Casata Monfort, Trento (Trento-Alto Adige, Italy) 2011

 Consumers mistakenly believe that all bubbly coming from Italy is Prosecco.  Not so.  There’s fine sparkling wine from Franciacorta and this stunning one reminds us not to forget Trento.  A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the traditional grapes of Champagne, it has a fine bead of acidity that gives it a great spine. Not boisterous or tropical, it’s finesse-filled and persistent.  The Riserva designation means it was aged a minimum of 36 months before release and helps explain is suaveness and balance.  It doesn’t shout, but you hear it very clearly.  Ideal as a traditional stand-alone celebratory drink, its brightness refreshes the palate during a meal of grilled sea bass.