Just A Note: In an effort to stay on topic during my Tour of Italy series, I’ve put my Temecula Tuesday posts on hold. They’ll be back at the conclusion of this series. – Cheers, Tyler.
Just in time for summer, and to continue my Tour of Italy series, I’ve got two Proseccos lined up for today. Prosecco is commonly thought of as a simple, straight to the point Italian sparkler, but there is actually much more to the category than often meets the eye. Made using the Glera grape (once simply called Prosecco), these wines are made using the charmat secondary fermentation method. Instead of producing bubbles by starting a second fermentation in each individual bottle, and then aging the wine extensively on its spent yeast cells, as is done in the traditional method, wines made using the charmat technique have their second fermentation take place in a large tank, after which the wine is bottled under pressure. This method creates a sparkling wine that has much less yeast influence to its flavor profile, and much more definition to the aromas and flavors of the grape itself.
This makes Prosecco a unique alternative to traditional method wines like French Champagne and Spanish Cava. Prosecco is often fairly inexpensive and makes a wonderful sparkling option, especially in the summer months. The light and fresh palate, loaded with fruit and floral flavors makes it an easy pairing with appetizers, salads and vegetarian dishes, or simply on its own.
While I was on my trip, I had the opportunity to taste the two Proseccos we will be talking about today. Both come from the same producer, and one represents their everyday bottling and the other, their more upscale offering.
Wine #1: Cantine Maschio NV Treviso Prosecco DOC Brut
The aroma is dominated by crisp golden apple, hard white peaches, and sea stone. Secondary notes of lemon tarts topped with powdered sugar also appear with a light spin in the glass.
Creamy and soft on the palate, this wine is brimming with minerality and fresh fruit. The same stone fruit and lemon notes found on the nose appear in the flavor profile, creating a crisp, easy to enjoy bubbly, perfect for summer sipping.
Worth Trying. 88 points.
Wine #2: Maschio Dei Cavaliere NV Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Incredibly concentrated and fresh on the nose, this wine is brimming with notes of apple, peach, and pear, all supported by a firm undertone of sparkling mineral water.
The palate is clean, crisp and yet, tender and smooth. The bubbles seem almost powdery, and there is a creaminess to the palate that integrates them beautifully, creating a sensation almost similar to eating a mousse dessert. An incredible minerality drives this wine, with lemon confit, peach, green apple, and powdered sugar all showing at the core. This wine manages to be deliciously rich and crisp at the same time, offering an extremely well integrated flavor profile and mouthfeel, and a never ending finish. This is a wonderful example of artistically crafted Prosecco. Absolutely…
Worth Buying. 93 points.
Please Leave a Comment:
The Grapevine: How often do you drink Prosecco and what is one of your favorites?
