FIVE GREAT PROSECCOS FOR LESS THAN $20
The popularity of Prosecco is skyrocketing with Canadians popping 5.6 million bottles in 2017 compared to 2.6 million in 2013. Stricter grape growing and winemaking practices put in place in 2009 fuelled the growth, so now it’s easy to find a delicious sub-$20 bottle of bubbly. Here are five of my favourite Proseccos with which to toast Labour Day — and the summer of 2018
NV Mionetto Prestige Treviso Brut Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy (LCBO 483339 $17.00)
One taste of this wine with the signature wraparound orange label explains why it’s the bestselling Prosecco in the world and the fastest growing Prosecco SKU in Canada. The dry delicacy, racy restraint and effortless elegance add up to great value for under $20. Shimmering aromas and flavours of pear, honeydew melon and a whisper of grapefruit taste taut and mouth-watering. Pure pleasure. Serve it with prosciutto wrapped bread sticks.
Score: 92+
NV La Marca Prosecco DOC, Extra Dry, Veneto, Italy (LCBO 487694 $17.95)
Prosecco comes in three sweetness levels — brut, extra dry and dry, with brut being the driest. So this extra-dry Prosecco will appeal to those looking for a sweeter, off-dry style. Gentle aromas of sweet apricot and ripe pear rise from the glass before a bright, off-dry attack of orchard and citrus fruit soak the palate and linger. Serve this wine well-chilled with fiery foods such as spicy jerk chicken, chile-garlic noodles, or sriracha roasted nuts. Or top up a half glass of fresh peach purée with it to make that classic Venetian cocktail, the bellini.
Score: 90
NV Bottega Treviso Il Vino dei Poeti Brut Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy (LCBO 897702 $15)
From its soft fragrance of green apple, pear and honeysuckle to the mouth-watering attack of orchard fruit underpinned by almond and white flowers, I find this bottle to be one of the more complex Proseccos on shelves. The barely there kiss of sweetness is properly balanced by bracing acidity so each sip finishes clean and dry. Meanwhile, the consistent purity, balance and elegance makes it a trade favourite and total crowd pleaser. Serve it with roasted, salted almonds.
Score: 90
NV Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto, Italy (LCBO Vintages Essential 687582 $19.95)
Articulate aromas of seaspray and sliced pears lead to a sparkling, beam-like entry that calls to mind sea salt, slate and flint. The fine bubbles, razor-sharp acidity and somewhat creamy mouth feel add interest and intensity as the dry flavours that swell and taper to a long finish. This wine is fine on its own as an aperitif, but it works very well with food, as well. I like it with battered, fried fish and seafood.
Score: 92+
NV Piera Martellozzo Blu Giovello Brut Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy (LCBO 85316 $13.70 ($15.20 after Sept. 16)
This wine has appeared in my column twice recently. In May, I suggested pouring it with eggs benedict for Mother’s Day; in April, I recommended it with grilled salmon. With Labour Day upon us, whip up a batch of homemade hollandaise sauce for both the eggs and the salmon, and keep this blue bottle on hand. Its dry, pear-scented character imbued with bitter orange, white grapefruit will set off both dishes beautifully while the racy acidity, brisk effervescence and coy, saline finish will keep palates refreshed. Three-day-weekend perfection right there.
Score: 91