…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Discovering Cartizze: The Grand Cru of Prosecco
In the serene landscapes of north-east Italy, nestled amidst sleepy villages and rolling hills that extend towards the majestic Dolomites, lies a place of beauty and glamour.
It is here that one of the world’s most renowned models, Cara Delevingne, has found a wine that captivates the senses.
That wine is Cartizze, and for those seeking to rekindle their love for Italian fizz, it presents an enticing option.
As we approach summer, serving Cartizze could position you at the forefront of wine trends.
Exploring the Pinnacle of Prosecco:
Cartizze, pronounced as car-teets-eh, represents the pinnacle of Prosecco.
It is a sub-region within Valdobbiadene, Veneto, spanning just over 105 hectares of revered Italian viticulture.
This exclusive territory is home to approximately 125 vineyards, producing around 1.2 million bottles annually.
While this may seem substantial, it pales in comparison to the nearly 700 million bottles produced for the overall Prosecco market.
Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG:
The complete title of this wine is Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG, hinting at its exceptional nature compared to the Prosecco DOC Treviso commonly enjoyed in the UK.
Consider Cartizze as the “grand cru” of Prosecco—a highly esteemed and delicately effervescent wine.
Delicate Flavors and Terroir:
Cartizze delights the palate with subtle floral tones of white rose, delicate white peach, and the crispness of green apple and pear.
These flavors harmonize and evolve, unveiling hints of honey, cucumber, and basil.
Bottled within a year of harvest, it is meant to be savored and enjoyed immediately—a fleeting display of brilliance and an authentic representation of terroir.
The Secret Society of Cartizze Winemakers:
Within Valdobbiadene resides a secret society of winemakers.
Each year, this clandestine confraternity gathers to blindly taste hundreds of Cartizze wines, discerning the finest among them.
Their ancient and mysterious rituals invariably place Cartizze at the pinnacle.
Until now, this knowledge has been closely guarded.
The Delevingnes and Della Vite:
Cara Delevingne, along with her sisters Chloe and Poppy, have entered the world of winemaking.
Their venture, named Della Vite (meaning “of the vine” and a play on their surname), was launched in partnership with the Foss Marai estate.
While the Delevingnes leave the winemaking to the experts, they lend their name to the labeling, bottling, and marketing.
Della Vite is available for approximately £19 at luxury retailers such as Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and John Lewis.
Discovering Cartizze:
Thanks to the Delevingnes, the secret of Cartizze has been revealed, and other wines from this region are now available.
Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli and the aptly-named Prosecco House near Tower Bridge are excellent places to explore the diverse offerings from the region.
Additionally, numerous online wine merchants carry Cartizze, and a visit to Eataly near Liverpool Street station presents an opportunity to enjoy La Rivetta Cartizze Villa Sandi, priced at approximately £25.
It may be the most expensive Prosecco you purchase this summer, but rest assured, it will likely be the finest as well.
Conclusion:
Cartizze represents the epitome of Prosecco, a sparkling wine that embodies the passion and craftsmanship of the Valdobbiadene region.
With its delicate flavors, intimate production scale, and the endorsement of wine connoisseurs, Cartizze is a worthy indulgence for those seeking the best.
Uncover the allure of this exceptional Italian fizz and elevate your summer with Cartizze’s unparalleled charm.