This is the third of three reviews that I'm doing for Altaneve. I started off with with their Rosé, then their Prosecco Superiore, and now I'm finishing up with the Altaneve Z.
Altaneve prides themselves in being one of the very first top quality Prosecco producers to break on in to the United States. The shelves here are loaded with Prosecco, so much so that nobody even knows how the region keeps up because it statistically shouldn't. But how often do you see one that is a top shelf item? A Prosecco that competes with Champagne or higher-tiered American sparklers? Unless you're shopping in the right spots, it's not often until recently.
Altaneve also prides themselves in the history of Prosecco, which goes back thousands of years. I just wrote an article on Pliny the Elder and he loved the wine from the region, even though it didn't become what we know it to be today until the 20th century. As a huge history nerd, I like it when something embraces its roots. Especially when it's wine.
The Altaneve Z is very limited production wine from 100% Glera that was hand-harvest on a 2000 year-old vineyard in Valdobbiadene, on a small plot below the hamlet of San Pietro di Barbozza on a hill named Localitá Rive Longa. This micro-plot is so small that it can only produce 1,500 bottles per year. The wine sees a seven month second fermentation (carbonation) which is longer than any other Prosecco. It has a 12.2% ABV.
And hot damn this is some good bubbly! It's pale yellow in color with tiny bubbles. When I first opened it there was one stream of bubbles that went up the side to the top and it was pretty cool. There's aromas of freshly cut pears, white peaches, and white flowers. On the palate it's creamy and fluffy with just the right amount of acidity and tingle. The mouthfeel is perfect. Then for flavors you've got pears and lime peel and a touch of green herbs. That may all sound really simple but when combined all together it's just phenomenal.
Godamnit. You know what? I never thought that I would say that you should drop almost $50 on a Prosecco. Never in a thousand years. That's Champagne territory. Yet here I am. The quality is worth even more than what you pay for.
Altaneve has absolutely killed it with perfect scores on all three wines that I reviewed by them. This is a fantastic winery that is producing amazing bubbly. Seek them out.
And hot damn this is some good bubbly! It's pale yellow in color with tiny bubbles. When I first opened it there was one stream of bubbles that went up the side to the top and it was pretty cool. There's aromas of freshly cut pears, white peaches, and white flowers. On the palate it's creamy and fluffy with just the right amount of acidity and tingle. The mouthfeel is perfect. Then for flavors you've got pears and lime peel and a touch of green herbs. That may all sound really simple but when combined all together it's just phenomenal.
Godamnit. You know what? I never thought that I would say that you should drop almost $50 on a Prosecco. Never in a thousand years. That's Champagne territory. Yet here I am. The quality is worth even more than what you pay for.
Altaneve has absolutely killed it with perfect scores on all three wines that I reviewed by them. This is a fantastic winery that is producing amazing bubbly. Seek them out.
QUALITY VS PRICE RATING
Price: $46
Rating: 5/5 = Highly Recommended (what does that mean?)
The bottle used was supplied free of charge for the purpose of this unpaid review. To have your wine reviewed follow this link.
The bottle used was supplied free of charge for the purpose of this unpaid review. To have your wine reviewed follow this link.
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