Let’s face it. Prosecco pairs with every food imaginable. From avocado toast to ziti al dente, a glass of Prosecco, in all its bubbly, floral and fruit-forward glory, is easy drinking and lively. My colleagues in the Italian Food, Wine, Travel group on Facebook and Twitter are proving it. This month, we’re sharing articles (see below) that focus on what we need to know about Prosecco with an added bonus of suggesting delectable recipes I can’t wait to try.

One of my favorite endeavors (and I have quite a few!) is to get together with “the girls”, open a bottle of Prosecco, nosh on new-to-me appetizers or snacks and engage in a bit of chic Italian lifestyle, if only for a few hours. Just this week, we paired lovely bottles of Prosecco, Romeo & Juliet PassioneSentimento Prosecco Brut, Treviso DOC ($16) and Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiaadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG (around $16), sent to me as samples, with savory Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn (click here for the recipe). Once the conversation about the savory, lip-smacking popcorn style dwindled, questions about the differences between Prosecco DOC and Prosecco Superiore DOCG began. Everyone loved both wines (spoiler alert: there wasn’t a drop left!), but my guests were curious about their designations, DOC and DOCG. I was happy to oblige with a few facts for those inquiring minds (and palates).

Prosecco happy hour

There are four major categories of wines in Italy. Vino da Tavola (VdT) indicates “table wine.” Grapes included in these wines are grown in any region of Italy and usually, their quality is considered quaffable. Indicazione Geografica Tipca (IGT) are wines with grapes cultivated in the region written on the label and the producer doesn’t have to conform to strict rules and regulations of the Italian government. Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC), introduced in the 1960s, “specifies the geographical area, permitted grape varieties, maximum yield at harvest, aging requirements and minimum alcohol level” in a wine. Currently, there are over 300 DOCs in Italy. The Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), created in 1980, is the highest level of quality; there are around 74 DOCGs. Wines in this category must meet all of the DOC requirements, must be bottled in the region of production and are subject to a Ministry of Agriculture tasting. Each DOCG bottle presents a numbered seal of approval to guarantee high quality, although on occasion, we’ll find a DOC bottle with a serial number, too.

Prosecco, the sparkling wine so many of us love, is grown in the northeast Italian regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. It’s made mostly from the Glera grape, although at times producers may add up to 15% of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero or an indigenous grape such as Verdiso, Bianchetta, Trevigiana, Perera or Glera Lunga. Production used is the Charmat method whereby the wine undergoes the second fermentation in pressurized tanks, as opposed to the bottle. Most bottles don’t indicate the vintage year on the label, although Prosecco at the exclusive, small-production rive level shows the date.

prosecco - glera

Photo Credit: www.banfiwines.com

The Prosecco DOC area of production is quite large. Spread amongst four provinces in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Gorizia, Pordenone, Trieste and Udine) and five provinces within Veneto (Belluno, Padua, Treviso, Venice and Vicenza), about 23,000 hectares are under vine in order to meet high demand from consumers. If the entirety of harvesting, wine making and bottling occur within the provinces of Treviso and Trieste, two areas that have important roles in Prosecco production, the producer is allowed to state Prosecco DOC Treviso and Prosecco DOC Trieste on the label. Click here for more information about Prosecco DOC.

Prosecco
The Prosecco DOC was recognized in 1969 and this year, the 50th anniversary is celebrated. What better way to say “Cheers to that!” than a glass of Romeo & Juliet PassioneSentimento Prosecco Brut, Treviso DOC? Of 100% Glera grapes, the Prosecco was made with a special touch of the Pasqua family – instead of the usual 30 days in the tank, the wine was in tank for 60 days resulting in fine and elegant threads of bubbles. Click here for their story.

This classic Brut-style Prosecco with only 11% alcohol offered aromas of crisp green apples, pears and dried herbs. On the palate, I noted refreshing citrus, lemon, dried apricot, beeswax flavors and snappy acidity that led to a lengthy, mineral-driven finish. Truly, it was a glorious complement to the Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn. Just as delightful as each sip was the label that pays homage to Romeo & Juliet. Photographer Gio Martorana’s stunning photograph of the graffitied 20-foot wall of Juliet’s house on Cappello Street in Verona is a visual thrill.

Prosecco DOC
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore is a DOCG sparkling wine region of wines made from Glera grapes produced in the zone of Conegliano Valdobbiadene. The name refers to the dual capitals: Conegliano, known for Italy’s first school of winemaking where the production for Prosecco was perfected, and Valdobbiadene, considered the “heart of production” thanks to its surroundings of stunning vineyards upon which premium quality grapes are cultivated. Established as a DOCG in 2009, you’ll find Prosecco Superiore of the highest level of quality. Naturally, celebration is in order to pay homage to the 10th anniversary of this premium area. For more information, I encourage you to visit the Consorzio of Prosecco Superiore DOCG  website.

As I popped the cork of the Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiaadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, the festivities continued. This Brut style sparkling wine of 100% Glera grapes cultivated on hillside vineyards at medium elevation was elegant and delicate. It was an exceptional pairing with the gourmet popcorn that boasted flavors of fresh rosemary, parmesan cheese, garlic and the slightest hint of pepper. The wine burst with vibrant acidity and bright aromas of white flowers, ripe citrus and herbs. On the palate, I discovered elements of ripe pears, hint of apricots and…was that a taste of mint leaves?

As a bonus, there’s more celebration to be had… Cantine Franco was founded in Valdobbiadene in 1919 (100 years ago!) by Antonio Franco whose intention was to produce wine of the highest quality. His son, Nino, continued the legacy. The winery expanded to include his own son, Primo, who later modernized the winery with knowledge gleaned from the Conegliano Veneto school of enology, his travels and hands-on learning. In the 1990s, Primo Franco “took over the running of the vineyard where he experimented with new planting techniques and the use of old clones as he continued a close collaboration with local producers.” Visit their website here.

Prosecco DOCG
I predict that you’re already thinking about the next gathering of “the girls” or anyone you deem worthy of delicious Prosecco, whether it’s DOC or DOCG! Choose one of these special wines (and make some amazing gourmet popcorn) for your most special night ever.

Prosecco

Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn

Cheers! ~ Cindy

For more food and wine pairings with Prosecco DOC or Prosecco Superiore DOCG, please enjoy the following articles from my Italian Food Wine Travel colleagues.

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10 comments

    • Cindy Rynning

      It was the easiest thing to make and a real crowd pleaser. And with the Prosecco, a winner to boot!

  1. I really love this whimsical pairing. The popcorn is styled with Italian ingredients, and I can see how the salty/savoriness would pair well with Prosecco. I also like the idea of girls night with new to me appetizers too. 🙂

    • Cindy Rynning

      Thank you, Deanna! I wanted to think a bit out of the box here! And what’s not to love about Prosecco DOC or DOCG??

  2. I’ve always read about pairings with popcorn, but I’ve never done it yet. Seems like a wonderful ladies night. I dined with the President of Pasqua and toured with them for a few days and really enjoyed their wines. I’ve heard about Nino Franco, but have yet to try them so thanks for sharing!

  3. Love the pairing of popcorn with bubbly. Those opposites are perfect….like pearls and blue jeans or chocolate and red wine.

  4. Rosemary parmesan popcorn and Prosecco sounds like a great way to start a lively conversation!

  5. I was first introduced to Prosecco Superiore with a bottle of Nino Franco Rustico. To this day it is a favorite and an outstanding value! Love your popcorn pairing, I think I’ll make a batch with a glass of Nino Franco while I continue to binge watch “Outlander.” Cheers!

  6. I’m a big fan of that Romeo & Juliet PassioneSentimento Prosecco Brut! I’ve yet to try Nino Franco though. I must change that! Your popcorn looks and sounds great Cindy!

  7. Love this post (and the photo of the girlfriends cheering:). I don’t seek out Prosecco very often, but now I want to try this popcorn pairing! Cheers!

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