Where in Italy can we find one of the most beautiful villages steeped in history and culture with a chilled glass (or two) of exceptional Prosecco waiting breathlessly for our visit? Why Asolo, of course. No surprise, ancient Asolo is a candidate recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors will discover a charming town with medieval architecture and winding streets nestled amidst hills that embrace abundant sunshine. Asolo Prosecco originated on these hills of 18 municipalities in the province of Treviso. Each is rife with art and history, hilly viticulture and family-run businesses.
“The Rocca stands out to control the territory. Among the alleys of the town and in the surrounding countryside echo the glories of the court of Caterina Cornaro, former queen of Cyprus, who gathered artists, writers and poets in Asolo. Today it is the task of Asolo Prosecco to narrate in the glasses the timeless suggestion of this wonderful corner of Venetian land.” Asolo Prosecco
Photo Credit: Asolo Prosecco
The town itself gave its name to its Prosecco and in 2009, Asolo Prosecco DOCG was established. Many consider the area a “Prosecco Cru” since its optimal location of hillside vineyards allows for vines to embrace winds from the Alps and Adriatic Sea. Set in the province of Treviso, at the foot of Monte Grappa and on the right bank of the Piave River, Glera, a native grape of the area, thrives as the predominant variety. However, other local varieties such as Bianchetta Trevigiana, Verdiso, Perera and Glera Lunga are cultivated.
4900 acres are under vine and the average slope in Asolo Prosecco DOCG is 20%. Of note are the red clay soils, the many streams and rivers and a temperate climate that offers a diurnal shift of cool mornings and warm afternoons. Thanks to this gradual ripening of the grapes, acidity is preserved and freshness is guaranteed.
Photo Credit: Asolo Prosecco
All sparkling wines from this DOCG qualify for the Superiore label – only the still wines and those that are frizzante do not. We can find sparkling wines that are quite dry – in fact, they’re, on average, more dry than others in the Prosecco region. Asolo Prosecco DOCG produces sparkling wines that are Extra Brut and Brut and are also the first appellation to introduce the Extra Dry extract.
On the nose, aromas of lemon, ripe apples, white flowers and hint of cedar are refreshing and lush – the notes were repeated on the palate with vibrant acidity and persistent bubbles. A delight as an aperitif or sipped throughout a meal of fish, pasta with white wine sauce and salads, sparkling wines from Asolo Prosecco DOCG are those to seek. For more information, click here.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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