Hello my friends! Did you know that August 13 marks the always fun, International Prosecco Day? A day to celebrate Italy’s favourite sparkling wine and all the delicious spritzes you can make with it! At a time of year when summer is coming to an end, the season must be taken advantage of. Whether throwing a party with friends or hitting a new restaurant, prosecco will lighten any mood.
National Prosecco Day was founded by none other than Riondo Prosecco, an undisputed leader of viticulture in the Veneto region of Italy, with over 14,800 acres of vineyards. This winery named after the nearby Mount Riondo, is dedicated to the craft of producing Charmat Method DOC sparkling wines.
Although prosecco was practically unknown beyond Italy’s borders before the beginning of the 21st century, it actually has been around for many years. Prosecco comes with a longer history than most people outside of Italy are aware of. In fact, its origins likely date back at least 2000 years, to 200 BC when the Romans first referred to this regional white wine as “Puccino”. Prosecco is named after the Italian village of Prosecco. The first known spelling of prosecco was in fact ‘‘Prosecho’’, mentioned by a Englishman named Fynes Moryson who visited the north of Italy by the end of 16th century. Moryson noted ‘‘Prosecho’’ as among the famous wines he tasted in 1593.
Prosecco is made in Veneto, Italy, and is the most sold sparkler in the United States. But what makes prosecco a show-stopper is its mousse. This is the bubbles which give that extra pizazz, perfect for celebrations. Prosecco’s sweet taste and light aroma makes it a wine known for fun and that’s why National Prosecco Day was created. This wine is typically made with Glera, a grape variety which has grown in the Veneto and Friuli regions of northern Italy for hundreds of years. However, Conegliano Valdobbiadene is the true home and DOCG of Prosecco.
Prosecco has become hugely popular in recent years. In fact in 2018, Italian wines accounted for 43% of the world’s sparkling wine export! That's really impressive! The wine gives a lovely perfume of melons, peaches, pears and white flowers and is produced in a dry style. Due to its strong bubbles, it’s often used in cocktail making and is a key ingredient in the so popular Aperol Spritz.
Charmat Method and prosecco
Prosecco is made using the Charmat method, where bubbles are achieved en masse via large stainless steel tanks during fermentation. The wine is then bottled by a special bottling line in a pressurised environment. This process differs from how Champagne is made as Champagne bubbles are achieved through a second fermentation in the bottle. Prosecco is more affordable, as the Charmat method is applied to the alcohol en mass and not one bottle at a time. Yet, it still results in a simple, light and delicate flavour. In general, prosecco is a light-bodied, vibrant, fresh, highly aromatic and crisp wine. It has a medium to high amount of acidity and large, frothy bubbles. Dominant flavours typically include apple, honeysuckle, peach, melon and pear. Secondary flavours can include cream, hazelnut and tropical fruits.
Pairing prosecco and our special recommendation
You can never go wrong when pairing a glass of prosecco with seafood, savory cheeses, cured meats and fruits. With that said, Prosecco is an extremely versatile wine. It goes well with moked salmon, chicken or turkey, stuffed mushrooms, avocados, roasted tomatoes. Prosecco also goes well with plenty of light snacks such as roasted nuts, salted crisps and popcorn.
Our recommendation is Ca' Selva (DOC Millesimato). It shows pale straw yellow color, with greenish highlights and elegant, longlingering foam. On the palate, it gives subtle wafts of apples and peaches. Refreshingly fruit-forward, with a hint of tartness. It feels well structured, easy drinkable, of persistent finish. Grapes are grown organically, in compliance with European regulations.
And that's a wrap for today! Have a happy week and... let's meet again here next Wednesday! Until then... Santé!
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