We all know that 2009 is a tough year economically, and we are all adjusting in our own way. But let's not forget that it is Valentine's day shortly. Maybe this year, the fancy restaurant is out. In difficult times, I believe that it becomes more important to celebrate the special occasions. What could be more appreciated or, as romantic as a home-cooked meal? And the celebratory bubbles don't have to be Champagne.
Today non-Champagne sparkling wines have never been better. For less than $20, there is a huge array of choice. One type, that has become hugely successful is the Italian sparkling wine Prosecco. Why?
Answer: It is light, lemony, bubbly, fun to drink and extremely affordable.
Prosecco sparkling wines are made from the Prosecco grape, which is native to the Veneto region, where most Prosecco comes from. The best wines come from the heartland, a series of rolling hills between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadeneand bear the official appellation - DOC Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene.
Like all sparkling wines, Prosecco gets its bubbles from undergoing a second fermentation. However, unlike Champagne and traditional method wines, the second fermentation is not in bottle, but in large stainless steel tanks, and is called the Charmat method. This method is much more suitable for preserving the freshness and fruitiness of wines like Prosecco.
Prosecco wines are made to be drunk young. No brownie points for 'saving' it for that perfect special occasion. It will lose its vibrant, fresh character. Prosecco should be refreshing, youthful, fruity, with aromas and flavors of lemons, melon, almonds and some floral notes. Prosecco comes in two main styles "Extra-Dry" and Brut, with Brut being both the more popular as well as the drier style.
Prosecco is also very versatile. Traditionally served as an ap&eactue;ritif, it is also delicious with a variety of hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Asiago, Gouda or Cheddar, salted or smoked almonds, salami and cured meats.
And let's not forget the famous and original Prosecco cocktail, the Bellini. There is no end to the versatility of this wonderful wine. It is sure to add the right sparkle to any Valentine's celebration.
Here are some of my favorite Prosecco wines:
• Prosecco Bisol, Brut NV, $15
• Prosecco, Frozza, Extra Dry NV, $13
• Prosecco, Zardetto, Brut NV, $13
• Prosecco, Mionetto, Brut NV, $15
• Prosecco, Mia NV, $10 (this one has a screwcap closure!)
• Prosecco Bellenda, Brut, 2007, $18 (a little more expensive and vintage, but worth it)
Prosecco wines are widely available across the United States. Just make sure that the bottle you buy has not been lying around the store for too long. Ask for advice from the sales person, and may your Valentine's celebrations, wherever they are be special.
(Prosecco map from Consorzio Tutela del Vino Prosecco, other images from Flickr member ms.Tea licensed for use under Creative Commons)
5 Things Paris Taught Me About Travel
Recipe: Ham, Cheddar & Chive Egg Bakes
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Bacsac Bacsquare 04...
Apartment Therapy's Sofa Shopping Guide
Nikki’s Sweet and Cheery Print Studio
It feels almost like sacrilege to say this, but we've had better like with Prosecco then Champagne.
I still can't get the taste of burnt toast out of my mouth from the NYT highly-recommended vintage for 2000 -- ugh!
I've had good champagnes since, but experience has made me very wary. We now trust only Le Guide Hachette for recommendations, but still...
Prosecco has been pretty fool-proof in comparison. What it may lack in subtlety and elegance, it makes up for in drinkability and unstressed enjoyment.
oops -- we've had better LUCK with Prosecco
I don't particularly care for wine of any sort but my Mom recommended Barefoot Bubbly's new one, Pino Grigio, I think. It's enjoyable, especially in cocktails and best of all, it only costs about $6 at Trader Joe's. She's something of a wine snob but that's her go-to for everyday sparkling wine consumption.
we have a leftover bottle of cheap stuff from new year's eve. any ideas about how to doctor it for a cocktail?
thinkingwoman,
you could make a Poinsettia with cranberry juice and orange liqueur
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/liquor/quick-and-easy-thanksgiving-cocktail-the-poinsettia-straight-up-cocktails-and-spirits-070106
also try brachetto d'acqui-- a sweet, red, italian sparkling wine. I shared a bottle of this with some girls I met in italy and it was quite nice and unusual. I've had a hard time finding it in the states, though. if anyone knows of a good source, I'd most appreciate it!
I like this campari/grapefruit/prosecco cocktail, which I believe I originally saw in a comment on a post here about how to ease yourself into campari: http://erinskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/04/learning-to-like-campari.html
Also, just wanted to point out that Prosecco isn't always bubbly (spumante). It is also made semi-sparkling (frizzante) and without carbonation (though I haven't seen these varieties in the US so much). In my experience in the Veneto, they actually serve uncarbonated Prosecco as a part of most (midday and evening) meals. I savored many a wonderful and cheap glass of uncarbonated Prosecco there with lunches--delish bubbly or not!