A Charmat Method rosé that restores the tradition of Molinara within the vision of a new Valpantena

(www.enopress.it). Grezzana – As custodians and innovators in this winegrowing district, Costa Arènte has chosen to carry out the vinification in purity of Molinara. A native Valpolicella grape and the fourth variety authorized by the disciplinary for the production of Amarone, it has been slowly abandoned over the years for more concentrated blends. Costa Arènte proudly presents Molinara Spumante Rosé, a Charmat Method sparkling wine. Soft pressing maintains the berry’s typical antique rose color, yielding a wine that embodies the new frontier in Valpantena: freshness and an evolving tradition.

«The simplest solution was to uproot the vine, which has been practically disregarded as it was not considered in line with the taste of consumers anymore. But instead of taking the easy way out, we thoroughly thought about what we could do with the one and a half hectare property in Valpantena – says Francesco Domini, Commercial & Operations Director of Le Tenute del Leone Alato. We placed our bet and invested in the production of a Molinara sparkling wine made using the long Charmat method: a captivating rosé that will surely win over the new generations. This wine aims to be a symbol of change, giving new life to a historic variety and embodying the innovative effort that is and always will be the vision and core of Le Tenute del Leone Alato».

The history of Molinara is a tale as old as time: its name derives from the dialectal term for milling – mulinare – due to the presence of bloom that covered the berries as if they were dusted with flour. Characterized by excellent balance between salinity and freshness, at Costa Arènte, the Molinara grape grows on terraced hillsides at approximately 150 m asl, featuring a substrate consisting of marly limestone known as Biancone. The soils have normal to abundant gravel content, are extremely calcareous and moderately alkaline. They exhibit good depth, average permeability and poor water retention. Local vine training methods are used such as Simple Pergola Veronese, applied on vine specimens of about 24 years old, with an indicative density of 3,600 plants/hectare, for a yield of about 100 quintals/hectare.

Harvest and Vinification

Harvest, during regular years, is carried out manually in the first half of September. Whole grapes are introduced into the press with the addition of dry ice to bring the temperature down to 7-8°C. Soft pressing is then carried out, with wine must yield of 50%. This is followed by static clarification and fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 12-13°C. Second fermentation takes place in autoclave using Charmat Method, where aging sur lies proceeds for 5 months. Aging continues in the bottle for at least 2-3 months, yielding a wine that can last for about 2-3 years.

Tasting notes and Pairings

With its distinct and elegant antique rose color, Molinara Spumante Rosé reveals a very fine, creamy and persistent perlage. Notes of nectarine and pomegranate are rounded off by hints of bread crust that are typical of a long Charmat, resulting in an intense and well-balanced bouquet. It is clean and bold on the palate, with a good structure backed by a marked acidity that yields great drinkability and a very long finish.

Molinara Spumante Rosé is an excellent aperitif served with salami and other cold cuts or paired with raw fish and risotto with herbs.

Paola Chiapasco

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