Italian Semi-Sweet Bubbly Pink Wine IGT Veneto, Italy VARIETIES 35% Garganega, 35% Marzemino, 30% Moscato VINIFICATION Grapes are harvested separately as each vineyard site reaches ideal phenolic ripeness. The fresh grapes are crushed gently, and the skins are left in contact with the juice for a brief maceration. The goal is to extract just enough pink color from the skins before too much tannin kicks in. Fermentation takes place using selected yeast in closed, temperature controlled stainless-steel tanks. As the yeasts convert the juice’s sugars into alcohol, carbon dioxide is released. Because the tanks are closed, the carbon dioxide is ‘trapped’ in the wine, which makes it bubbly. When the wine reaches 6.5% alcohol, the temperature is lowered. This kills the yeasts and stops the fermentation before all the sugars in the juice have been converted into alcohol. What remains is a sweet, bubbly pink wine. The finished wine is stored in tank until bottling, so only the freshest wine is shipped to the market. ABOUT THE WINERY Baci Dolci is produced by Cantina Colli Euganei, a cooperative located in the Euganean Hills of the Veneto. The name is given to the indigenous Euganei people, who made the beautiful rolling hills of vines and olives their home since pre-Roman times. The cooperative purchases grapes from about 680 local growers, making them the true heart of this winemaking community since 1949. The winery is located in a nationally protected geographic area, so care for the environment is a must. The Euganean Hills are a stunning collection of volcanic peaks located roughly between Verona and Venice. Volcanic soil provides a perfect setting for local grape varietals like Marzemino which has been planted in the area for centuries. It is most famously referenced in Mozart’s Don Giovanni opera, “Versa il vino, eccelente Marzemino!” Pour the wine, excellent Marzemino! TASTING NOTE Soft aromas of ripe berries and cotton candy give way to juicy cherry and white peach flavors. Light bodied with refreshing bubbles that balance the semisweet finish. SERVING SUGGESTIONS Excellent on its own or try with summer salads and spicy Asian cuisine like Thai or Indian.