By Christine Salins.
Brown Brothers Prosecco
Easy-drinking yet sophisticated, food-friendly but also the perfect aperitif, a refreshing pick-me-up and a celebration drink, Prosecco is loved around the world.
The origins of this sparkling wine lie in north-eastern Italy, its DOC (designated production zone) located west of Conegliano in sub-alpine Treviso.
North-east Victoria leads the way in the production of Prosecco in Australia, driven partly by the region’s large Italian population and partly by its geographic suitability.
Two north-east Victorian producers, Dal Zotto and Brown Brothers, pioneered its production in Australia in the late 1990s. Today, with a high concentration of Prosecco producers, Victoria even has a Prosecco Road to explore.
The late ripening white wine variety used to make Prosecco is now known as glera in Italy. It is occasionally used to make still wines but is generally used to make low alcohol wines that are either frizzante (semi sparkling) or spumante (fully sparkling).
Grant Burge Prosecco
Unlike Champagne and higher-quality sparkling wines, Prosecco is not made in the Méthode Traditionelle – that is, it doesn’t undergo a secondary fermentation in the bottle, nor is it aged extensively on lees.
Instead, it is fermented in the tank and bottled early, with low atmospheric pressure and a light fizz. This preserves its fresh fruit notes, making it appealing both as an aperitif and with food.
Whereas Champagne and sparklings tend to be more popular for celebrations, Prosecco is frequently the drink of choice for more casual occasions. Right now, I’m picturing myself kicking back on a warm and sunny day, overlooking the water, a glass of Prosecco in hand. That’s the dream.
Brown Brothers Prosecco NV, $20: Crisp and refreshing with lively apple and citrus notes, this hugely popular Prosecco is soft, approachable and brimming with flavour. 12% ABV (alcohol by volume). Check out the reviews a few months ago for Brown Brothers’ Ultra Low Prosecco which has just 0.5% ABV.
Pizzini Prosecco
Pizzini Prosecco NV, $23: From another long-standing King Valley producer, this one entices with its lemon/lime acidity, creamy earthiness and refreshing dry finish. Our sample was provided by Ultimate Winery Experiences, which has some wonderful experiences on offer at Pizzini, including cooking classes, private wine tastings, and an overnight wine and food escape.
Francesco Prosecco NV: Friends recently introduced us to these vibrant yet delicate bubbles produced by a family-owned boutique winery in the King Valley. Light and crisp with pear and citrus notes, we enjoyed it with charcuterie; it was a smash hit.
Grant Burge Prosecco NV, $25: South Australia’s Grant Burge introduced both a Prosecco and a Prosecco Rosé late last year, both lovely drops made in a lighter style with 11.5% ABV. The Prosecco NV has subtle honey, pear, green apple and nutty notes with a tantalizingly long finish.
