Azienda Agricola Quarticello Emilia Despina Frizzante Malvasia 2014
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Persistent with jasmine aromas and tropical fruit flavors, both grape and name are far-reaching. Approximately 70 registered grapes contain Malvasia as part of their name or are listed as a synonym. The French call it Malvoisie, Germans call it Malvasier, British say Malmsey and confusingly one variety double-times under the alias, Boal, on the island of Madeira. In any case, Italy has more forms of Malvasia than any other country: Malvasia Bianca di Candia, Malvasia di Candia Aromatico and the red-skinned Malvasia di Casorzo from Piedmont. The list goes on. Somm Secret—The actual name could stem from an Italian mispronunciation of Monemvasia, a southern Greek port.
The flat plains of Emilia are home to Italy's famous, slightly sparking red, Lambrusco. While historically popular in large volumes, Lambrusco suffered a bit of scorn as an overly simple and sweet, frothy wine. Today there is an artisanl pull to produce small-batch, quality-focused dry and sweet versions within its four distinct Lambrusco subregions.