Ballatore Spumante

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.

E. & J. Gallo Winery

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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