Wine With Wanda

Make the Holidays Sparkle with Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

I love the surprised look that my friends get when I rattle off Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Honestly, I'm not just showing off my hard-earned and still far from perfect pronunciation; I really want people to know that there's more to Prosecco than the cheap and pleasant sparkling wine that is ubiquitous at boozy brunches. While many producers have taken advantage of Prosecco's popularity to flood the market with inferior wines, Prosecco Superiore is in a class all by itself.


What makes Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG so special? Some of the clues are in the name. These sparkling wines have a true sense of place -- the majestic steep hillsides of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, in north east Italy about 30 miles from Venice and 64 miles from the Dolomites. The production zone for Prosecco Superiore DOCG is limited to the 15 hilly communes between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Prosecco Superiore wines must contain a minimum of 85% Glera; the grape that is the heart and soul of Prosecco. The region also has the distinction of being the home of Italy's first wine school, which was founded in 1876. 

Glera grapes at Masottina's vineyards

Vines have been grown in the region since ancient times and the first written reference to Prosecco dates back to 1772. Building on centuries of tradition, knowledge, and innovation, winemakers in Conegliano Valdobbiadene are focused on crafting quality wines that authentically express the terroir. These wines are designated Prosecco Superiore for a reason and their superb quality earned them the coveted DOCG designation in 2009 -- the highest level of quality for Italian wines.  

Within the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, Rive and Cartizze are smaller and specialized areas within the larger region. In the local dialect, Rive refers to steep hillside vineyards and the wines are made exclusively from hand-picked grapes grown in 43 different hamlets and villages. The Superiore di Cartizze category is even more exclusive: this sub-zone of just 107 hectares is composed of the steepest hillsides of three villages in Valdobbiadene. 

Masottina Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut DOCG NV ($22)

I had the pleasure of visiting Masottina winery in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region in 2017 and fell in love with the wines and the region. Founded in 1946, and still owned and managed by the Dal Bianco family, Masottina takes no short cuts and is committed to crafting wines that authentically express their terroir. Their Prosecco Superiore, made from 100% Glera, is so vivacious, crisp, and fresh, it reminds me of tasting the grape directly from the vine. 

Nino Franco "Rustico" Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG ($19)
Whenever friends tell me that Prosecco is pleasant but nothing special, I can always count on Nino Franco to win them over. Founded in 1919, Nino Franco is one of the oldest wineries in the region and their winemaking mastery shows in every sip. Dry, creamy, and crisp with fine bubbles and elegant fruit & flowery flavors, this is a gorgeous 100% Glera bubbly with tremendous texture and minerality.   

La Marca "Luminore" Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG ($30)
A limited-edition Prosecco Superiore crafted to celebrate La Marca's 50th anniversary, Luminore is a  crisp and lively expression of the Glera grape with charming flavors of white pear, fresh citrus, and subtle floral notes. A festive sip with a flirty finesse, Luminore's ebullient nature was inspired by the sunny hillsides of Valdobbiadene. 

Masottina "Le Rive di Ogliano" Conegliano Valdobbiandene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry, 2017 DOCG ($27)
To understand the allure of Rive, this wine from Masottina is a superb example of why Prosecco Superiore from one of these 43 zones is so acclaimed -- it is an extraordinary conduit of terroir. Soft but well-structured, Le Rive di Ogliano Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry has more residual sugar than the brut, but the wine is so beautifully balanced that the sugar delicately lifts zesty citrus, crisp pear, juicy mandarin and wraps them around a mineral core. 

Mionetto Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG ($45)
Mionetto is one of the most popular Italian wine brands in the world, but few people realize that their rich history dates back to 1887. Founded by Francesco Mionetto in the heart of Valdobbiadene, their wines are known for consistency and quality. Their Cartizze is a step above and truly special; it is a limited-production wine that represents the highest quality of the Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Crafted from select grapes grown exclusively in a 246-acre area in the steepest hills of Valdobbiadene, Mionetto's Cartizze displays a seductive richness and texture that is surprisingly complex for Glera. But the grape's inherent grace remains and the gorgeous medley of pear, citrus, and apple flavors, with a touch of glazed almonds, powerfully express Glera's capacity to produce wines with nuance and depth.

 Congeliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG may be tricky to pronounce but so easy to love! Click here to learn more about these charming sparking wines. Cheers! 

 

Terroir and Tradition Speak in Masottina Prosecco

Can we all make a promise to stop drinking mediocre Prosecco? Italy's most famous sparkling wine fuels many Sunday brunches but not all Prosecco wines are created with a commitment to quality and the market is flooded with so-so wines. But don't despair, quality Prosecco is not a unicorn, it really does exist and Masottina is one of the producers crafting elegant and expressive wines. On a recent visit to Masottina's stunning vineyards in Italy, I was impressed at how their location, legacy, and lifestyle beautifully influence their Prosecco. 

Masottina hand harvests Glera grapes for their Prosecco. 

Location matters when it comes to Prosecco and the rolling hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, about 30 miles north of Venice and 64 miles south of the Dolomites, have proven themselves the ideal terroir for growing Glera - the starring grape in Prosecco. The region is so special that wines produced here have been granted the distinction of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Within that prestigious designation are 43 distinct terroirs known as Rive, and Masottina produces their finest wines in the Rive of Ogliano. Ogliano's unique microclimate and soil conditions nurture Glera grapes of exceptional quality. 

Glera grapes fresh from the vine. 

The Masottina winemaking legacy started in 1946 when Epifanio Dal Bianco expanded his property and persuaded his three sons to join him in the wine venture. One son in particular, Adriano the oenologist, displayed a talent and intuition that led Masottina to the forefront of winemaking in the region. Today, Adriano remains the winemaker and his three sons Filippo, Federico, and Edoardo work with him in various capacities in the family business. 


Representing the third generation of the family that produces Masottina wines, Federico Dal Bianco said that his father Adriano's philosophy is to "maintain the terroir in the glass."

Prosecco is not just a business for the Dal Bianco family but an essential part of their lifestyle and another member of the family. From the vineyard to the bottle, they don't settle for mediocrity and care is taken every step of the way to ensure that the wines of Masottina tell the story of their region, family, and culture. While in Italy, I had the pleasure of sharing several meals with members of the Dal Bianco family and I was impressed at how beautifully their Prosecco paired with everything from gourmet cuisine to simple home-style dishes. 


No, Federico isn't playing with his food! A few drops of Prosecco added to already cooked risotto creates something special and delicious. Click here for the recipe. 

If you've been less than impressed by Prosecco in the past, Masottina's wines are a great reminder that Prosecco can display terroir, character, and elegance. And who doesn't smile at the sound of a cork popping? For your next gathering, consider one of these festive and elegant offerings from Masottina. And remember, Prosecco this good isn't just for brunch! 



Masottina Prosecco Brut DOC Treviso NV ($15)
Treviso is the province where Prosecco was born and this lovely wine is a delicious introduction to the Masottina style. Dry but fruit-forward, this Prosecco is refreshing and crisp with vibrant citrus flavors that are enhanced by a touch of minerality and white flowers. Festive and approachable, Masottina's entry level Prosecco is clearly made with care. 

Masottina Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut DOCG NV ($22)
Federico Dal Bianco said that Prosecco should express "fruit, floral, and freshness" and "the intensity of these 3 traits increase with more complex wines." Masottina's Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut DOCG  is the next tier up from DOC on the quality ladder and beautifully supports Federico's statement. More intense than their DOC level Prosecco, this wine truly celebrates the hilly terroir of Conegliano Valdobbiadene. Tremendous minerality and exuberant flavors of lemon zest and lemon curd, with a tinge of mountain herbs, elegantly evoke a sense of place. 


Masottina "Le Rive di Ogliano" Conegliano Valdobbiandene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry, 2016 DOCG ($27)

The terroir clearly speaks in this very special Masottina Prosecco from Le Rive de Ogliano. Masottina describes Rive as "the geographical area encompassing vineyards of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region set on particular inclines." Soft but well-structured, this extra dry style has more residual sugar than the Brut, but displays an impeccable balance between sweetness and minerality. Fresh lemon and grapefruit flavors meld beautifully with accents of mandarin and pear. Creamy and crisp with fine bottles that elegantly linger, this is no ordinary Prosecco. 



Are you ready to say bye-bye to bland and blah Prosecco and give Masottina a swirl? Visit the Masottina website to learn more about their full portfolio of sparkling and still wines.