There are many different styles of Prosecco, all within a budget friendly price point. From spumante [sparkling] to still, from brut to dry, it’s an incredibly versatile wine. It’s interesting to explore the subtle [and not so subtle] differences between Brut [up to 12g of residual sugar per litre] and Extra Dry [12-17g of residual sugar per litre]. Below are fantastic examples of the two.

Le Colture ‘Fagher’ Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV

Estate: The Le Colture family has a winemaking history in Valdobbiadene that extends back over 500 years, to the 1500’s. The estate has a total of 40 hectares of vineyards that are spread across 16 farm properties in the Valdobbiadene, Conegliano and Montello areas. This allows for “the creation of wines with ultra-distinctive personalities that reflect the specific characteristics innate in the soils and weather conditions of very uncommon terroirs”.

Philosophy: “From generation to generation, the harmony of a solid, efficient team.”

Winemaking: Charmat method at a controlled temperature.

Tasting Notes: Super pale gold in colour with delicate aromas of lemon zest, brioche and crushed rock minerals. Clean minerals, lemon and almond glide atop fine, dense bubbles which carry thru the finish. A wisp of fresh bread and citrus zest elongate the nutty, bone dry finish. Elegant and clean with a savory edge, lovely on its own or with light dishes.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Intended to be drunk throughout the entire meal, pairs well with vegetable antipasti, seafood pasta dishes.

100% Glera
Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Italy
Produced by Azienda Agricola Le Colture
11.5% Alcohol
$15 [average price]
Enjoy now

Frassinelli ‘Rive di Manzana Millesimato’ Extra Dry Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG 2015

Estate: Located in Mareno di Piave, between the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene and the Piave river, the Frassinelli family has been making wine since since 1966. The estate’s 13 hectares of vineyards stretch across 3 appellations; Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, Venezia DOC, Prosecco DOC.

Philosophy: “Our responsibility is to respect the territory. Our passion is to understand it.”

Winemaking: Grapes were sourced from the Rive di Manzana “Cru”, located in the heart of Prosecco.

Tasting Notes: Light gold in colour with aromas of apple, lemon, wildflowers, honey and a touch of minerality. Tasting similar to the aromas with apple and lemon drizzled in honey gliding over light, meandering bubbles. Hints of baked apple and brioche compliment the dry, crisp finish. Sunshine in a glass!

100% Glera
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Italy
Produced by Azienda Agricola Frassinelli
11.5% Alcohol
$14 [average price]
Enjoy now thru 2018

Samples submitted for review purpose.

The Adami Winery was founded by “Grandfather Abele” when he purchased the “Giardino” vineyard (whose name “Zardini” dates to 1717) from Count Balbi-Valier in 1920. Located in the Alta Marca area near Treviso, the land was renowned for its white wines as far back as the Middle Ages. Documents dated in 1606 show the wines “were exported and appreciated “in Venice, Germany and as far afield as Poland”.

Today, the 3rd generation of the family, Armando and Franco, are producing “some of the best spumante wines of the Valdobbiadene”. The family has 12 hectares of vineyards along with 38 hectares farmed by “other small growers with time-honored links to the winery, and sharing its commitment to quality.”

Philosophy: “This is how the family expresses the values of their land: sound work, respect for human relationships, a sense of hospitality and continuity between past and present. An estate, and above all, a family.”

Winemaking: Grapes were sourced from vineyards with mixed soils; glacial soil in the hills, shallow clay and calcareous soils at higher elevations. Bosco di Gica is the name of the forest first documented 600 years ago, near where the grapes are harvested.

Tasting Notes: Gold in colour with aromas of apple, lemon, honeysuckle and a trace of fresh bread. Golden apple, citrus, honey and white flowers glide atop solid little bubbles. A hint of buttery bread with a drizzle of honey lingers between each dry, fizzy sip. Bright acidity maintains balance and freshness.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Ideal as an aperitif, but also a wine to be enjoyed throughout a meal, especially with cacio e pepe pasta.

95-97% Glera, 3-5% Chardonnay
Valdobbiadene DOCG
Italy
Bottled by Adami SRL
11% Alcohol
$14
Enjoy now

Straightforward with an elegant edge, this is a refreshing, versatile Prosecco fantastic on its own or with appetizers, or even light risotto and pasta dishes. [One of my favourite Prosecco!]

Estate: Antonio Franco founded Nino Franco in 1919. He named the estate located in Valdobbiadene, at the foot of the Prealps in the Veneto region of northern Italy “Cantine Franco”. Headed by Primo Franco [the 3rd generation], the estate has expanded over the years and today the winery is one of the oldest in Valdobbiadene. Known not only for his “high quality and delicious wines” but also for his charm, spontaneity and open mind, Primo Franco was one of the “first pioneers” to export Prosecco internationally.

Winemaking: Grapes were sourced from hillside vineyards at medium to high altitudes. Fermented in stainless steel, second fermentation in “cuve close”. [Tank fermentation or Charmat Method]

Tasting Notes: Light gold in colour with aromas of apple, fresh bread and floral hints. Creamy lemon and clean minerals joined steady, delicate bubbles that culminated in a crisp, dry finish.

100% Glera
Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene
Italy
Bottled by Nino Franco
11% Alcohol
$13
Enjoy now

Rated 90 points by The Wine Advocate