This wine was received as a tasting sample.
Stop rolling your eyes. Yes, I know the complete name of this delightful Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore is very long (and difficult to pronounce – here’s how) but there is a lot of information and history in its name. And it’s the perfect opportunity to learn a bit about one of Italy’s most prestigious Prosecco designations.
Carpenè Malvolti is the producer, and one with a long history in the city of Conegliano located at the heart of historic Prosecco production. In 1868 Antonio Carpenè established the winery and then, in 1876, Italy’s first School of Viticulture and Oenology in Conegliano which is still very highly regarded today. He perfected the “tank method” of producing sparkling wine (second fermentation in a pressurized tank to produce the bubbles rather than in the bottle) used to make Prosecco. The fifth generation of the Carpenè family are the current caretakers.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) tells us that the grapes are harvested from the mountainside vineyards of 15 designated communes between the cities of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. The best quality grapes are grown here and 85% of the blend must be Glera (formerly called Prosecco). Both vineyard yield and minimum alcohol level are regulated as well. DOCG guarantees the highest quality Prosecco.
Prosecco, just like Champagne, is made in a variety of styles from brut (the lowest residual sugar) to dry (the highest residual sugar). Extra Dry tells us this wine is pretty much in the middle. It did not taste sweet to me.
Carpenè Malvolti 1868 Extra Dry Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG – pale yellow in the glass with small bubbles that are not particularly long lasting in the glass but are very mouth filling. Aromas are generous and include white flowers, pears and hints of marzipan. Delicate flavors of marzipan are supported by soft citrus, pear and stone fruit flavors. The finish is medium in length and is juicy, fresh and relatively clean. 11% abv. SRP $18.99
This is a lovely, flavorful sparkling wine to sip before dinner or with appetizers, but don’t overlook its potential as an accompaniment to a salad or with chicken or fish. It is one of the most flavorful Proseccos I have tasted. Carpenè Malvolti Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG — remember it and look for it.
Cheers!
