Cosima Grisancich
The Ancestral Method is an ancient and fascinating process for producing sparkling wine. Unlike the more well-known Classic Method, to activate the refermentation in the bottle, the liquer de tirage (a mixture of wine, sugars and yeasts) is not added, but the yeasts naturally present on the grape skin or in the must are used. Furthermore, it does not require the addition of the liquer d’expedition (or dosage syrup) and usually disgorging is not even carried out. The result is a lively sparkling wine, with a natural bubble and a unique aromatic profile.
The Skerk farm, located in the heart of the Trieste Karst, is a true jewel of natural viticulture. Here, Sandi Skerk and his family cultivate organic vineyards, respecting the rhythms of nature and enhancing biodiversity. Their philosophy is to produce wines that are an authentic expression of the territory, without forcing or compromising.
Skerk’s Glera 18/10 sparkling wine surprises with its complexity and originality.
It is produced with 100% Glera grapes harvested by hand, from organically grown vines, pruned as saplings with a naturally low yield. The vineyards are planted on terraces supported by dry stone walls, locally called “pastini”.
The ripe grapes are destemmed and left to macerate in contact with the skins for two weeks in medium-sized wooden vats with the cap immersed 4-5 times a day. After racking, the wine ages in wooden barrels for 12 months. In the barrels, immediately before bottling, a part of the must from the following year is added to start the second fermentation. At this point the wine remains in contact with its yeasts for 36 months, followed by disgorging without adding the liqueur d’expedition, but topping up with the same wine.
We thus obtain Glera 18/10: Extra Brut Sparkling wine from Glera Macerate grapes with fine and persistent bubbles.
It presents itself with an intense golden yellow color, with amber reflections. To the nose it releases a broad and complex bouquet, with notes of ripe fruit (quince, peach), white flowers, bread crust, sweet spices and light hints of yeast. In the mouth it is full, savory, with a creamy and persistent bubble. The finish is long and enveloping, with returns of dried fruit and mineral notes.
Despite being a particular product that combines the effervescence of the sparkling wine with the intensity of the macerated wines, it is very versatile and lends itself to numerous combinations. Perfect as an aperitif, it also pairs well with more structured dishes, such as mushroom risotto, aged cheeses and white meats. For Christmas I suggest pairing it with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, a saffron risotto accompanied by classic ossobuco or roast veal with mashed potatoes.
Skerk’s Spumante Glera 18/10 is a wine that goes beyond simple bubbles. It is a complete sensory experience, which combines the particularity of macerated wines with one of the oldest and most natural refermentation techniques in the bottle. If you are looking for a special wine for your holidays, you cannot miss this jewel of the Trieste Karst.