In the year 2013 Prosecco outperformed Champagne---beating the King of Bubblies in sales for the first time in history. Fresh, vibrant and uncomplicated, Prosecco, which comes from northern Italy, rides a tide of popularity due in large part to its affordable price tag. Most Proseccos will set you back $15 or less, although some producers have set out to craft more serious wines at higher prices.
It will be interesting to see if this wave of pricier “ultra-premium” Proseccos gains any traction in a marketplace that is accustomed to value. Given all the fuss, and the fact that many of you will be buying a bottle or two this season, I felt it was time to taste through a sampling and report on the best selections. Just to keep myself honest, I also asked Matt Wong, General Manager at Sherry-Lehmann, to share his personal suggestions for delicious party-ready Prosecco. I can report with confidence that most of the Prosecco I tasted was quite lovely and tasted as advertised: fresh, playful and bright.
For more information on Prosecco, the Producer’s Consortium of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene launched an online Wine Academy with information on the wine, the region, production method and how best to enjoy it. For more information on the region itself, click here.
The List:
Ca’ di Rajo Prosecco Millesimato Valdobbiadene “Cuvèe del Fondatore” Brut, $18. Crisp and juicy with pear and apple notes, fresh—vibrant—a great pour.
Altaneve, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, $30. Wong refers to this as a “boutique Prosecco”, made with the intention of being one of the finest offerings on the market.
Zardetto Conegliano, Prosecco Brut NV, $11.99. According to Wong, this Prosecco is the “best representation of the region. It over delivers for the price and it is made by one of the leading Prosecco producers in the world.” Peachy with floral freshness, zippy and fun.
Adami “Garbel” Proescco Treviso, Brut, NV $15. The Adami family started farming grapes in 1920 and is considered one of the top producers of Prosecco in the region. This bottling has a whiff of added Chardonnay. Bright apple and pear notes, crisp, fresh and lively. Also try the Adami Bosco di Gica Brut Valdobbiadene Superiore ($18)
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