Sipping Into the Holidays with Nino Franco Rustico

I have been determined to ease into the holidays this year. We spent Thanksgiving with friends, as we often do, and then spent the rest of the long weekend at home — out of the way of shoppers looking for the best deals. I savored the last of a fall season that seemed very brief this year. I’m glad I did as the trees are now mostly bare.

One of the ways I have eased from one holiday to the next has been with a glass or two of Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, which we received as a tasting sample. Included with the Nino Franco was a bottle of Root 23 Maple Cinnamon Simple Syrup and a recipe for the Maple Cinnamon Prosecco Cocktail.

Generally I sip sparkling wine on its own without adding fruit juice or nectar to make a mimosa or peach Bellini, for example. That is especially true when I’m fortunate to have a Superiore DOCG Prosecco in my glass. These Proseccos sit at the apex of the Prosecco quality pyramid.

Superiore DOCG Prosecco is grown in Conegliano Valdobbiadene, a hilly region in the heart of the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. The area includes 15 communes and has been the home of Prosecco winemaking for three hundred years.

That said, when a the suggestion to make a cocktail using a Superiore DOCG Prosecco comes from a maker of Superiore DOCG Prosecco, then I’m all in. Otherwise, I would feel guilty doing so.

Two of the things I enjoy most about the Nino Franco are the complex flavor profile and the relatively low alcohol level. I also love how the bubbles dance across my tongue, of course. This is a delicious glass of sparkling wine and you will be able to find it priced under $19 (probably even less this time of year).

Nino Franco was founded in 1919 making it one of the oldest wineries in Valdobbiadene and the fourth generation of the Franco family is continuing the family legacy. 100% Glera, the grape variety traditionally used to make Prosecco, is grown in hillside vineyards and the bubbles are produced using the charmat method as is the custom with Prosecco.

Maple Cinnamon Prosecco Cocktail

• 5 oz Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco
• 1 oz apple cider (optional)
• 1/2 oz Root 23 Maple Cinnamon simple syrup

Pour the Nino Franco Prosecco into an appropriate glass (choose a coupe or flute; I chose a glass to match the fall season), add apple cider and Root 23 Maple Cinnamon simple syrup. Stir with a cinnamon stick.

I found the Maple Cinnamon Prosecco Cocktail was the perfect accompaniment to decorating our home for the holidays. And the Maple Cinnamon Prosecco Cocktail or a glass of Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore will be a delicious addition to any of your holiday gatherings to come.

Cheers!