneros: This 100% pinot blanc sparkling wine is another premium expression from Los Carneros. Winemaker Andrew Brooks opted to sparkle pinot blanc (as opposed to the classic varietals chardonnay and pinot noir) and the result is layered deliciousness. It's juicy and mouthwatering but also possesses a complex richly textured mousse rife with notes of ripe apple, citrus zest, and a buttery-nutty top note. $40 Piper-Heidsieck Brut Rosé: Piper-Heidsieck just debuted a vibrant new cuvée to its portfolio: Brut Rosé. Crafted by Chief Winemaker Emilien Boutillat upon his arrival at the House, the new rosé is a precise blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and meunier. The palate dances with vibrant strawberry-raspberry notes and gets a zesty finish from citrus notes. Elegant, fresh and juicy it's a stunning new rose from a venerated Champagne producer. $74 Moët & Chandon Collection Impériale, Création N°2 : The much-awaited second iteration of Chef de Cave Benoît Gouez's compelling blend of specific vintages aged in various formats is not yet out, but expect to see it later this year. Each expression reveals something new, and this one promises to be as exceptional as the first debut— Moët & Chandon Collection Impériale Création N ° 1 : A connoisseurs Champagne by all means with its precise focused palate of pear and smoky citrus amplified by a marvelous freshness and no dosage. Stay tuned for price and availability.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Roederer Estate Winery Unveils Newly Designed Hospitality Center in Anderson Valley, California
Roederer Estate Remodel is the vision of 7th Generation Member of the Roederer Family and French Interior Designer Julia Rouzaud Roederer Estate Hospitality Center Tasting Room Interior Roederer Estate Hospitality Center Tasting Room Interior Julia Rouzaud, Roederer Estate Hospitality Center Designer Julia Rouzaud, Roederer Estate Hospitality Center Designer PHILO, Calif., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Roederer Estate , a pioneer in crafting exceptional sparkling wines in California's Anderson Valley since 1982, proudly announces the opening of its newly redesigned Hospitality Center - a space that brings together the creative vision of seventh-generation family member and interior designer Julia Rouzaud and the long-term commitment of her brother, Frédéric Rouzaud, President & CEO of Champagne Louis Roederer. This ambitious redesign reflects Frédéric Rouzaud's enduring vision for the family-owned estates: to blend heritage with contemporary relevance, craftsmanship with hospitality, and local connection with global perspective. 'The Anderson Valley is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and proven excellence in winemaking,' said Frédéric Rouzaud. Designed by Julia Rouzaud—founder of the Paris-based Julia Rouzaud Studio and Goodmoods, a creative platform for interiors and trends—the space brings a fresh, contemporary perspective while highlighting history by creating a warm, elegant, and immersive environment and enhances the stunning Anderson Valley landscape. The new design embraces a "modern barn" aesthetic, with organic materials, earthy tones, and curated furnishings that create a warm and textured atmosphere. 'The purpose of this project was to revitalize and modernize the space, transforming the new Roederer Estate Hospitality Center while honoring its heritage and surroundings,' said Nicole Carter, President of Roederer Collection's US Wineries. 'The Hospitality Center now features a reimagined tasting room, an expansive outdoor patio, salon, and a lounge overlooking the beautiful Anderson Valley. We're thrilled to invite guests to experience the new era of Roederer Estate, where legacy meets fresh inspiration.' The redesign carries a personal significance for Julia Rouzaud: 'Being asked to renovate the Hospitality Center was a true honor,' she shared. 'My mother designed the original tasting room and my father oversaw the winery's construction, so this project is very close to my heart.' To bring the Roederer Estate Hospitality Center to life, the winery partnered with a local contractor who carefully curated a team of artisans and vendors from both the Anderson Valley community and around the world. Every design element was selected to reflect Roederer Estate's deep connection to its surroundings, while elevating the guest experience through global craftsmanship. Together, these thoughtful details reflect Roederer Estate's commitment to timeless elegance, local connection, and global artistry.
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The common mistake you're making while drinking champagne - and how to enjoy a glass of bubbly the right way
You're drinking champagne wrong if you reach for a flute every time a bottle is popped, experts have said. The glassware 'does nothing' for champagne and sparkling wines, according to an 11th-generation Austrian glassmaker who has vowed to 'make them obsolete'. Speaking to The Telegraph, Maximilian Riedel recommended swapping it for a traditional white wine glass or a tulip-shaped one with a larger surface area that allows you to savour the wine's aroma before taking a sip. Riedel isn't the only expert with a distate for champagne served in flutes; sommelier Sandia Chang had them banned from Kitchen Table, the two-Michelin-starred London restaurant she runs with her chef husband James Knappett. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, experts insist there's no benefit to drinking champagne or sparking wines from flutes as award-winning drinks writer and broadcaster Helena Nicklin told FEMAIL the narrow glasses add a 'sense of occasion to drinking bubbles'. However, it is true you miss a lot of the flavour, she continued. 'Wine needs space and air to open up after all that time in the bottle, so serving it in a skinny flute is like keeping the mute button on,' Nicklin said. 'While this doesn't matter so much with inexpensive Prosecco or cheap fizz, it's a real shame for those more premium, traditionally-made sparkling wines and Champagnes that have layers of delicate flavours,' she added. She recommends swapping the flute for a tulip-shaped glass that about the same width as a small white wine glass that will give the wine the room it needs to 'breathe while keeping the bubbles in as best as possible'. Yann Munier, a native of the Champagne region and Cellar Master at the G. H. Mumm Champagne house, previously told MailOnline a white wine glass or rounded flute is preferable to a Champagne 'coupe'. 'I recommend a white wine glass or a rounded flute for optimal tasting. Indeed, the Champagne "coupe" (a very flat glass) disperses the aromas and there is not enough height in the wine to see the bubbles. 'So choose a glass in which you can swirl the wine to smell it and with a tighter top.' Munier's top tips for enjoying a glass of bubbly include serving it chilled, but not iced, at around six to eight degrees Celsius as an aperiif. If it's being enjoyed with a main course, the ideal temperature is between nine and 12 degrees. He advises pouring the Champagne slowly while tilting the glass to preserve the bubbles. 'Don't fill the glass completely, two-thirds full is the maximum, leaving enough space for the aromas to develop,' he said. Some of the common mistakes include servicng Champagne 'too hot or cold' or using the wrong glass. 'It's also important to remember that tasting Champagne should be a full sensory experience - take time to look at the colour and feel the effervescence, smell the aromas and savour the complexity of the flavours,' he added. It comes after sales of champagne in the UK slumped to a 25-year low amid the cost-of-living crisis and the rise of sober-curious GenZ. MailOnline reported that 22.3 million bottles of bubbly were shipped to Britain last year, which is the lowest since 2000 when 20.5 million were imported. A decline in sales has led to a significant increase in price with the cost of a bottle soaring by 25 per cent in the last three years alone. At many major retailers, shoppers can now expect to pay more than £40 for champagne. It's hardly surprising then that sales of alternatives such as Prosecco are at an 'all-time-high'. At Waitrose, a bottle of Waitrose Blueprint Prosecco can be snapped up for just £6.39. Indeed, 660 million bottles of prosecco and more than 114.5 million bottles of Cremant, a similar alternative, were sold in 2024. But a bottle of champagne doesn't necessarily have to break the bank; while you may be tempted to splash out on a luxury bottle, Which? has deemed three non-vintage champagnes from supermarket chains Teso, Aldi and Waitrose are better than the leading brand. A panel of four independent wine experts then blind-tasted the selection, scoring them to uncover the best of the bunch. The panel's highest score went to the Tesco Finest Premier Cru Brut Champagne, at 82 per cent. The bottle of bubbly costs just £25 per bottle. It beat Moët & Chandon's Brut Imperial, which scored 77 per cent despite being almost double the price at £44 per bottle. Also scoring above the UK's leading champagne house is Aldi's Veuve Monsigny Premier Cru Brut Champagne, which ranked at 80 per cent. The bottle is priced at £20. The panel liked its aroma of 'crunchy green apples with a suggestion of pecans, spice and butterscotch'. And Waitrose impressed with its Brut NV Champagne, which also scored 80 per cent. The bottle, priced at £25, has 'pleasing peach, pear and apple flavours, and a superb nut and winter spice taste'. Which? also tested sparkling wines, and uncovered some "brilliant" budget options. The cheapest of these, Lidl's Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene, scored 80 per cent. 'At £7.49 a bottle, this Great Value option is an excellent alternative to champagne, and perfect for Christmas parties,' the consumer group said.
