The Wine Stig - Prosecco
As we approach the height of the summer in the anticipation of hot sunny days and warm balmy evenings, the barbeque season (whether you eat outside or cook out and eat in!) is the opportunity to enjoy a glass of bubbly at anytime. Nothing fits the bill better than a cold glass of Prosecco.
Prosecco, dry, lemony and bubbling is Italy’s refreshing, well-made, sparkling wine. Light, affordable and fun it is made primarily in the district of Valdobbiadene (Val-do-bi-ad-en-ay) near the town of Conegliano in the region of Veneto. It has quickly become one of the most successful sparkling wine types made today.
Prosecco is the name of the grape used to make this sparkling wine. Traditionally Prosecco was made as a soft, somewhat sweet wine with just a little fizz, but most of today’s Proseccos are dry and very bubbly, although a semi-sparkling version known as Frizzante is also available for those of you who prefer a less gassy tipple. Look at the label or the way in which the bottle is sealed. The fully sparkling version has a champagne closure with a cork and familiar wire cage, while the semi sparkling (frizzante) version will have just a cork, perhaps with a string tied across the top or just a screw cap.
As this is a grape that is prized for its delicate flavours, the wine itself is not made in the classic method made famous in the Champagne region of France but the Charmet method is used to make Prosecco as the Champagne method would mean aging the wine for several years before release which would rob the wine of its freshness.
Now, while the Charmet method is used to make some pretty awful sparkling wine (think of the worst stuff you have ever had to gulp at a wedding reception!), in this case Prosecco made using this method produces some truly delightful wines that are usually enjoyed within a year of the vintage although the best can age for several years.
The large supermarkets and good off-licences normally have a choice of Proseccos costing between £6 and £12 representing excellent value for a fun drink in August or anytime.
A glass of Prosecco will make a great aperitif for Sam’s salmon and chicken broth recipe this month.
