FERRARELLE: A SPARKLING ITALIAN STORY
Ferrarelle (www.ferrarelleusa.com) is Italy’s favorite mineral water and only naturally sparkling mineral water. Located in Campania’s naturally beautiful countryside near Caserta on the Riardo plain, the Ferrarelle company was founded in 1893. However, the unique phenomenon of the mineral water goes back millennia with the formation of the subterranean strata through which flows the rain waters that ultimately ‒ after a 10 year journey ‒ feed the Ferrarelle natural spring.
Why Ferrarelle is so unique
The Ferrarelle spring is located near the extinct Roccamonfina volcano where rain falls and percolates underground through layers of rock. The rainwater starts a 9,3 miles journey lasting 10 years, during which time it is purified and enriched with precious healthy minerals including calcium, potassium and bicarbonates. At a depth of 9 miles underground, the water encounters carbon dioxide and begins to rise through the strata, reaches the Riardo plain and springs forth naturally into the light of day, creating the
renowned and unique Ferrarelle naturally sparkling mineral water.
All of the carbon dioxide in Ferrarelle is a gift of nature. The natural bubbles are finer and more numerous than in water manufactured with added CO2, thus giving Ferrarelle more delicacy on the palate and a unique taste. Ferrarelle’s natural effervescence produces a rich and fine perlage, persistent as a fine sparkling wine. Most sparkling waters are artificially carbonated which makes them saltier than Ferrarelle.
Carbon dioxide and water form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which gives competitors’ waters a slightly sour taste with a pH between 3 and 4. An alkaline salt, such as sodium bicarbonate, is added to soda water to reduce its acidity. Carbon dioxide dissolved in water at a low concentration (0.2%–1.0%) and cannot be tasted by humans, but the sour flavor of carbonic acid can be. The addition of a sodium or potassium salt can neutralize some of the acidic flavor of drinks that are made with soda water.
Carbon dioxide and water form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which gives competitors’ waters a slightly sour taste with a pH between 3 and 4. An alkaline salt, such as sodium bicarbonate, is added to soda water to reduce its acidity. Carbon dioxide dissolved in water at a low concentration (0.2%–1.0%) and cannot be tasted by humans, but the sour flavor of carbonic acid can be. The addition of a sodium or potassium salt can neutralize some of the acidic flavor of drinks that are made with soda water.
Why Ferrarelle is healthier:
Subject to very strict quality controls, Ferrarelle mineral water is tested 615 times per day and its quality is guaranteed by major international certifications. Each of its bubbles has all the natural richness of precious healthy minerals:
- Calcium, important for strong bones and teeth (recommended daily intake is 1,000mg / day and Ferrarelle contains 365 mg per liter; in Italy, Ferrarelle is often recommended for lactose-intolerant people for their daily calcium requirement)
- Bicarbonate, which helps to facilitate digestion
- Silica, essential to delay the aging process of tissue
- Potassium, which helps to reinforce the muscular system
At the dinner table
Ferrarelle mineral water has a unique taste which is soft and fresh; its sparkles smoothly on the palate, making it a perfect food accompaniment including everything from antipasti to desserts. Because of its natural sensory qualities, Ferrarelle goes particularly well with cheese dishes, crepes, ravioli and white meat with delicate sauces. It’s excellent with pizza too. The odorless quality and well bodied structure of Ferrarelle make it the ideal mineral water to drink alongside wine.
My Thoughts:
Who knew a mineral could taste so good, while offering health benefits, due in part by the rich minerals in which it contains. Ferrarelle naturally sparkling mineral water is bottled straight from the source in Riardo − near Caserta in the region of Campania − where the rich volcanic soil from the Roccamonfina volcano imparts precious minerals to the water, including calcium (one liter of Ferrarelle provides about 35% of the recommended daily intake for calcium), magnesium and potassium. These minerals, known for their health benefits, aid in digestion and make Ferrarelle the natural choice of mineral water among Italians, the world’s largest consumers of bottled water per capita in the world
I was first introduced to Ferrarelle Sparkling Mineral Water after hearing my parents rave about it a few years back. They traveled with a group of friends to Italy, and enjoyed, like most Italians mineral water at the restaurants they dined at. What sets this sparkling mineral water apart from others on the market here in the US, is that offers a smoother, more rich taste, with a lot more carbonated bubbles. And, you are not left with a salty aftertaste, like others on the market. I was never a huge fan of sparkling mineral water here in the US due in part by the salty taste -- which is present, even when natural flavorings are added. Upon returning from their trip, they began to seek out Ferrarelle Sparkling Mineral Water, to purchase and have on hand for get togethers and just as a go-to dinner drink. My mom said that she loved pairing this sparkling water with cheese plates, as well as with bruschetta. My dad, a pizza and pasta lover, says he found this refreshing beverage to be more prominent in flavor with these types of entrees. Either way, they both agreed that Ferrarelle Sparkling Mineral Water is the best sparkling mineral water they ever tasted and will drink going forward. After hearing this, I had to try Ferrarelle Sparkling Mineral Water for myself. Thanks to the folks at Ferrarelle USA, based out of my home state of CT, they kindly sent me a bottle to sample. I surprised my parents over the weekend, when they came to visit with the girls, and served this sparkling mineral water with lasagna. As soon as they saw me pull it out of the refrigerator, their eyes lit up, and they both grinned from ear to ear. They couldn't wait to be transported back to Italy with the first sip.
By the end of the meal, the Ferrarelle Sparkling Mineral Water bottle was empty, and we all were wiping our lips in delight. This is truly a tasty sparkling mineral water, that pairs well with any dish or dessert. Going forward, I will only drink Ferrarelle Sparkling Mineral Water, thanks to this sampling.
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Ferrarelle mineral water is available for purchase in premium retailers and specialty markets.
Ferrarelle is available in four different sizes: 1Liter (33.8 fl oz.), 0.75L (25.4 fl oz.), 0.50L (17 fl oz.) and 0.33L (11.2 fl oz.). A platinum edition format (1 liter) is available for fine restaurants.
About Ferrarelle:
Ferrarelle USA, located in Norwalk, Connecticut, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrarelle SpA. Purchased in 2005 by Italian entrepreneur Dr. Carlo Pontecorvo, Ferrarelle SpA (www.ferrarelle.it) operates in the bottling and distribution of mineral waters. The company’s brands include Ferrarelle, Natìa (still, natural mineral water), Sant Agata and Boario. Ferrarelle SpA brands are exported to more than 40 countries. The US wholly owned US subsidiary of Ferrarelle SpA, Ferrarelle USA was founded in 2009 in Norwalk, Connecticut. Ferrarelle USA manages all sales and marketing in the US for the
Ferrarelle brand.
Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. The views above are mine and mine alone.
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