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If there was ever a time to crack open the bubbly, it’s the festive season. In the run-up to Christmas and the New Year the satisfying sound of a cork popping is almost an everyday occurrence.
Nowadays, it’s highly likely that the bottle being opened is one of Prosecco – the easy-drinking fizz that has taken the world by storm. Through my work with The Prosecco D.O.C (Registered Designation of Origin) Consortium, I present on Prosecco across the UK and am overjoyed at the level of interest in this fantastic, versatile fizz that is as accessible yet also complex and nuanced.
The different levels of sugar content with the ‘Brut’, ‘Extra Dry’ and ‘Dry’ styles and the different types of effervescence, with Spumante or Frizzante, offer a whole range of flavour profiles. And that’s before you begin to look at different producers across the two regions of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia that make up the home of Prosecco in north east Italy. The Proseccos produced by producers across the nine provinces in these regions – Treviso, Venice, Vicenza, Padova and Belluno in Veneto and Gorizia, Pordenone, Trieste and Udine in Friuli-Venezia Giulia – offer their own unique characteristics that mean there really is something for everyone.
You may be looking for an aperitif or perhaps you’re on a quest for a perfect pairing with food, whether it’s Grana Padano PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), sushi or Parma ham. Whatever you’re after, there is a Prosecco for you. It’s just a case of knowing which one to choose.
I’ve picked out six top Prosecco producers whose wines will suit a variety of occasions this Christmas and New Year:-
Mionetto Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Dry, Veneto, Italy, £10.75. Stockist: Tesco, Tesco Wine by the Case
This company, begun by Francesco Mionetto 1887 in Valdobbiadene, has an excellent range. The Extra Dry is a great example with lovely balance and notes of green apples, acacia and apricots, but for me their Treviso Brut is also really impressive.
Prosecco DOC La Gioiosa Et Amorosa NV Treviso, Veneto, Italy, £11.99 on offer to £9.99. Stockist: Majestic
La Gioiosa is owned by the lovely Moretti Polegato family, who produce this is delicious, elegant and soft Prosecco, which has floral and citrus character and is a delicious match with seafood. Make sure you have a bottle nice and chilled.
San Leo Prosecco DOC Brut NV, Veneto, Italy, £10.99 on offer at £7.99. Stockist: Waitrose
A great one for a party or aperitif, this Prosecco is packed with lively fruit flavours. As well as a standard bottle, it’s also available in magnum for that showstopping moment, currently £20.99 down to £15.99.
Prosecco Masottina DOC Brut, Treviso, Italy, £12.99. Stockist: www.winedirect.co.uk www.winetherapy.co.uk
Located in Prosecco’s Conegliano region of the Veneto and owned by the Dal Bianco family since 1946,Masottina produces a range of high quality Proseccos and this DOC remains as popular as ever. This Decenter Gold Medal winner is stylish, smooth, elegant and creamy, it will be a winner at any party and family celebration.
Prosecco Valdo Marca Oro DOC Extra Dry £10.00 on offer at £7.00, Sainsbury’s
This is a very well known producer and popular Prosecco, which should be part of your Christmas selections. Full of freshness and light, lemony fruit flavours, with lovely creamy character too.
Prosecco Biancavigna DOC Brut, £15.00, Armit Wines, www.armitwines.co.uk
Biancavigna make beautifully elegant styles of Prosecco and they are most definitely a Group One runner. Their Brut is soft, floral, creamy, very stylish and delicious. Great as an aperitif with my favourite pairing of Grana Padano aged between 16 and 20 months, which is ideal for any cheese board or the cruncher, intense Grana Padano Riserva aged over 20 months. Grana Padano is available in Waitrose, M&S, Harvey Nichols, Sainsbury’s and Co-op.
The Prosecco story is still developing and its growth and popularity will no doubt continue to expand. The important thing is to try and to understand the nuances between different producers, different regions and different contexts.
You can enjoy checking out Oz Clarke’s new World of Wine (£30 Pavilion Books) and dive into the world of wines, grapes and vineyards. But when it comes to finding the Prosecco for you, you’re best off indulging in a bit of tasting. So pop that cork and get the fizz flowing, and come and join me on one of my masterclasses in 2018.
For more details regarding the Prosecco D.O.C Consortium check out www.discoverproseccowine.it facebook.com/prosecco @DOCProsecco
With the recent warm weather teasing us into summer, it’s the perfect time to relax with a glass of cool Prosecco. Luckily, The Wine Tipster is already getting ready to entertain and educate punters about this classic summer beverage at this year’s Foodies Festival, and Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival.
Prosecco has been known and enjoyed since the Roman times, made from the Glera grape which gives the wine a fresh and light flavour. The DOC (Origin Controlled Designation) production covers two regions of North-Eastern Italy: Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, including nine provinces, Treviso, Venezia, Padova, Vicenza, Belluno, Pordenone, Udine, Gorizia and Trieste. The DOCG notates the more challenging growing regions within Prosecco DOC, giving its wines a rarity and speciality. It seems only fitting that such a delightful wine comes from what is considered one of the most beautiful areas of the whole Italian peninsula.
As you will learn if you attend one of The Wine Tipster’s events, Prosecco can be either “spumante” (sparkling), “frizzante” (semi-sparkling) or “tranquillo” (still), but all, nonetheless delicious!
Although it’s common to ask for a glass of Prosecco rather than a brand, the huge variety in producers is not to be overlooked. Here are a few of The Wine Tipster’s favourite Prosecco DOC producers at the moment:
La Marca
La Marca represents nine different wineries, 7 within the Prosecco DOC region, and 2 within the Prosecco DOCG region. With knowledge handed down through generations, La Marca is one of the most representative wineries in the Prosecco region.
http://www.lamarca.it/PROSECCOWINE/proseccoDOCspumantiMillage/Prosecco-DOC-Millage.aspx
La Marca’s Prosecco DOC Millage Extra Dry, originating in Treviso, is recommended by The Wine Tipster for its smooth and balanced flavour, with delicate citrus notes and a lovely fresh fruit character making it a perfect pairing with nibbles and starters.
You can find La Marca wines in Majestic: https://www.majestic.co.uk/Prosecco-La-Marca-Treviso-Extra-Dry-zid23305
CABERT
CABERT, established in 1960, is an acronym that identifies the Cantina di Bertiolo winery, with vineyards that have covered the land since ancient times, now renowned as one of the most renowned grape-growing zones of the DOC.
http://www.cabert.it/en/component/content/article/26-cabert-wines/sparkling/92-prosecco-spumante
Another favourite of The Wine Tipster’s is CABERT’s Spumante Prosecco Extra Dry with its notes of red apples and white flowers, elegant, refreshing and creamy flavour making it an excellent aperitif, or paired with Grana Padano.
Cabert Spumante and Frizzante are available from South Downs Cellars: http://www.southdownscellars.co.uk/shop_detail/Sparkling+Wine+%3B+Champagne/Prosecco+Spumante/A50P5026
Montelliana
Found in the heart of the Treviso region, Cantina Montelliana is a cooperative of growers associated with Prosecco DOC and DOCG, dedicated to making the best wines from their favourable growing conditions.
The Wine Tipster recommends Montelliana’s Prosecco Spumante DOC Treviso Extra Dry for its delicious rounded appley and stone-fruit notes with a lovely length of finish.
Available from their website.
Cantina Progettidivini
“The yellow-gold canteen” has been produced in the ancient Brandolinin d’Adda Villa by the Masiero family since 2008. Harvesting the grapes exclusively by hand ensures the certified quality the Masiero’s are so dedicated to providing for their customers.
http://www.progettidivini.it/en/prosecco-d-o-c-treviso-brut/
Cantina Progettidivini’s Prosecco DOC Millesimato 2015 Brut is a favourite of The Wine Tipster, renowned for its elegant and harmonious aroma, with a hint of lemon and pear notes. This smooth and well-made wine is creamy and citrusy in flavour. An excellent Prosecco!
Available from their website.
So next time you fancy a glass of Prosecco, perhaps retrain your brain and your taste buds to appreciate exactly which Prosecco you really want.
![Prosecco BdM New[1]](https://i0.wp.com/www.thewinetipster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Prosecco-BdM-New1-200x300.jpg?resize=200%2C300)
The popularity of Champagne and Sparkling wines will continue to grow in 2016, as will the thirst for knowledge and useful tips amongst devoted bubbles fans.
Certainly from a presenting perspective at food festivals, race courses, wine societies and corporate events there is a much greater desire to know more about serving temperatures, vintages, magnums and different styles, providing this is communicated in a down to earth manner (not always the case as we know!). For example, The Wine Tipster’s Prosecco Consortium and Grana Padano sessions at the wonderful Taste of London show in Regent’s Park last year provided a great opportunity to educate and talk about the very bright future for Prosecco, not only in terms of the range of quality Proseccos in both spumante and frizzante styles, but also the differences between brut, dry and extra dry. A key pointer and interest for 2016 will be the growth of Prosecco sales over £10 retail, as the Prosecco story enters a new chapter in the UK. Here is a selection of The Wine Tipster’s winning bets:
Prosecco DOC Bosco del Merlo Millesimato 2014, Paladin, Veneto, Italy, £15.99. Stockist: www.thewinery,com A real star at Taste of London was Bosco del Merlo, produced by Paladin, who are making a fine range of Proseccos. This Bosco del Merlo has attractive citrus fruit, subtle creamy character and crisp acidity. A perfect match with Grana Padano Riserva. Stylish!
Italia Collezione Prosecco Brut NV, Veneto, Italy, DOC, £11.99. Stockist: Waitrose Prosecco is not only great for parties, it is also perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif and this Italia Collezione certainly worked in our house over Christmas. Good value, well made, with aromas of white flowers, lovely refreshing green apple character and creamy texture. Cheers!
Daylesford Organic Prosecco NV, Veneto, Italy, DOC, £12.50: Stockist: Daylesford Daylesford is a cycle ride away for us so I’m a regular visitor not only for this delicious, well-balanced off-dry Prosecco but for their wonderful meats balls too!
Prosecco Salatin Extra Dry NV, DOC Treviso, Italy, £11.99 Stockist: Majestic Based in Cordignano north-east of Conegliano, Azienda Vinicola Salatin are producing a range of seriously good Proseccos. Off-dry, zesty, with citrus fruit and creamy character, Salatin was a great pairing with sushi over the festive period. A winner!
Valdo Oro Pura Prosecco Superiore NV Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy, £13.49. Stockist: Waitrose Really attractive, well made, rounded, soft citrus and creamy Prosecco with a subtle hint of sweetness and crisp acidity. Well worth spending over a tenner for this excellent aperitif style or to pair with Grana Padano Riserva. A Grade One performer!
Prosecco DOC La Gioiosa Etamarosa NV Treviso, Veneto, Italy, £11.99. Stockist: Majestic Made by the well-known and high quality producer Gioiosa, this beautifully packaged Prosecco is lovely and elegant, making it a perfect match with seafood. Pure class!
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