For years, when the month of May officially hits, we usually look forward to graduations, an increase in outdoor celebrations and activities as well as the start of summer fever. Needless to say, this year looks a little different with some cities still being required to shelter in place, while others slowly open up. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is consumers’ appetite for sparkling wine, whether it is for a meal, virtual happy hour or virtual celebration.
If you’re preparing to raise a glass to your mom on Mother’s Day, graduates during private celebrations at home or the upcoming televised commencement address to the nation’s 2020 class with the Obamas on May 16, birthdays, engagements and more, I want to invite you to raise a glass with my favorite prosecco, Mionetto.
Sparkling Wine: Prosecco vs. Champagne vs. Cava
Over the years, I continue to hear prosecco being called Champagne and vise versa. This article is not here to provide a history lesson, but the ending concludes they are not. Go a step further and mention cava and now you have just brought another sparkling favorite into the fold.
For me, the easiest way to think of the three is by the country of origin, grapes and method of production.
Prosecco – Italian sparkling wine produced in the north-eastern region of Veneto with glera grapes using the Charmat method for production.
Champagne – Can only be called Champagne when produced in the Champagne region of France. Grapes used include chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Champagne is made using the traditional method called Méthode Champenoise, which requires a second fermentation that creates the bubbles in the bottle.
Cava – Spain is the destination here. Similar to Champagne, cava produced with the traditional method, Méthode Champenoise, using chardonnay and pinot noir grapes as well as other grapes native to the country such as macabeo, parellada and xarel·lo.
One important thing to keep in mind is that all three are sparkling wine (wine the includes bubbles), but unless it is made in the Champagne region of France, it legally can’t be called Champagne due to Treaty of Versailles.
Celebrating with Mionetto Prosecco
Some people feel that only special occasions call for sparkling wine. I will agree and disagree. With more and more wine enthusiasts falling in love with sparkling wine, they tend to adopt an anytime, anyplace mindset. I know I certainly have.
But since we’re heading into a time where celebrations will be plentiful, I am excited to share my favorite prosecco that I have been drinking for more than five years, Mionetto.
In general, prosecco is known for its crisp and fruity notes that complement appetizers, the main meal as well as desserts. This definitely holds true for Mionetto.
Founded in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto in the small village of Valdobbiadene (north of Venice in the heart of prosecco region), Mionetto was first introduced to the U.S. in 1998.
A trip down your grocery store’s wine aisle will most likely lead to Mionetto’s Prosecco Brut DOC from its Prestige Collection that I regularly buy during my food runs. Aromas of apples and white peach linger on the tongue of this well-balanced acidic wine that has become a standard staple in the household. When the bubbles hit your lips and then your palate, you immediately taste years of Italian tradition in each award-winning bottle. Get over the fancy label and let your limitations go in terms of when and how to enjoy a chilled glass. Best of all, it retails for under $15.
Mionetto is enjoyable all by itself, but don’t be surprised to see it mixed as a cocktail, especially as a mimosa. It is a brunch favorite and rightfully so.
Cheers!
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