WHAT

Sparkling Rosé

WHERE

Monferrato Casalese, Piedmont, Italy

Vicara is a 70-hectare estate on the hills between the River Po and the plains of Alessandria, in the heart of Monferrato Casalese — Grignolino country. They're best known for serious, terroir-driven Grignolino, but this is the playful side of the estate. The "Domino" Brut Rosé is made entirely from Grignolino via the Martinotti method, and the label features a cartoon by Rube Goldberg — the American cartoonist famous for depicting ridiculously complex machines doing simple things. The wine inside is the opposite: simple, delicious, and uncomplicated in the best possible way.

It shows a delicate salmon-pink color tending towards orange — Grignolino's naturally pale, orange-tinged skin at work. On the nose, fine floral and fruity notes: rose, wild strawberry, a little citrus. On the palate it's dry, fresh, and lively with fine persistent bubbles and a clean finish. It's called Domino because, as Vicara puts it, after the first glass the rest follow inevitably.

Open it as an aperitivo, at a dinner party, or whenever you want something sparkling that isn't Prosecco. Pairs beautifully with antipasti, fried food, or a good conversation.