Historical references to lightly sparkling wines in the Veneto region date to the 1100’s, though these were much sweeter in the 12th century compared to the popular versions being fashioned today. With the burgeoning profile and interest in this delightful wine style, internationally, progressive Italian producers have had to take pro-active steps toward guarding the unique, regional nature of their Spumante. The traditional grape family for the bubbliest of all Italian white wine styles was colloquially known as Prosecco for a very long time; likely to have originated around the namesake town that lies close by to the Slovenian border. The official rebranding of the name to Glera in 2009 now means that these grapevines can be cultivated and marketed in other wine-producing regions in the world with the new designation, but only those wines which specifically originate from DOCG Prosecco and its various sub-regions may be labelled as bonafide Prosecco.

Though the sparkling wines from Italy’s north-eastern corner are distinctive,  the vintners have employed and innovated the French production method called Charmat to achieve their form. After an initial fermentation, the second infusion of yeast continues the converting of sugars and provokes the carbonation that provides the wine with its bubbled froth. This key finishing step is done in large, pressurised Stainless Steel tanks rather than the bottle, and so results in a fresh, crisp fruit flavour with less of the toasted character that’s more typical in its distant, French Crémant cousins.

This week’s feature of Prevedello Asolo Superiore Extra Dry Prosecco 2016 comes from a hillside vineyard around Asolo – the picturesque walled town that lies 40km inland from Venice in Italy’s Veneto-Friuli region. This family-run winery is yet another successful endeavour by Toronto-area restaurateur, France Prevedello, who has diligently been at the forefront of developing several dozen notable eateries since the 1970’s. You can now confidently add Prosecco wine-making to the list of his culinary accomplishment.

Serve well-chilled and keep at a cool temperature while enjoying it in a wider mouthed
goblet rather than in slender stemware. Your brunch guests will appreciate you
having another bottle standing by, brimming with steely fruit – to top them up!

PREVEDELLO ASOLO SUPERIORE EXTRA DRY PROSECCO 2016
VINTAGES – LCBO Product #262881 | 750 mL bottle
Price $ 16.95
11% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content Descriptor: D

Made in Veneto, Italy
By: Prevedello
Release Date: June 24, 2017

Tasting Note
This informal sparkler has an abundance of fresh apple, pear, and white peach, with a mildly nutty finish, wrapped up in a creamy body. Try serving with Brunch food fare or as a spritzy complement to smoked salmon canapes and savoury pastry appetizers.