Ballatore, California, Rosso Spumante nv The nose explodes with sweet red fruits. In the mouth it is quite fruity, tasting of cherries and strawberries in a light-bodied format with plenty of sweetness. The dosage is 76 grams per litre. The bottle tasted was released in December ’08. P&B in Modesto 8.2% $7.99 suggested retail, the most recent bottle purchased was only $6.99 at Bottle Barn in February ’09.
Ballatore, California, Gran Spumante nv The nose shows a mild hint of orange blossoms and ginger while in the mouth the orange blossom, ginger ale, Muscat-like essence comes alive, amplified by the sweetness. The dosage is 80 grams per litre. The bottle tasted was released in December ’08. P&B in Modesto 8.2% $7.99 suggested retail
These wines are lighter in concentration than the famous Italian cousins that they emulate. But for the consumer on a budget, these wines are clean and fruity, giving a sense of what awaits you on your next trip to Piemonte.