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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 In my home, one doesn’t need a special occasion or excuse to pop open a bottle of sparkling wine. And these days, the gentle sound of a cork being coaxed from a bottle of bubbly, is music to my ears! With the holidays upon us, having a few bottles of sparkling wine on hand will most certainly add a little sparkle to the festivities! And I highly endorse those occasional “just because” moments as well!  Here are a few suggestions of sparkling wines from around the world ranging in price from $11 to $54.99  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Casas del Mar Blanc de Blancs NV Cava Brut This Cava is produced by Casas del Mar estate located in Catalonia, Spain. It is a blend of 40% Xarello (from 70-year-old vines, 30% Macabeu and 30% Parallada. Grapes are harvested from the Penedès appellation in the Catalonia region. It is made using the Méthode Traditionnelle, the same method used in the Champagne district of France, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. This Cava is aged on the lees between 18 & 24 months before disgorgement.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Apples, citrus and pleasant yeast aromas Palate: White stone fruit, melon, floral, and a touch of spice Alcohol: 12% SRP: $11 Roscato Rosso Dolce IGT This is a delicately sweet and refreshing wine from the Lombardy region in northern Italy and is produced in the Moscato d’Asti style. It is a blend of three indigenous grapes, Croatina, Teroldego and Lagrein, in addition to a few international grapes. Each variety is vinified separately before blending. It has a screw cap, no cork to pop, but it is still a festive wine to pour!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, cherry, red raspberry Palate: This wine is frizzante (gently sparkling wine) with notes of berries and has a nice balance between sweetness and acidity. Not only will it complement desserts, but this wine will also pair beautifully with spicy cuisine! Serve chilled. Alcohol: 7% SRP: $12.99 Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut NV The grapes for this rosé are harvested from vineyards in Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary in Argentina at the foothills of the Andes at 4000 ft. altitude. It is a blend of (organic) 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay and made using the Charmat Method.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Cherry, red berries, citrus, a touch of floral Palate: Strawberry, ruby grapefruit, red berries, delicate bubbles. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $13 Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Cava Brut NV Giró Ribot is the producer of this wine located in the heart of the Penedès appellation in Catalonia, Spain. They own 247 acres of vineyards of the indigenous Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada grapes, with which Cavas are produced. This wine is made using the Méthode Traditionnelle and is a blend of 45% Macabeo, 40% Xarel·lo and 15% Parellada. It is bottle aged for 12-15 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Citrus, light peach, brioche Palate: Dry, fine and persistent bubbles, fresh fruit, stone fruit. Nicely balanced between acidity and alcohol with a long finish. This is an eye-catching bottle that doesn’t disappoint when opened. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $14.99 Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Brut NV This sparkling wine is produced by Domaines Paul Mas located in the southern French region of Languedoc. The grapes for this wine are sourced from Crémant de Limoux appellation. It is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, and 10% Mauzac. It is produced using the Méthode Traditionnelle. After primary fermentation, the “Liqueur de Tirage,” a blend of sugar and yeast, is added to the juice a few hours before bottling. After one year of aging, the lees are expelled and the “Liqueur de Dosage” is added and aged an additional twelve months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Apples, peaches, melon, honeysuckle Palate: Citrus, candied lemon, tart apple and crisp acidity with a touch of citrus zest on the finish. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $’’19.99 Bottega Gold Prosecco DOC NV This wine is produced by Bottega SpA, headquartered in Treviso in the Veneto region of northern Italy. 100% Glera grapes are hand-harvested from manually maintained and sustainable vineyards in Treviso Plains. It is produced using the Martinotti (Charmat, tank) method. “The gilded bottle also protects the wine from light, preserving the wine's clean and refreshing aromas.”  Image courtesy of Bottega SpA Nose: Floral, apples and citrus Palate: Pear, apple, pink grapefruit, floral. Creamy mouthfeel, fine and persistent perlage with apples and a touch of honey lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $32.99 Champagne Boizel Brut Réserve NV This Brut Réserve is produced by the Boizel House, established in 1834 and located in Épernay, in the heart of Champagne. The grapes for this cuvée is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier. “The still wines (vins clairs) from the year are blended with 30% of reserve wines kept from the previous two harvests, ensuring consistency. By using reserve wines within two vintages only, Boizel is able to preserve freshness in their wines, a signature trait of their winemaking style. “ The wine is aged for three years on its lees, in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, white stone fruit, citrus and pastry Palate: Peach, apricot, toast, citrus notes, minerality, nice acidity and persistent mousse. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $49.99 Champagne Vollereaux Rosé de Saignée Brut NV Champagne Vollereaux produces this 100% Pinot Noir rosé. They are a sixth generation family winery located in Pierry, France. “Vollereaux is one of the very few champagne wineries to use the traditional saigne method of maceration for its Rosé Champagne, which involves bleeding off a portion of pink juice during red wine production (as opposed to blending red and white wine together). This process occurs after a short contact with the grape skins and seeds.” The juice spends three years on lees, more than twice the time required by appellation rules.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Strawberry and juicy red berries, vanilla and bread dough.
Palate: Strawberry, kirsch and citrus mingle with berries and cream. It is dry with fine bubbles, vibrant acidity and a hint of brioche and minerality that linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $54.99 Pair the above wines with your favorite cheese, desserts, and holiday meals, or enjoy as an aperitif. And if you are stuck on what to give the 21+ drinkers on your “holiday/birthday/just because” list, these wines make beautiful gifts! If you would like more information on the regions and wine production methods, please visit the menu on the right and click on the category of interest. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com The “new norm” for socializing and engaging with friends and family for the past seven months has mainly been conducted online. This is also true for meeting with winemakers, participating in virtual wine tastings and experiencing life abroad while sitting in my living room. Recently, I took part in a virtual wine tasting and food pairing hosted by Italian winemaker Sandro Bottega, co-owner of Bottega SpA headquartered in Bibano, Treviso in the Veneto region of northern Italy. The company produces Prosecco DOC and grappa here. In addition, they have another winery in Conegliano for the production of Prosecco DOCG. Bottega also manages wineries in Valpolicella and Montalcino.  Bottega Winery Headquarters Photo courtesy of Bottega. Sandro is third-generation of this family-owned company founded almost 40 years ago by his father, Aldo Bottega, a Master Distiller. What began with the family’s forefathers in the 17th century through the 1920s working and cultivating the vines as tenant farmers, landowners and wine traders, eventually evolved over time with Aldo Bottega following his passion for making grappa. In 1977, Aldo established his own distillery, Distilleria Bottega. After Aldo’s passing in 1983, his son Sandro became the company director and together with his siblings Barbara and Stefano, the company has grown to include the production of sparkling and still wines and liqueurs. In 1992, Bottega released its first sparkling wine. The company manages several different brands, among which are Bottega sparkling wines, Alexander Grappa and Accademia.  Sandro Bottega Photo courtesy of Bottega. Bottega’s motto is “Fatto A Mano”, which means ‘handmade’. Their mission is to work and achieve the highest levels of quality, design and sustainability. Our wine tasting for the afternoon included sparkling wines, a chocolate liqueur and gin. The food was provided by igourmet.com  Photo credit: Penny Weiss  Photo credit: Penny Weiss All of the bottles are beautifully designed and made of hand-blown Venetian glass in Bottega’s glass factory. I asked Sandro what his motivation was for using Venetian glass for his products. Sandro said, “It is important to make a completely original product from the wine or grappa to the packaging in an expression of our territory and of our culture. Another important reason I use this glass is that I like it! In my company, everything I do is not only because it is a business, but it has to be first and foremost because I like it.” Academia Prosecco Rainbow Collection is a brand that celebrates the art of Venetian glassmaking and the city’s festive carnival atmosphere. Each bottle of this collection contains Prosecco DOC. There are eight colors to choose from (black and white bottles not shown in photo) and can be combined to “create a rainbow of emotions”. Mix and match to celebrate specific holidays or events. They make great gifts for the upcoming holidays!  Photo courtesy of Bottega. Prosecco Spumante DOC Brut 100% Glera grapes are hand-harvested from manually maintained and sustainable vineyards in Treviso Plains. The wine is produced using the Martinotti (Charmat, tank) method. The color of this sparkling wine is pale lemon with lovely aromas of floral, apples and citrus. It is fresh and lively with flavors of apple, pear, pink grapefruit and a touch of floral. It has a creamy mouthfeel, fine bubbles and apples lingering on the finish. This wine was paired with a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, olives and pesto crackers. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $17.99 Il Vino dell’Amore Petalo Moscato Spumante Dolce 100% Moscato grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards in the Euganean Hills of Veneto. These hills contain volcanic soil, rich in potassium and alkaline soil that contributes good acidity, minerality and higher sugar content. The wine is produced using the Martinotti (Charmat, tank) method.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The color is golden with a consistent and fine perlage. Classic aromas of apple, peach and rose mingle with fruity notes. On the palate, this refreshing sparkling wine offers honeysuckle, apricot, white stone fruit and a touch of minerality, balanced nicely with good acidity and sugar. It was paired with aged cheese, Gouda, pumpkin butter and water crackers. Simply divine! Alcohol: 6.5% SRP: $15.99 Gianduia Chocolate Cream Liqueur Gianduia chocolate was created in Piedmont in 1806 and has a unique bouquet of cocoa and nuts. Gianduia Bottega is a unique liqueur made with Bottega’s premium Alexander grappa from the Veneto region and Gianduia Chocolate. Grappa is mixed with milk cream (sourced from Alpine cows that only eat grass) that is homogenized and filtered to remove the fats. It is then mixed with sugar, chocolate and hazelnut paste.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Heavenly aromas of cocoa and nuts segue onto the palate for a creamy and most inviting experience. Rich hazelnut flavors and cocoa contribute to this decadent liqueur and is best served cold. Sandro likes to drink this neat. However, it can be poured over ice, served over ice cream, with fruit, in a cocktail, or in your coffee. This liqueur was paired with a pumpkin spice truffle bar, dark chocolate bar and Biscotti. Alcohol: 17% SRP: $24.99 Bacur Gin This dry gin is certainly eye-catching with its unique metallic copper bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Italy is one of the largest producers of juniper, especially around Tuscany. And considering it is the main ingredient in gin, it was a simple leap for Bottega to produce gin. The other ingredients are pure grain, water from the Italian Alps, sage leaves from the Veneto countryside and Sicilian lemons.
This gin has aromas of sage, juniper and citrus notes that segue onto the palate mingling with a hint of perfume and lemon zest. It is smooth and delicate. I consider this a sipping gin, but I’m sure that it will spice things up when added to cocktails. Alcohol: 40% SRP: $39.00 If you would like to learn more about the grapes, regions, territories and production methods mentioned in this story, please click on the topic of interest to the right of this page. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Situated in the heart of Prosecco DOCG are the hills of Santo Stefano di Valdobbiaden where some of the best Prosecco is produced.  Valdobbiadene is a town in the province of Treviso, Veneto, in North-east Italy. It is considered the heart of the world of Prosecco. Glera grapes grow in abundance here exposed to a temperate climate with soils of clay, limestone, marl and marine sandstone, which make an ideal stage for producing this sparkling wine.  Photo courtesy of Val Divina Val Divina is located in the hamlet of Santo Stefano Valdobbiadene. The Adami family has its roots in the hamlet dating back to the great-great- grandfather Abele who is said to have produced the first “Vin Col Fondo” in the district. The Col Fondo style is sparkling wine that finishes fermenting in the bottle. In the early 1970s, Abele’s nephew Abel and his wife Elisa founded a small farm in the hamlet called Valdivina.  Val Divina Prosecco DOC Treviso is an extra dry sparkling wine. It is made with 100% Glera grapes. The Charmat method is used to make this wine in which secondary fermentation takes place in steel autoclave tanks. The wine is light yellow with aromas of soft fruit, floral and citrus. It has a beautiful creamy and frothy mouthfeel with delicate flavors of pear, apple, pink grapefruit and stone fruit. This a fresh and engaging sparkling wine. Serve with light pasta, simple cheese or drink as an aperitif. Alcohol: 11.5%  I have more Prosecco to taste and share with you in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com |
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