ROTARI | Cuvée 28 | Trento | Brut | #
chardonnay

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Rotari is a prestigious sparkling wine producer located in the Trento DOC region within Trentino-Alto-Adige in northern Italy, surrounded by the breathtaking Dolomites Mountains. With a dedication to quality and tradition, the winery thrives on the principles of sustainability and respect for nature, utilizing methods that harmonize with the surrounding ecosystem. Known for its emphasis on quality and tradition, Rotari vinifies its sparkling wines only according to the metodo classico, thus paying homage to both, the region’s unique terroir and the exceptional characteristics of chardonnay grape variety. All Rotari wines are classified under the ‘Trentodoc, designation, signifying their adherence to the strict regulations governing this small region.Today we are going to review an intriguing sparkling wine that we were eager to taste for quite some time – Cuvée 28 Trento Brut by Rotari. The wine comes from Trentino-Alto-Adige, which is one of Italy’s most famous wine regions. This exceptional sparkling wine is made exclusively from 100% chardonnay grapes (a sparkling wine style that is called ‘blanc de blancs‘, which translates as ‘white from whites‘) – a variety celebrated for its versatility and ideal for producing premium sparkling wines. The meticulous winemaking process, combined with the influence of the alpine climate and limestone-clay soils, results in an exquisite sparkling wine that highlights its place of origin. This wine is produced using the authentic méthode traditionelle technique, the same way the famous Champagne wines are made, with second fermentation in the bottle. After the second fermentation in the bottle, the wine has been aged on fine lees (sur lie ageing) for 36 months, which allowed it to develop extra complexity and the much desired creaminess on the palate.Trentodoc is one of Italy’s finest traditional method sparkling wines, produced exclusively in Trentino, at the foothills of the Dolomites. Often referred to as the mountain sparkling wine, Trentodoc benefits from high-altitude vineyards, significant diurnal temperature variations and a cool alpine climate, which help preserve the grapes’ natural acidity and freshness. Chardonnay is the dominant grape variety, complemented by Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Meunier. Trentodoc uses the traditional method, with secondary fermentation in the bottle, followed by an extended ageing on fine lees. The Trentodoc wine requires a minimum lees-ageing period of 15 months for non-vintage wines, 24 months for vintage Millesimato and 36 months for Riserva. The finest Trentodoc Riserva wines, are often aged far beyond the minimum requirements, and these are wines capable to deliver immense depth and complexity, making them one of the most refined traditional method sparkling wines, that can stand up against most of the vintage Champagne and Franciacorta wines.

Located at the border with Austria and Switzerland, Trentino-Alto Adige is one of the Italy’s most distinctive wine regions, shaped by its alpine landscape, steep valleys, and strong germanic cultural influences. This cool region has a predominantly continental climate, with cold winters, warm summers, and significant diurnal range. Elevation plays a crucial role in viticulture, with vineyards planted across valley floors and steep mountain slopes, often between 200 and 1,000 m above sea level. Soils are varied, ranging from limestone, dolomite, and porphyry to schist, slate, and alluvial deposits, creating a diverse range of growing conditions. Trentino-Alto Adige is particularly renowned for its aromatic white wines, especially Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Bianco, while Pinot Nero, Lagrein, and Schiava are among its most important red varieties. The region is also home to Trentodoc – one of Italy’s most prestigious traditional-method sparkling wine denominations, celebrated for its freshness, precision, and distinctive alpine character.
Trentodoc is a prestigious traditional-method sparkling wine denomination located in the province of Trento, within the mountainous landscape of Trentino. Vineyards are planted along the Adige Valley and its surrounding slopes, generally between 200 and 800 m above sea level, where a continental climate is moderated by alpine influences and the cooling effects of mountain breezes. Warm, sunny days allow grapes to reach optimal ripeness, while cold nights preserve natural acidity and develop aromatic complexity, creating ideal conditions for high-quality sparkling wine production. The region’s soils are highly varied, with limestone, dolomite, porphyry, and alluvial deposits contributing to differences in vineyard expression. Chardonnay is the dominant grape variety, followed by Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Meunier, all of which can be used in the production of Trentodoc sparkling wines. Produced exclusively through the traditional method, with secondary fermentation in the bottle, these wines undergo extended ageing on fine lees, developing fine bubbles, creamy textures, and aromatic sophistication, making them one of Italy’s leading expressions of mountain-grown traditional-method sparkling wines.

color: deep | yellow color
clarity: clear | pastel-yellow hues

In the glass, the wine exhibits a deep yellow color complemented by elegant pastel yellow hues at the rim, suggesting vibrancy and depth. The persistent fine bubbles rise gracefully, teasing the palate with the promise of lasting effervescence.

intensity: rich & yeasty
fruit character: ripe

On the nose, the wine’s olfactory profile is rich and inviting, showcasing yeasty notes reminiscent of bread crust, dark bread, and pastry, along with vibrant aromas of ripe fruits such as quince, pear, and apricot. Underlying these primary aromas are hints of hay, almonds, and cereal, creating a very complex aromatic profile.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: low | balance: fine
finish: long | aftertaste: appealingly bitter-seedy

On the palate, the wine reveals a round and ample mouthfeel characterized by its rich and creamy texture. The flavor profile is vibrant and expressive, featuring citrus notes intermingled with green apple and ripe stone fruits. A lively acidity and well-integrated alcoholic warmth balance the dry sweetness hints, leading to a long finish that showcases a pleasantly bitter-seedy aftertaste.

maturity: in its prime | drink now within the next 2-3 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this wine is a testament to the artistry of traditional sparkling wine production. Currently at its prime, the wine is ready to be enjoyment today, with potential of aging for 2 or 3 more years to further enhance its complexity. This is a top-notch sparkling wine that encapsulates elegance and finesse, making it one of the most distinguished offerings from the Trentino sub-region.

ROTARI | Cuvée 28 | Trento | Brut | #
variety: chardonnay
country: Italy | Südtirol
region: Trentino-Alto Adige | Trentodoc
rating: 94.7

Taking into account the wine’s complexity, we would recommend pairing it with light seafood dishes, such as grilled scallops or poached lobster. The wine’s crisp acidity and minerality will complement beautifully the delicate flavors of the seafood, while enhancing the overall dining experience through a harmonious balance between the food’s richness of flavours & texture and the wine’s finesse & elegance.

The Rotari winery is located in the heart of the Dolomites, inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is the only winery in the world that thrives amidst a protected mountain reservation.

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