Monte Tondo Garganega Frizzante 2022

orange blossoms, honeysuckle, fresh cut Anjou pears, tangerines and pastry cream

There are few wines we sell that have a cult following that is atypical of the category. Sure, we have waiting lists for many of the cult Cabernets and Pinot Noirs from California, as well as elite level Burgundy producers. Yet there are two wines that also have long waiting lists that are outside of those; Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre and this consummate summer quaffer.

The Garganega Frizzante is made by the Magnabosco family, who are one of the quality leaders of the increasingly important Soave Classico category. They make it using only estate grown grapes, from the young vines so it could qualify as a Soave Classico. However, “frizzante” styles are not allowed under the DOCG, they use only the varietal name, Garganega, the quality grape of the region. It is bottled right after fermentation, with some residual CO2, which creates a delightful dance on the palate, or “frizzante.”

To properly enjoy this wine I recommend you start with the proper visual stimulus; a large body of water such as a beach, lake or if need be a pool. Then pour this wine and give it a good swirl. It explodes with an extremely vivid nose of orange blossoms, honeysuckle, fresh cut Anjou pears, tangerines and a soft note of pastry cream. In the mouth it is quite bright with an undertone of minerality framing the finish. You can certainly serve this wine with light appetizers like peel-and-eat shrimp (use a white cocktail sauce) or cheese puffs, but it stands alone fine too.