*** I received this wine as a sample. ***

Early last week, my boss announced that our office would be closed on Friday in celebration of Easter and Passover.  I was planning on taking half a day in order to prepare for Passover, but an unexpected day off is even better.  Unfortunately, as my initial excitement began to fade, I realized it was the first Friday of the month, which is always a big work day for me, which meant that I would have to at put in at least a couple of hours in the morning before enjoying the time off.  As if my boss could read my mind, an email confirming that I would have to do a little work in the morning arrived in my inbox.  Admittedly, it wasn’t bad to come into a quiet office, put in two productive hours, and then get an early start to the weekend.  I was finished with my second latte and all my work by 10:30, which meant I would have time to get a manicure and run to the knitting store before finishing preparations for the first night of Passover.  And what better way to start off the holiday than with a glass of bubbly?

The 2011 Bartenura Moscato Spumante Dolce Rosé was a light, bright ruby with a lot of strong, persistent bubbles.  On the nose, there were strawberries with cream and biscuits.  In the mouth, there were candied strawberries, Bubble Yum bubble gum, and a hint of biscuits. The wine was sweet, but with good acidity.

Is this worth a glass after work? Definitely!  If you see this wine in the store, grab it; you won’t be disappointed.  At an SRP of $16, this wine is well-balanced with good flavors.  That said, it’s just not my style.  It was a little two sweet for me, reminding me too much of drinking Kool-Aid made with 7-Up.  I recognize it as well-made, and if you enjoy sweeter sparkling wine, than I think this is a one worth looking at.

Question of the Day: Do you prefer to drink dry sparkling wine or sweeter sparkling wine?

Suggested Retail Price: $16
Received as a sample.
Overall: 3.5 Corks