SPARKLING
Metodo Martinotti
GRAPE VARIETY
Grignolino
TASTING NOTES
Vicara's Domino Spumante Rosé Brut stands as an exquisite example of Piedmontese winemaking artistry, crafted through the traditional Martinotti method from the rare indigenous Grignolino grape variety. This sparkling wine shines as the perfect companion for aperitifs, elevating casual gatherings, or pairing seamlessly with light dishes such as seafood starters, fresh salads, and delicate hors d'oeuvres. By undergoing secondary fermentation in the bottle, this spumantizzazione process masterfully amplifies the inherent freshness, vibrant acidity, and remarkable versatility of Grignolino, transforming it into a gastronomic rosé that thrives in summertime celebrations or any convivial occasion where elegance meets approachability. Nestled in the heart of the Monferrato Casalese DOC area, Vicara's estate spans 35 hectares of gently rolling hillside vineyards across the picturesque communes of Ozzano, Salabue, and Rosignano Monferrato. This Asti terroir, characterised by its distinctive sandy and clayey soils, infuses the wines with a pronounced mineral backbone and refined finesse, allowing indigenous varieties like Grignolino to flourish. Vicara's commitment to sustainability—rooted deeply in Piedmontese traditions—ensures that every bottle reflects the pure expression of this unique landscape, where environmental harmony and viticultural heritage converge. Grignolino, a noble yet elusive Piedmontese vine, captivates with its thin-skinned berries that yield a pale pink hue and an array of delicate, ethereal aromas. Though low-yielding in the vineyard, this grape bursts with personality, producing sparkling wines that are refreshingly dry, generously fruity, and endowed with an irresistible drinkability. Its versatility knows few bounds, pairing effortlessly from crudo di pesce and oysters to gourmet pizzas topped with seasonal toppings, making it a sommelier's delight for both novices and connoisseurs. The wine reveals a luminous pale pink colour, subtly shifting towards subtle orange tones or the bright rosé reminiscent of a blooming peach flower. It is crowned by a fine, persistent perlage—those elegant, steady streams of tiny bubbles that dance gracefully upwards, testament to the Martinotti method's precision. On the nose, a refined and delicate bouquet unfolds, weaving floral elegance like wisteria with ripe red berries, zesty blood orange, and invigorating fresh fruity notes. These aromas evoke the crisp purity of a Piedmontese spring, layered yet never overpowering, inviting deeper exploration. In the mouth, it delivers a impeccably dry profile, balanced by pleasing freshness and harmonious structure, where lively sapidity dances alongside subtle fruit echoes. The finish is impeccably clean and lingering, with a mineral-driven persistence that beckons the next sip, embodying the Grignolino's signature vivacity and poise. Vicara itself emerged in 1992 from a visionary alliance of three historic winemaking families—Visconti, Cassinis, and Ravizza (the origin of the "Vicara" acronym)—uniting their generational expertise in the Monferrato hills. The whimsical Domino label pays homage to this heritage with a playful cartoon by the Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Rube Goldberg. Giuseppe Vicara secured exclusive permission directly from the artist's granddaughter in New York, sealing the deal with a heartfelt promise of 10 cases of Domino sparkling wine delivered annually—a charming anecdote that underscores the estate's blend of tradition, creativity, and personal connection.