image courtesy of Mionetto
No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you; there's a flirty pink glow emanating from the Prosecco aisle of your favorite wine shop. Prosecco Rosé was officially approved as a DOC in 2020 and the wines have started arriving in the US. Wine lovers no longer have to choose between Prosecco's perky bubbles and rosé's blush-hued charms. To learn more about the new Prosecco Rosé category, I recently chatted on Instagram Live with Enore Ceola, CEO and Managing Director of Freixenet Mionetto USA.
Enore Ceola, CEO and Managing Director of Freixenet Mionetto USA
A native of the Prosecco region, Enore is widely credited for not only introducing Mionetto to American consumers, but to Prosecco overall as a category. Founded in 1887 in Valdobbiadene, Mionetto Prosecco became available in the USA in 1997 and paved the way for the expansive selection of Prosecco wines at our fingertips. Even The New York Times proclaimed, “Perhaps no one has pushed harder to establish Prosecco in the United States than Mionetto.”
There are exacting standards that a wine must meet in order to be labeled Prosecco Rosé DOC. For example, Glera, the grape which is the heart and soul of Prosecco, must dominate the blend. Pinot Nero is the only grape permitted in the rosé blend and only 10-15% is permitted. And all Prosecco Rosé must be dated with a vintage. During our chat, Enore explained all of this and more as we sipped Mionetto Prosecco Rosé Millesimato 2019 ($15). A blend of 90% Glera and 10% Pinot Nero, it is Extra Dry with vibrant red berry flavors and a kiss of citrus.
