The story behind Brightside's Fizz

Canned Wine Co. aren’t any old wine company, and Brightside is no ordinary roadside diner. So we thought it was a good idea to shine a light on the very special wines we stock at Brightside, and highlight what dishes from our menu are particularly good partners.

So – for all would be sommeliers out there – let’s start with their vibrant and zesty sparkling Chardonnay.

Canned Wine Co’s fizz is a naturally sparkling Blanc de Blancs produced with 100% Chardonnay grapes by Cantina Tre Secoli in Italy. 

With aromas of melon, apple, lemon, pastry, and a fresh and light finish, Chardonnay makes for a wonderfully moreish and versatile sparkling wine. It’s the predominant grape in Champagne so what’s not to like?

To produce Canned Wine Co’s Sparkling Chardonnay, the grapes are hand harvested early in the harvest period whilst the acidity is still high, and sugar content is low. The base wine undergoes second fermentation in a pressurised tank to produce the bubbles (like the way in which Prosecco is made). It is then rested on its lees to add creaminess and complexity, before it is canned.

 

Cantina Tre Secoli

Tre Secoli means ‘Three Centuries’ and is a cooperative that was established in 1887 with the mission to produce extremely high-quality wines. 

The vineyards of Tre Secoli are situated within the historical Monferrato hills, one of the most important wine regions in Italy, in Piedmont, North-West Italy. The Chardonnay vines are grown on incredibly steep slopes, hence the labour-intensive need to harvest grapes by hand. The soils are mostly sand and clay and the vines are 10-20 years old with low yields, producing concentrated flavours in the berries.

 

Sustainable Initiatives

Tre Secoli has the Italian Equalitas certification which demonstrates their encouragement of sustainable development within the supply chain. 

They also have SQNPI certification, which is known as the ‘sustainable quality’ trademark. It complies with EU recognised Regional Integrated Crop Management Guidelines and encompasses agricultural practices associated with organic farming. 

Beyond the qualifications, Tre Secoli pursue a policy that promotes education of sustainability within their business and the local community, as well as investing locally for the continuous development of the region.

 

What to enjoy with Sparkling Chardonnay?

Chardonnay is an extremely versatile grape and its crisp acidity means it’s great with food, and not to mention the perfect pairing for any celebration. Try it alongside Brightside’s Roasted Squash & Red Pepper or Pepperoni pizzas for a delightful fizz-pizza combo.