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Fourth of July has come and gone, and the fireworks and sparklers have been put away. However, the sparkles, as in sparkling wine, continue at my house with corks popping and bubbles flowing! I never need an occasion to pour sparkling wine, and as I’m sure you all know by now, I love celebrating “just because” moments. Don’t you? I have a wonderful lineup of delicious Italian sparkling wines, specifically Prosecco, that will tickle your palate and won’t put a dent in your bank account. Before we get to the reviews, let’s take a quick trip to Italy.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Prosecco is a sparkling wine produced in the Veneto region of the northeastern part of Italy and is made primarily with Glera, a white grape variety. Here is a brief overview of the production area.  Sparkling wines labeled Prosecco DOC (Denominazione d’Origins Controllata) come from nine provinces between Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. What is considered to be the best quality Prosecco comes from the Treviso province, especially the area between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, a hilly area that is the home of Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG (Denominazione d’Origins Controllata e Garantita)  There are three communes in the Prosecco DOCG: Conegliano, Valdobbiadene, and Asolo, located about 26 miles north of the Treviso airport. Asolo, a smaller town known as the “City of 100 Horizons” because of its spectacular panoramic views, is also included in the Prosecco DOCG and called Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG.  Valdobbiadene Photo credit: Penny Weiss Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Asolo have ancient origins of vine growing dating back to the Roman Empire, but the first written documentation connecting Prosecco to this area is from 1772. The DOC was established here in 1969, and the historic production of Prosecco has been limited to 15 communes. In 2009, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG and Asolo Prosecco DOCG certification was issued. As of January 1, 2021, the Denomination di Origins Controllata consortium gave its final stamp of approval for making Prosecco Rosé, setting these wines apart from other pink sparkling wines made in Italy. The grapes for Prosecco Rosé must be sourced from a specific geographic area that has passed the Italian Government’s quality requirements. In addition, only Glera grapes (85 -90%) and Pinot Noir (10-15 %) are allowed. The DOC guidelines also require Prosecco Rosé to be fermented in stainless steel tanks for at least 60 days. Also, they must be vintage-dated and labeled Prosecco DOC. These sparkling wines range in style from very dry to slightly sweet. This area is rich in history, culture, and beauty, and the breathtaking countryside is filled with hills and rolling slopes rising up from the Piave River. From early origins, a glacier slid down from the Dolomites and came to rest in a valley that eventually became the riverbed of the Piave. The river begins in the Alps and flows into the Adriatic Sea. The local soil is attributed to this glacier and can vary depending on the slope of the hill. Some areas contain rock, sand, clay, and iron oxides. In areas unaffected by the glacier, the soils consist of marl and sandstone and are less deep and more porous. Because Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Asolo are situated between the sea and Prealps, the area experiences a mild climate with constant breezes. Vineyards have excellent sun exposure and benefit from the altitude and broad differences between day and night temperatures. The slopes, micro-climate, sun exposure, and various soils make this an ideal setting for growing Glera grapes for the production of Prosecco Superiore DOCG.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Unlike the traditional method used to produce sparkling wines such as Champagne, Cava, and Franciacorta, which goes through its second fermentation in the bottle, most Prosecco is made using the Charmat-Martinotti method, where the second fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Due to the Glera grape’s moderately high acidity and typical characteristics of white flowers, peach, melon, apple, and pear, it is the perfect grape for sparkling wine. So, let’s taste a few wines! Bele Casel Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Vecchie Uve Extra Brut 2019 Bele Casel estate is located in the heart of Asolo, with 12 hectares of hillside vineyards in Cornuda, Maser, and Monfumo. Glera and other local varieties for this wine are sourced from Monfumo vineyards, with an average vine age of 50 years old. Secondary fermentation takes place in pressure tanks for 18 months on the lees.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Delicate, fruity aromas, floral, pear, sweet apple, and herbs. Palate: Creamy and persistent bubbles lead to a fresh and vibrant wine. Aromas segue onto the palate, with pear and apple lingering for an elegant finale. This wine can be aged in the bottle for six to eight years. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $24 Giusti Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut NV From the first vineyard, owner Ermenegildo Giusti, planted in 2002, Società Agricola Giusti-Dal Col srl has grown to 75 hectares. The estate lies in the Montello and Pieve hills in eastern Veneto, between Treviso, Venice, and Asolo. This sparkling wine is 100% Glera harvested from vineyards in the hilly area of Montello and the Asolo hills. Secondary fermentation takes place in pressure tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: A lovely floral bouquet with tart apple and lemon. Palate: Creamy and persistent bubbles with brisk acidity, pear, apple, peach, lemon zest, and minerality. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $14 Montelliana “57” Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry This wine is named for the year the winery was founded, in 1957. Cantina Montelliana is located in the heart of the Marca Trevigiana, at the foot of Colli Asolani and Montello district. It is a cooperative of 400 associated vine growers that produce Prosecco DOC and DOCG. This 100% Glera sparkling wine is made using the Charmat method.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Fruity bouquet with floral, apples, melon, and peach. Palate: Creamy perlage with apples, pear, white peach, white flowers, minerality, and vibrant acidity. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $ $14 Villa Sandi Villa Sandi is located in the heart of the Treviso Province at the foot of Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG hills. The estate boasts an extensive network of underground cellars dating back to 1622. Villa Sandi is owned by the Moretti Polegato family, purchased in 1970, and is a family-run business. They have five estates in the DOC and DOCG areas between the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.  Valdbbiadene Photo courtesy of Villa Sandi Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2021 This wine is a blend of 85% Glera and 15% Pinot Noir. Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. The wine is made using the Charmat method.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Rose petals, raspberry, a hint of citrus, and pear. Palate: Fresh strawberries and cream come to mind with this delectable rosé. Creamy bubbles, red berries, floral notes, and bright acidity. Very refreshing! Alcohol: 11% SRP: $22 Villa Sandi Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry NV The grapes for this wine are sourced from the hilly countryside of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG, in the Valdobbiadene DOCG appellation. It is a blend of 85% Glera and 15% Chardonnay.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Beautiful floral notes with hints of honeysuckle, white stone fruit, and apple. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with creamy bubbles and lively acidity. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $25 Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco Biologico Organic Brut DOC NV This sparkling wine is Certified Organic by Valoritalia (a company for the certification of quality and Italian wine production S.r.l.), which means no synthetic chemicals are used in the wine growing process. It is 100% Glera and is produced using the Charmat method.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral with a touch of edelweiss. It is fruity, with white stone fruit and melon. Palate: Fine and persistent bubbles, dry, sweet apple, white peach, and honeydew. Fresh and lively! Alcohol: 11% SRP: $22 LaMarca LaMarca was established in 1968 and is a wine-producing company representing the products of nine cooperative wineries and fourteen processing plants in the heart of the province of Treviso, specifically, LaMarca Trevigiana. LaMarca Prosecco DOC NV This wine is 100% Glera, sourced from hundreds of small villages throughout the Prosecco DOC region. It is produced using the Charmat method.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral notes, citrus, white stone fruit, and honey. Palate: This a fresh and lovely wine with crisp notes of green apple, citrus, grapefruit, minerality, and a touch of lemon zest on the finish. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $19 LaMarca Prosecco Rosé DOC 2021 Glera and Pinot Noir (10-15%) are sourced from vineyards throughout Treviso’s hillside along the Piave River. An extended secondary fermentation for at least 60 days takes place in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, red berries, white stone fruit, and a hint of herbs. Palate: Fresh and crisp, with raspberry, strawberry, cherry, citrus, white peach, minerality, and lively bubbles. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $19 Enjoy these sparkling wines as an aperitif or pair with just about anything from salty to sweet, appetizers, main courses, and desserts! Here are a few food pairing suggestions: creamy, mild, or savory cheese, apple and goat cheese salad, seafood, shellfish, charcuterie board, pizza, spicy Asian cuisine, pasta, grilled white meat dishes, roasted veggies, delicate pastries, and salted popcorn! I look forward to returning to this region soon to soak up more beauty, culture, and sparkling wine! In the meantime, I’ll pour a glass of Prosecco and let it transport me back to this magical region with every sip I take. Pure bliss!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com There seems to be a designated day of the year for celebrating and honoring every style of wine and spirits ever produced! And on August 13, it is National Prosecco Day.  Photo credit: Kate Bezzubets Prosecco is a sparkling wine produced in the northeastern part of Italy and is made primarily with Glera grapes. Without going into too much detail, here is a quick overview of the production area.  Many of the sparkling wines labeled Prosecco DOC (Denominazione d’Origins Controllata) come from nine provinces between Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. What is considered the best quality Prosecco comes from the Treviso province, especially the area between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, a hilly area which is the home of Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG (Denominazione d’origins Controllata e Garantita).  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Conegliano Valdobbiadene has ancient origins of vine growing dating back to the Roman Empire, but the first written documentation connecting Prosecco to this area is 1772. The DOC was established here in 1969, and the historic production of Prosecco has been limited to 15 communes. In 2009, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG certification was issued, becoming Italy’s 44th DOCG. And in 2019, the Prosecco hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As of January 1, 2021, the Denomination di Origins Controllata (DOC) consortium gave its final stamp of approval for making Prosecco Rosé, setting these wines apart from other pink sparkling wines made in Italy. The grapes for Prosecco Rosé must be sourced from a specific geographic area that has passed the Italian Government’s quality requirements. In addition, only Glera grapes (85 -90%) and Pinot Noir (10-15 %) are allowed. The DOC guidelines also require Prosecco Rosé to be fermented in stainless steel tanks for at least 60 days. Also, they must be vintage-dated and labeled Prosecco DOC. These sparkling wines range in style from very dry to slightly sweet. Unlike Champagne which goes through its second fermentation in the bottle (traditional method), Prosecco is made using the Charmat-Martinotti method, where the second fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Due to the Glera grape’s moderately high acidity and typical characteristics of white flowers, peach, melon, and pear, it is the perfect grape for sparkling wine. Over the last month or so, I received many samples of Prosecco. And what better way to celebrate National Prosecco Day than to pop a few corks! So, here is a review of four Prosecco DOC sparkling wines.  Photo credti: Penny Weiss Corvezzo Winery Corvezzo Winery, founded in 1960, is located in the village of Cessalto near Treviso. It is headed by third-generation Giovanni Corvezzo, who took over in 2009 and refers to himself as the “Happy Farmer.” He completely transformed the estate’s 180 acres to certified organic farming and production in the winery. Corvezzo Prosecco DOC Extra Dry Made with 85% Glera and 15% DOC allowed grapes, this wine has a lovely fragrance of flowers, green apples, citrus, and pear that segue onto the palate. This is a crisp and refreshing wine with fine bubbles and a touch of citrus zest on the finish. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $13 Corvezzo Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Millesimato This wine is made with Glera (85% to 90%) and Pinot Nero. Berry, citrus, and heavenly floral aromas continue onto the palate with lots of strawberries, a touch of citrus, fine bubbles, and a hint of salinity. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $13 Bread & Butter Wines Bread & Butter may be based in Napa, California, but their arms also reach across the ocean to the Veneto region. Linda Trotta, the head winemaker for Bread & Butter, worked with a 90-year-old family-owned winery in the small town of Fossalta di Piave to produce Prosecco DOC for Bread & Butter, the first sparkling wine for the brand. Bread & Butter Prosecco DOC This wine is made with Glera (85% to 90%), Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio. Floral, citrus, and green apple aromas lead to a palate of peach, pear, and a hint of citrus, with a delicate and pleasantly foamy mouthfeel. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $15.99 Zardetto Winery Zardetto is located between the areas of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. This family-owned winery has a history of winemaking dating back to 1900. They became an official company in 1969. In the 1980s, Fabio Zardetto led the winery to specialize in the production of sparkling wines, with the United States becoming the company’s first export market for their Prosecco. Today, the estate is owned by Latentia, and the winemaker is Fabio Zardetto. Zardetto Prosecco DOC Brut The grapes for this wine are Glera (85% to 90%) and Pinot Bianco/Chardonnay. Delicate aromas of white flowers, apricot, and apple open to a layered palate of citrus, white stone fruit, melon, and a hint of herbs, along with persistent and creamy bubbles. It is fresh and lively. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $17 All of the above wines will drink beautifully as an aperitif or pair with appetizers, seafood, salads, grilled fish, or pizza. The possibilities are endless.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Enjoy National Prosecco Day!
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com About 26 miles north of the Treviso airport in the Veneto region of Italy are the small and picturesque towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. These towns are the home of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG and Prosecco Superiore DOCG where some of the finest Prosecco is made from the Glera grape variety.  Photo courtesy of Col Vetoraz Conegliano Valdobbiadene has ancient origins of vine growing dating back to the Roman Empire, but the first written documentation of connecting Prosecco to this area is 1772. The DOC was established here in 1969 and the historic production of Prosecco has been limited to 15 communes. In 2009, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG certification was issued. In 2019 the Prosecco hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a countryside filled with hills and rolling slopes rising up from the Piave River. From early origins, a glacier slid down from the Dolomites and came to rest in a valley that eventually became the riverbed of the Piave. The river begins in the Alps and flows into the Adriatic Sea. The local soil is attributed to this glacier and can vary depending upon the slope of the hill. Some areas contain rock, sand, clay and iron oxides. In areas unaffected by the glacier, the soils contain marls and sandstone and are less deep and more porous. Because Conegliano Valdobbiadene is situated between the sea and Pre-alps, the area experiences a mild climate with constant breezes. Vineyards have great sun exposure and benefit from the altitude and broad differences between day and night temperatures. The slopes, micro-climate, sun exposure and various soils make this an ideal setting for growing Glera grapes and producing sparkling wine. Between the hills of Valdobbiadene are the vineyards of Valdobbiadene DOCG and Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG. Also situated among these hills is Col Vetoraz, a winery with a family history that goes back 182 years.  Photo courtesy of Col Vetoraz In 1838 the ancestors of Francesco Miotto settled on Col Vetoraz located on the highest peak of the Cartizze Hills of Valdobbiadene and began growing vines. During WW1 the vineyards were damaged from bombing and so the Miotto family began the repair and growing of the vines again. In 1980, at the age of 29, Francesco Miotto took over the company when his father died. He started producing sparkling wines using the traditional natural fermentation “Col Fondo” ('with the bottom' in Italian) method where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. But unlike Metodo Classico (Champagne/traditional method) there is no disgorgement or filtration so the sediment/lees remain in the bottle. However, most of Col Vetoraz wines are produced using the Charmat method. (Second fermentation takes place in steel pressure tanks) In 1993, Francesco joined forces with Paolo De Bortoli (agronomist) and Loris Dall’Acqua (winemaker) and founded Col Vetoraz Spumanti. They only produce Valdobbiadene DOCG and Cartizze DOCG wines which they consider unique expressions of their roots.  Photo courtesy of Col Vetoraz The philosophy that guides Col Vetoraz is “We follow a method that preserves the expressive integrity of the fruit; this is the only way to obtain the natural balance and harmony that the vine has given us”. This philosophy and respect for “the raw material and the highest quality” is expressed in the elegance of their sparkling wines. Col Vetoraz wines are not treated in any way, not even with fining agents. “This safeguards the integrity of the aromas and structure of the original fruit, developing a natural roundness and creamy, full-bodied creamy effervescent mouthfeel.” I noticed that none of the samples I received had the word “Prosecco” on it. Col Vetoraz provided me with an answer. “Col Vetoraz has such a deep bond with the territory that it rebelled against a choice made in 2009 when “Prosecco” became an appellation extended to nine provinces between Veneto and Friuli. The simple distinction between "Prosecco" (the wine produced in those territories created in 2009) and "Prosecco Superiore" (the wine produced on the historical hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano) has ceased to convey the age-old history and winemaking vocation of the hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano. For this reason, we believe it is fundamental to begin a new, different type of communication, in which the wine’s territorial identity is extremely clear and unmistakable. Beginning with the 2017 vintage, Col Vetoraz has decided to remove the word “Prosecco” from all of its labels and all communications media, using just the denomination "Valdobbiadene DOCG" - our wines’ true and unique territorial identity.” All of the following wines are made with 100% Glera grapes, using the Charmat method. Due to the steeply sloping hills, all work and harvesting are done by hand.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Valdobbiadene DOCG Brut 2019 A dry and savory wine with aromas of floral, pear, apple and peach. Palate offers rose petals, apple and white stone fruit with fine and creamy bubbles. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $20-$22  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Valdobbiadene DOCG Extra Dry 2019 This is a lovely dry wine with fruit and floral aromas. The palate offers delicate notes of peach, pear and apple with a creamy mouthfeel and a dash of citrus. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $20-$22  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Valdobbiadene DOCG Millesimato Dry 2019 Delicate aromas of floral, citrus, pear and apple segue onto the palate with notes of apricot and white stone fruit. Fine and persistent bubbles are nicely balanced with subtle sweetness and a fresh mouthfeel. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $28-$30  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Valdobbiadene DOCG Extra Brut Cuvée 5 2019 This wine is a lovely blend of grapes selected from five vineyards. Although it is very dry, the wine still expresses a fresh and fruity palate. Aromas of pear, apple and citrus notes spill onto the palate with fine bubbles and creamy mouthfeel. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $28-$30  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Valdobbiadene DOCG Extra Dry Cuvée 13 2019 This is a blend of grapes selected from 13 vineyards. A subtle bouquet of floral, citrus and white stone fruit opens to a dry but pleasing palate of floral, pear, peach and citrus. It has a creamy and persistent perlage with a lengthy finish. This wine is fresh and vibrant. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $28-$30  Photo credit: Penny Weiss  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG 2019 The grapes for this wine are sourced from the steepest hills of Col Vetoraz and Mont in the well-known Superiore di Cartizze DOCG area. Succulent aromas of white flowers, fresh fruit, citrus and apples open to an elegant palate of pear, sweet apples, peach and a trace of citrus on the finish. A delicate acidity blends beautifully with a velvety mouthfeel and fine perlage. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $45 All of these wines can be enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with light fare such as shellfish, grilled fish and appetizers. As of now, only the following wines are available in the United States: Valdobbiadene DOCG Brut Valdobbiadene DOCG Millesimato Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG It was a treat to taste these wines and be momentarily transported back to a magical trip that I took to Conegliano Valdobbiadene two summers ago.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com With my family coming for Thanksgiving dinner, I made sure to have an assortment of wine and spirits on hand to please every palate. My menu this year strayed from tradition as I felt it was necessary to forge a new path with healthier cuisine. Granted, not everything I prepared was free of calories and carbs, but at least I was able to control the ingredients. We enjoyed fresh spinach lasagna, roasted brussel sprouts with cranberries, homemade peasant bread, tossed salad and corn salad in lime juice. The grand finale was key lime pie and fresh fruit. I started off the festivities by pouring a glass of Prosecco for everyone, never anticipating that my guests would choose to continue drinking it throughout the meal! These bottles of sparkling wine almost upstaged my meal as they were met with much enthusiasm and enjoyment. Every palate was sated and we never opened any still wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Some of the best Prosecco comes from Glera grapes grown in the small towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the home of Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG.  Because Conegliano Valdobbiadene is situated between the sea and Pre-alps, the area experiences a mild climate with constant breezes. Vineyards have great sun exposure and benefit from the altitude and broad differences between day and night temperatures. The slopes, micro-climate, sun exposure and various soils make this an ideal setting for growing Glera grapes for the production of Prosecco. PassioneSentimento Prosecco Treviso Spumante Brut, DOC is produced by Pasqua Vigneti é Cantine located in Verona, Italy. This Prosecco is made with 100% Glera grapes grown in vineyards in the premium Conegliano subzone in Treviso. It is made using the Charmat method where the second fermentation takes place in large stainless steel tanks to trap carbonation in wine. Whereas, in the méthode Champenoise, the second fermentation happens inside the individual bottles in which the wines are sold. This wine is quite aromatic with fresh fruit, pear and brioche. The palate offers pear, apple, a hint of slate and lemon zest on the finish. This is a fresh and balanced wine with tiny bubbles and lovely perlage. Serve as an aperitif or pair with fish, pasta and white meats. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $16  Photo credit: Penny Weiss To learn more about Pasqua Vigneti é Cantine please read my story at: https://www.thewineknitter.com/the-journal/category/pasqua-vigneti-e-cantine Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG Nino Franco Winery is family owned and now in its fourth generation of producers. The winery is located in Valdobbiadene at the foot of the Prealps and was founded in 1919 by Antonio Franco. They are one of the oldest wineries in Valdobbiadene and they are celebrating their 100th year!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine is 100% Glera grapes harvested from vineyards in Valdobbiadene DOCG. The second fermentation takes place in “cuve close”. (Tank method). Intoxicating aromas of floral, pear, white stone fruit and a hint of citrus segue onto the palate with hints of tart apple and white peach. Lively fruit, fine and persistent bubbles along with a creamy mouthfeel and vibrant acidity, make this sparkling wine irresistible. Serve as an aperitif or pair with appetizers, fish, roasted veggies and pasta. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $19 So, the next time you’re perusing the sparkling wine section, pick up a bottle or two of Prosecco from the “home of Prosecco in Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. I am taking a short break and will return the week of December 8th. If an impending snowstorm doesn’t thwart my travel plans, then I am off to Italy in two days. I will be exploring the sparkling wines of Asti D.O.C.G, BRACHETTO D’ACQUI d.o.c.g., FRANCIACORTA d.o.c.g. and Custoza D.O.C. I will have lots to share with you upon my return. In the meantime, watch for my posts on social media! Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Veneto is a beautiful region in the northeastern part of Italy.  With the eastern Dolomite Mountains, Carnic Alps, Venetian Pre-alps and the Adriatic Sea as its backdrop, the landscape just doesn’t get any better or more dramatic. It is simply breathtaking at every turn.  The Veneto region is filled with small historic towns, hamlets, ancient castles and is home to the famous cities of Venice, Verona, Padua and Treviso. With a population of just under five million, Veneto is the 5th largest region in Italy.  About 26 miles north of the Treviso airport are the small towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the home of Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, where some of the finest Prosecco is made. The area is also called Prosecco Superiore DOCG.  Conegliano Valdobbiadene has ancient origins of vine growing dating back to the Roman Empire, but the first written documentation of connecting Prosecco to this area is 1772. With the D.O.C. being established here in 1969, historic production of Prosecco has been limited to 15 communes. In 2009, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG certification was issued. It is a countryside filled with hills and rolling slopes rising up from the Piave River. From early origins, a glacier slid down from the Dolomites and came to rest in a valley that eventually became the riverbed of the Piave. The river begins in the Alps and flows into the Adriatic Sea. The local soil is attributed to this glacier and can vary depending upon the slope of the hill. Some areas contain rock, sand, clay and iron oxides. In areas unaffected by the glacier, the soils contain marls and sandstone and are less deep and more porous. Because Conegliano Valdobbiadene is situated between the sea and Pre-alps, the area experiences a mild climate with constant breezes. Vineyards have great sun exposure and benefit from the altitude and broad differences between day and night temperatures. The slopes, micro-climate, sun exposure and various soils make this an ideal setting for growing Glera grapes for the production of Prosecco Superiore. In 1946, Epifanio Dal Bianco founded Masottina Winery located in Conegliano. Realizing the potential of the land, he expanded the family’s vineyards year by year. His eldest son Adriano and wife Franca and two brothers, Valerio and Renzo joined Masottina, advancing the company into the world of production. Adriano became an oenologist, graduating from Conegliano Oenological School where he learned the skills needed to take Masottina to a “cutting-edge, world-renowned” winery. Adriano remains CEO and winemaker and his wife Franca takes care of administration. Renzo is head of vineyards management  Adriano Dal Bianco Adriano’s three sons represent the third generation, with Filippo as sales manager for the Domestic Market and a few International Markets, Frederico as Marketing & Sales Manager and Edoardo who takes care of the production system. The family’s experience, work ethic, love of the land and passion for quality is evident in the wines they produce. Masottina has about 300 hectares of vineyards of which half are located in the historical Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, including the area in the Rive of Ogliano, where Masottina produces their most elegant and expressive wines. Ogliano is in the easternmost hills of Conegliano and “Rive” refers to the most prized position on the hill. Below is a slideshow of Masottina and its breathtaking views. Masottina introduced “Rive di Ogliano” wines in 2009. The grapes are hand harvested and originate from only one location. Vintage and harvest location are indicated on the labels. “Contrada Granda” Rive di Ogliano Brut “Le Rive di Ogliano” Rive di Ogliano Extra Dry Some of Masottina’s other sparkling wines are: Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut, Extra Dry and Brut Biologico. Prosecco Doc Treviso Brut, Extra Dry and Prosecco Doc Brut Biologico Cuvée Rosé Extra Dry I have written several stories about the sparkling wines from Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG and I always enjoy drinking the wines from this area. However, I am in awe of how Masottina has taken Prosecco to another level. The wines are intensely aromatic with a wide range of flavors including citrus, tropical fruit, stone fruit, spice, floral and mineral. From the entry-level wines to the more complex Rive de Ogliana wines, each style is unique and expressive. And whichever Masottina sparkling wine you choose, it is the right choice! In addition to sparkling wine, Masottina also produces a small range of still wines under the label “Ai Palazzi” from their estates in the Colli di Conegliano and Tenuta Ai Palazzi, located in the province of Treviso. Masottina wines range in price from approximately $15 to $30. For more information about Masottina, their complete wine collection and availability of wines in your area, please visit: http://www.masottina.it Venice is approximately 39 miles south of Conegliano and a trip to Veneto would not be complete without visiting the “city of canals”. A private water taxi whisked us off for an enchanting afternoon and evening in Venice. We dined at a beautiful restaurant with our host Frederico Dal Bianco and tasted more of Masottina’s impressive wines. It was a very overcast day, but Venice never looked more beautiful to me! On our final day in Veneto, we toured the areas of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, stopping to see historic sites that included Molinetto Della Croda, a 17th-century water mill and Abbazia Cistercense Santa Maria di Follina that dates back to the 12th century. The slideshow below depicts aspects of the tour including photos from our stay in the town of Conegliano. And yes, here is a sampling of the amazing food we had while in Veneto. As you can see, Veneto has much to offer and I can’t wait to return!
Grazie to the Dal Bianco family for your generous hospitality and for sharing your exceptional wines! Cheers! Penina All photos by Penny Weiss To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com |
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