I thought prosecco, the sparkling wine produced in northeastern Italy, was a passing fad a few years ago and would fade with orange wine (which is still clipping along as well). But when I saw La Marca Prosecco, with its well branded blue label, at 7-Eleven this week, I was gobsmacked. Though I was there for a Slurpee, I actually thought for a moment of buying the La Marca as it stood out in the cooler crowd nestled between PBR and Red Bull.
If Champagne is thought to be the sparkling wine for elitists, then prosecco clearly is the common man’s preferred pour. With a price point of $10 to $20 and happy, quaffable style, prosecco sales grew 20 percent globally. The accessibility of prosecco, in not only price point, but in stores from specialty wine shops to Costco and well, 7-Eleven, have made it the sparkling choice to enjoy every day. Prosecco has nudged its way onto restaurants wine lists, and even movie theaters like Cinépolis.
Prosecco is made with predominately the glera grape whereas Champagne is produced typically with chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes. Prosecco is made in the Veneto region of Italy and Champagne in the Champagne region of France. Prosecco is made in a tank method versus the traditional method used by Champagne. To me, prosecco is a bit fizzier, sweeter, and often has a creamy feel to it. Though personally, I prefer Champagne, I pour prosecco (and Cava – sparkling wine from Spain) for our Sunday brunch mimosas. I also prefer prosecco with a great cheese, charcuterie, and fruit tray.
I love that prosecco’s growing dominance means we’re popping corks daily, not just on special occasions. Since it isn’t $50 a bottle, experiment around and try different prosecco types, which can be found in a spumante, frizzante, or even tranquillo style. I found these five tasty proseccos at Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, winex.com.
Nino Franco Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene Rustico, $12, 90 points
Drussian Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene, $14, 90 points
Bele Casel Prosecco, $15
Pertimali di Livio Sassetti Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry, $15
Flor Prosecco Spumante, $14
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