Toast to Our Favorite Restaurants with Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Now that restaurants are opening again, I’m one of the first to book reservations and (finally) walk in those doors! Many of you know that I currently live in the Chicago area. In the city and suburbs, the hospitality industry was hit hard in 2020 and again into 2021. I’m sure everyone can relate. Many small family-owned cafes, coffee shops and restaurants as well as large dining spots (whether they were part of a national chain or unique to the city) either weathered the challenges or withered because of them. I’m happy to share that in the last two weeks, I’ve visited some of my favorite restaurants in order to support my local community and have “taken out” some new-to-me menu items. What did I pour in my glass with each? Prosecco Superiore DOCG!

The At Table with Us campaign, sponsored by the Corsorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, sent a group of wine media three unique bottles (as samples) from the region along with a gift card to use at our favorite restaurants. I opted to open each bottle of bubbly and sip with fare that, at first glance to some, may seem unlikely pairings. But thanks to the freshness, bright acidity and fruit forward profile of the Glera grape and Charmat method of production, my palate was in a state of nirvana! Follow along for exceptional finds that I’ll revisit again and again.

About Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

The flagship wine of the Veneto region in northeast Italy, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG reflects the high elevation winegrowing area of its Glera variety. Although most think of this beautiful bubbly as a beverage to begin the meal, more (including me) have realized that it can be poured and enjoyed with each course. Versatile, affordable and delicious… that’s Prosecco Superiore DOCG.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is located in Veneto’s hilly zone of the Province of Treviso, between Venice and the Dolomites. Grape growing has centuries of history and the production area has remained (somewhat) unchanged since the 1930s. There are 15 communes and two have given their name to the Denomination: Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.

High quality reigns in this area and when you’re seeking “only the best,” find Prosecco from this DOCG. Conegliano is the zone’s cultural capital and Valdobbiadene is the epicenter of the wine’s production. Hills stretch from east to west between both towns – one slope faces south with optimal exposure to sunlight and the other faces north where woodlands are abundant. For more detailed information about Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, please click here.

Think Greek and Pour Deligo Valdobbiandene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

I’ve been dining either “in” or “taking out” at Greek Islands since I moved to Chicago decades ago. Fortunately, this iconic restaurant has a suburban outpost and it was from that location that my carry out included saganaki, spanakopita, gyros with pita and a traditional Greek salad. Feta cheeses, phyllo pastry surrounding a delectable combination of cheese, spinach and more, roasted lamb in a blanket of warm pita bread, and marinated vegetables included just the right amount of Mediterranean spice, texture and savory flavor. Are you hungry yet? For more photos of my Greek Islands take-out, see my Instagram post by clicking here.     

“Deligo” is a Latin word that means “selected” and the producer states that “selecting the grapes, vintage and place is what gives this wine its unique character.” Of 100% Glera, this bright Prosecco offered snappy acidity and flavors of white flowers, minerality, vibrant citrus notes and a lingering, elegant finish.

Olé to Mexican Fare with Col de L’Utia Prosecco DOCG Valdobbiadene Brut Biologico

After viewing the extensive and thought-provoking Frida Kahlo exhibit in Wheaton, Illinois the decision was made to indulge in a take-out from Hale Street Cantina, a local restaurant with Mexican flare located a few minutes from my home. Nacho chips with chorizo queso dip for sharing, fresh salad with corn, beans, mixed greens, tomato and balsamic dressing, “Chicken BLP Tacos” with chicken, bacon, lettuce, pico de gallo, cotija and jalapeno ranch for me and a “Mexi-Cali Burger” with cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, guacamole and jalapeno ranch for my husband were just what we needed to savor the day. More photos of this mouthwatering, ultra-satisfying dinner are found here.

The Prosecco from Col de L’Utia was an exceptional pairing. Organically farmed Glera grapes were handpicked and aged in steel tanks, refined in the bottle and preserved for up to 18 months. In the glass, I noted fruit forward and floral aromas and fresh, dry, sophisticated flavors that became a brilliant counterpoint to the gently spiced fare from Hale Street Cantina.

All American Burgers with Vigneto Giardino Dry Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive di Colbertaldo

Sometimes you just have to have a burger and the “Turkey Club Burger” from The Burger Social in Wheaton, Illinois answered the call! A turkey patty, lettuce, pepperjack cheese, avocado, tomato, pickles and 1000 island dressing were savory and delicious. Texture and an abundance of flavors were notable and with a side of crispy fries, this weeknight dinner was perfection. More mesmerizing photos are found here.

My chilled glass of Vigneto Giardino Dry Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive di Colbertaldo was ever-so-memorable. Intensely aromatic, the wine was rich, fresh and balanced with a crisp, spicy zing and subtle hints of citrus and stone fruit on the palate. A bite of the luscious burger followed by a sip of this glorious wine were “ahhhh” inducing!

Let’s support our favorite restaurants…now. If you’re brave enough, pair a few unlikely choices from the menus with Prosecco from Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Whether you select a dish that’s spicy, one that’s mineral driven (oysters perhaps?) or fruit forward, a glass of sparkling wine from this premium region in Italy is guaranteed to please. I’m already thinking of my next pairing!

Cheers! ~ Cindy