The Prosecco Lunch – It Should be ‘A Thing’

Few things make me as happy as a glass of bubbly. Bubbles are beautiful in the glass and I love that explosive sensation once I take a sip. Often we think of bubbles as a celebratory beverage, and certainly bubbles can make any occasion a celebration, but it isn’t necessary to wait for a celebration to enjoy a glass of bubbly. An enjoyable Prosecco we recently received as a tasting sample proved just that point.

Prosecco DOC – just the basics

Prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) is a sparkling wine that is made only in nine provinces in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of northeastern Italy. The indigenous white grape, Glera, must comprise at least 85% of the blend with the balance coming only from other allowed indigenous and international varieties.

Prosecco DOC wines are produced with varying amounts of fizz: spumante is the most effervescent, frizzante a little less so and tranquillo is a still white wine bottled prior to the bubble-producing second fermentation.

One of the reasons Prosecco is so affordable is that the second fermentation generally takes place in pressurized tanks rather than individual bottles. The process is quicker, it doesn’t involve aging in individual bottles that must be handled multiple times over an extended period of time, and produces a more fruity sparkling wine that is meant to be enjoyed young. The result is an affordable sparkling wine that is appropriate before a meal or with a light meal. You will find Prosecco in a variety of styles from dry to sweet: brut, extra dry, dry or demi-sec (from driest to sweetest).

Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero — pale yellow in the glass and lightly effervescent. Aromas of dried hay and yellow apples are followed by mineral, apple and earthy flavors. The effervescence is lively, but soft. The wine finished with adequate acidity and little if any sweetness. It’s refreshing and enjoyable. 10.5% abv. SRP $14. Screw cap closure.

Prosecco Spago Nero is produced in the Veneto region from 100% Glera grapes. The vino frizzante is relatively dry and produced using the Charmat method described above. After a short, one-month bottle aging the Prosecco is released.

Lunch with Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero

An abundance of tomatoes in our garden inspired my Prosecco lunchtime pairing. It was simple and delicious. Toasted whole-wheat bread, smashed avocado spiced with salt, pepper and sriracha, yellow cherry tomatoes. That’s it. The toasted wheat bread provided texture, the avocado was rich and creamy and the yellow cherry tomatoes added a touch of sweetness and brilliant vine-ripened tomato flavors. For me, the key to the deliciousness of this sandwich is the perfectly ripe avocado and flavorful tomatoes. The spiciness of the sriracha was nicely balanced by the freshness of the Prosecco. The Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero provided just enough sparkle and flavor and not very much alcohol — an important consideration especially for a lunchtime meal.

Prosecco DOC wines are a reflection of northeastern Italy where they are enjoyed as an aperitivo (before dinner), with a meal or as an ingredient in a cocktail. If you haven’t tried Prosecco you definitely should. When you look for a Prosecco DOC wine read the label carefully where you will find Prosecco Denominazione di Origine Controllata declared with pride.

Thanks to Donna White Communications for sending this delicious Prosecco our way.

Cheers!