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Vino Novello is a young red wine with a pronounced fruity taste, produced in Italy. It can be considered a cousin of the famous French Beaujolais, especially since the drinks are very similar both in taste and in other characteristics. The only significant difference is that more grape varieties are used in the production of Novello, and the fermentation process is subject to less strict rules. Historically, the novella went on sale on November 6, but since 2012 it can be purchased a week earlier – starting on October 30.
Style Description
Italian Novello is a light-bodied wine with a delicate fruity aroma, the strength usually does not exceed 11%. True to its name, it is drunk young, it is not aged in wine cellars and contains almost no tannins.
It is believed that the entire novella of this year’s harvest should be drunk before the end of January.
There is no single set of characteristics: Novello can be very different, depending on the grape variety (or blend of varieties) and the method of preparation. The taste is felt tones of strawberries, raspberries, cherries, bananas, candy. The cost of one bottle varies between 3-8 euros.
Features of cooking technology
Young Italian wine, like its French counterpart, is obtained in the process of carbon dioxide maceration, a technology invented in France in the 1930s. Before sending the berries to the press, they are fermented for 10-20 days in containers filled with carbon dioxide. Fermentation occurs under the influence of yeast on the skin of the grapes. As a result, the fruits acquire characteristic fruity aromas, the wine becomes refreshing and slightly carbonated. The main “secret” of the process is that the grapes must be intact, so the berries for young wine are harvested by hand, trying to ensure that the upper layers do not crush the lower ones. Then the juice is pressed from the prepared bunches and left to ferment for 3-4 days.
Unlike Beaujolais, Novello can be made from berries fermented in carbon dioxide, or by the “traditional” method, only with the addition of grapes that have undergone carbon dioxide maceration.
Novello grape varieties: Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo, Dolcetto, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Refosco, Sangiovese, Grignolino, etc.
History
Novello wine owes its appearance to the French Beaujolais. In 1930, the technique of making young wine came to Italy, and the first official novella saw the light of day in the 1970s. Since 1987, this style has become one of the “alcoholic calling cards” of the country.
Difference Between Novello and Beaujolais
| Novello | Beaujolais |
| Appears on the market on October 30 | Issued on the third Thursday of November |
| Produced from over 60 varieties | Produced from the Gamay variety |
| Mechanized harvesting possible | Berries are harvested exclusively by hand |
| Partial carbon dioxide maceration is possible (at least 30% of berries) | 100% carbonic maceration |
How to drink Novello wine
Young Italian wine is not stored – due to the lack of tannins, it does not age nobly, but only deteriorates, so a bottle bought in November should be drunk for a maximum of six months.
Cold appetizers, white meats, salami, pizza, light creamy desserts, and roasted chestnuts pair best with this style. Unlike other red wines, Novello is never served at room temperature, but is always cooled to +10-14 degrees.
This light and inexpensive autumn wine is not to everyone’s taste: Novello cannot boast of a complex bouquet or subtle nuances of taste. However, it is still a good table drink, quite suitable for a pleasant dinner with friends or family.