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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 The holiday festivities have begun and I’ve heard a lot of corks popping lately, which is always music to my ears! Champagne and sparkling wines have always been considered the “go-to” drink for celebrations. But they have evolved into wines that are now enjoyed all year long and not just for special occasions. There are numerous styles to choose from that are produced in wine regions all around the world such as the popular Italian Prosecco, Spanish Cava and Sekt from Germany. To kick off the holiday season, I received a variety of six sparkling wines for review. I’m all about the bubbly, so I was happy to oblige!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Charles Heidsieck founded his own Maison in 1851 in Reims, France and he is credited for introducing and popularizing Champagne in the United States. After visiting New York and New England in 1852, he realized the great potential for selling his Champagne in America. A massive import of his wine was met with great success and he achieved record sales. Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV This champagne is summarized as an equation: 60/40/10 and expresses the quintessence of its style. 60: the number of crus in the blend (1/3 Chardonnay, 1/3 Pinot Noir, 1/3 Meunier) vinified cru-by-cru, varietal-by-varietal in stainless steel vats. 40: a high proportion of 40% reserve wines equally divided between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 10: average age of 10 years for the reserve wines. Aging takes place in chalk cellars.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss  Photo credit: Penny Weiss A golden color and fine bubbles lead to a complex and elegant nose of brioche, pear, white flowers and a hint of apricot and citrus. The palate is rich with white fruit, toast and tart baked apples, with hints of cherry, citrus, toasted nuts and vanilla. It has good acidity and a creamy texture with a long, lush finish. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $69 Piper Sonoma is located in Sonoma, CA in the Russian River Valley region. It was founded in 1980 by Marquis d’Aulan. They have been producing sparkling wines for almost 40 years using the classic Méthode Traditionnelle technique to make the wines. Each vineyard lot is hand-harvested, fermented and aged separately. The wines are produced in Healdsburg under the guidance and expertise of winemaker, Keith Hock. Piper Sonoma Brut NV This sparkling wine is a blend of 70% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Blanc and 7% aged Reserve Blend.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine is pale lemon with fine and persistent bubbles. Aromas of brioche, orchard fruit, pear and citrus segue onto the palate with notes of berries and clementine. It has a fresh and smooth mouthfeel with a long and delightful finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $22 Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs NV This is a new blend for this wine made of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Blanc.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine is a soft straw color with fine bubbles and a lovely combination of aromas that include citrus notes, floral and tart apples. This dry and lively wine is creamy in texture with great acidity and notes of brioche, apples, citrus and a touch of vanilla. Alcohol: 12.9% SRP: $22 Piper Sonoma Brut Rosé NV This rosé is a blend of 53% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir, 6% Pinot Blanc and 2% aged Reserve Blend.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is a fresh and aromatic dry sparkling wine that has inviting aromas of berries, floral and citrus. Fine bubbles give way to flavors of strawberry, cherry, citrus and a hint of toast. It is nicely balanced with crisp acidity and a creamy mouthfeel. Alcohol: 12.6% SRP: $22 Known in the wine industry as the Tuscan renegade, Bibi Graetz has managed to become one of Italy's most ingenious winemakers adding "cult winemaker" in addition to "talented abstract artist" to his dossier. His first wines were released in 2000 and his bio reads like a movie script. (More to follow in another post) Bibi Graetz Bollamatta Spumante IGT NV Bollamatta is a sparkling wine made with 100% Sangiovese grapes sourced from Bibi’s 50 to 80-year-old vineyards spread across Tuscany. Bollamatta means “crazy bubbles” in Italian. The wine is produced using the Charmat method with five months on the yeasts. It is aged on the lees in stainless steel.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The wine is soft pink in color with an abundance of fruit and floral on the nose. The palate offers strawberry, cherry, stone fruit, bread and citrus. Fine bubbles and crisp acidity make this a “crazily” refreshing wine! Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $26 Villa Sandi dates back to 1622 and is located in Northeastern Italy in the heart of the Prosecco area at the foot of Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG hills. The estate is owned by the Moretti Polegato family and has been in the family for many generations. Villa Sandi Il Fresco Brut Prosecco DOC NV The grapes for this wine come from Treviso, the heart of Prosecco. It is a blend of Glera, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. After fermentation, the sparkling wine spends two months on lees before bottling.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is a light and fun sparkling wine with vibrant aromas of honeysuckle, stone fruit and apples. The palate offers citrus, apple, honeydew melon and a touch of minerality. This wine is well balanced with just the right amount of acidity.
Alcohol: 11% SRP: $16 All of the above sparkling wines will drink beautifully as an aperitif and are easy to pair with a wide variety of cuisine. These are perfect wines to serve over the holidays, but they are great to drink all year long! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com |
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