Fizz Feast Taster - Contadi Castaldi

As part of the run-up to our fourth annual Fizz Feast on Saturday 16 November at Edinburgh Academy, we’re giving you a brief introduction to the fabulous food and fizz exhibitors lined up to tantalise taste buds and please palates.

If you haven’t experienced the joys of Franciacorta – the wonderful Italian sparkling wine made in the same traditional, bottle-fermented method as Champagne – you are in for a treat. Contadi Castaldi produces some of the finest Franciacorta and is bringing a fabulous selection to Fizz Feast this year.

Contadi Castaldi is housed in a former brickyard, which owners Vittorio and Mariella Moretti decided to convert into a winery in the 1980s. Its large spaces and long tunnels where bricks were once fired yet now offers a cool ambient temperatures has proved to be the perfect place for ageing this fabulous Franciacorta. The ground floor is now used for making and ageing the wines, the first floor is a warehouse and the second floor is used for events.  It couldn't be more ideal.

The name ties together two aspects of Franciacorta history. In medieval times, the ‘contadi’ were the counties of the Franciacorta region, small areas of land known for their outstanding agricultural products. The ‘castaldi’ were the lords of the counties, responsible for governing the lands.

Today’s sparkling wine ranges which will be at Fizz Feast include a wonderful Brut, which has a lovely, lingering finish.  Fizz Feast will also be a great opportunity to try the popular super-smooth, fragrant, Saten style, which is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes and has an exceptionally fresh taste. There is also a wonderful Rosé, which uses Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, for distinct notes of wild berries, fresh rose petals, and hints of apple and tropical fruit.  Who could ask for more?

All sparkling Franciacorta are subtly different and it’s well worth trying to compare and notice the differences. Ask how best to drink each – the wonderful Ettore Maggi will be on the stand ready to introduce you to this fabulous range of Franciacorta.  It's also worth noting that the bottles are also shaped differently from other sparkling wines – be sure to ask Ettore the story behind this at Fizz Feast.

Fizz Feast is is a true Celebration of Sparkling Wine & Artisan Food on Saturday 16 November 2019 at The Edinburgh Academy, 42 Henderson Row, Edinburgh.

There are two sessions to choose from: 12-3pm and 4-7pm, and plenty of masterclasses.

Tickets start at £20 per person find out more