With the frizzante Babbullicas (from the Sardinian word for “bubbles”), Eugenio Bocchino and Cinzia Pelazza open a new chapter in their oenological biography. Until now, they have been best known for their brilliant Piedmontese Nebbiolos and their equally excellent still interpretations of often rare grape varieties from Sardinia’s Gallura region. Now, for the first time, the two venture into the world of sparkling wine.
That their attempt would succeed was to be expected, given their talent and meticulousness. But that it would result in a wine of such lightness and energy was by no means a given — after all, it originates from the rather warm Sardinian vineyards of Eugenio and Cinzia. Yet since Vermentino generally thrives in warmth, its grapes deliver precisely the liveliness and freshness that shine through in the wine.
The grapes for the Babbullicas come from roughly 50-year-old vines rooted in granite soils. Hand-harvested, they undergo spontaneous fermentation and a brief maturation in stainless steel tanks. The secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle, and the wine is not disgorged.
On the palate, the Babbullicas is vibrant and agile, with plenty of drive and a vitality that lingers well beyond the finish. Aromatically, it recalls ripe apples, brown sugar, bread, and mature citrus fruits.
Grape Variety: Vermentino
Vineyard: Approximately 50-year-old vines rooted in granite
Harvest: By hand
Fermentation: Spontaneous | wild yeasts
– Primary fermentation in stainless steel
– Secondary fermentation in bottle
Aging: In bottle
Filtration: None
SO₂: <30 mg/l
Alcohol Content: 12.5% vol.
Closure: Natural cork
Serving Temperature: 10–12 °C
Optimal Drinking Window: Now – 2029
Volume and Price per Liter: 0.75 l (€24.87/l)
Philosophy: All winemakers listed with Vinonudo work their vineyards using compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations, completely avoiding the use of herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.
