As you make your holiday party rounds this month, enhance the celebration with a bottle of Prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine from the Veneto region (think Venice) that offers itself as a crisp and fruity (and inexpensive) alternative to Champagne. You’ll find a high quality and delicious Prosecco for what you’d normally pay to get abysmal Champagne. A few things to remember if anyone asks: Prosecco is a type of grape used for sparkling wine; it is fermented in a large stainless steel vat (the Charmat process it’s called) whereas Champagne is fermented in-bottle; and always served chilled! Happy Holidays!
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Nino Franco Rustico
comes from Valdobbiadene, the area of Veneto known for producing fine Prosecco wines.
The Rustico, which is winemaker Nino Franco’s most popular wine, is dry and fresh with hints of peach, apple, and pear. Try it with a tempura platter, especially one with shrimp.
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Price: $14.99
Buy it at:
JL Wine & Liquor Inc.
60 E. 34th Street
New York, NY 10016
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Sergio Mionetto Spumante
comes from the original Prosecco importer to the US, Mionetto, which first started introducing the sparkling wine to Americans in 1998.
Sergio is 90% Prosecco and 10% other grape varieties from Veneto. It is a pleasantly bitter wine that’ll work well as a Bellini (peach puree mix). Try also with a swordfish steak.
Price: $19.99
Buy it at:
Spring Street Wine Shop
187 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
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La Vendemmia
is this month’s best deal at under $10.
Almost clear with barely a tint of yellow, this Prosecco hits you right away with a sour apple taste that lingers into peach. Dry with soft bubbles, the La Vendemmia works alone as an aperatif or can accompany a slice of brie or a tasty chicken skewer.
Price: $9.75
Buy it at:
SoHo Wine & Spirits
461 West Broadway
New York, NY 10012
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La Marca
is an exceptional Prosecco that is a popular choice at many wedding banquets.
We tasted apple, lemon, and some citrus fruits in this pale straw colored Prosecco, which had big bubbles and a very pungent fruity smell. We loved how it paired with a creamy sheep’s milk cheese.
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Price: $11.99
Buy it at:
Manhattan Plaza Winery
589 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
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