Lombardy Without the Bubbles Versus New World Competition

After a flight of sparkling wines from Franciacorta, this round goes still.

Ca’ del Bosco Terre di Franciacorta DOCG Maurizio Zanella 2005
This is a concentrated white wine with layers of flavor and lots of acidity to frame it. 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Bianco, Stainless ferment and 2 mos in large oak. Bottled in Erbusco 12.5% $35 at Traverso’s Ca del Bosco

Casa Girelli Provincia di Pavia IGT Canaletto Pinot Noir 2005
Simple and serviceable for its price level. The grapes are sourced along the Po River and the wine is bottled in Trento 12.5% $8.99 at Traverso’s Casa Girelli

J Russian River Valley Nicole’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2004
This wine is polished – an elegant Pinot that shows its fruit and oak in a supple package, simply delicious. 14.4% $50 at the winery J

About RJ

Ray Johnson is the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He writes about food and wine, his travels and the business of wine. He makes his home in Sonoma County, California.
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