Gorgeous UK-exclusive sparkling rosé made from the powerful Nebbiolo grape

This sparkling rosé wine from award-winning winemaker Fabrizio Francone is a delightfully unusual bubbly. It is made from Nebbiolo, which is normally reserved for the legendary reds of Piedmont: Barolo and Barbaresco.

Winemaking

Valsellera is crafted using the classic method – similar to the way Champagne is made. The grapes were hand-harvested in late summer from the winemaker’s family vineyard in Neive. After crushing, the juice was left in contact with the skins for a few hours to absorb the distinctive Nebbiolo flavours, and then fermented at 16°C. Finally, it was aged in the bottle on its lees for three years – a very long period for a rosé. This extended ageing smoothens the muscular and coarse tannins Nebbiolo is famous for, and helps the wine to develop a velvety, delicate character.

Tasting notes

In the glass, this Nebbiolo bubbly has a bright ruby-pink colour. A fresh violet floral nose with a core of bitter red grapefruit, lingering notes of wild strawberry balanced by a lick of sweet vanilla. Fine mousse and impressive structure reflecting long ageing sur lie.

Awards

Decanter World Wine Awards 2022 – Bronze Medal (NV) | Falstaff Magazin 2021 – 93 points | I Vini Di Veronelli 2021 – 2 stars