Things I Like - Food

Mr. White and I like wine. Alot. (I know that Wednesdays are Food days, did I mention that I consider wine to be one of the major food groups?) While there aren't too many wines we won't drink (White Zinfandel and most Reisling come to mind), we both have our favorites. I'm partial to Pinot Noirs and Sauvignon Blancs, he drinks California Cabs and Chardonnays.

But we are both big fans of Prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine from the area north of Venice. In fact, we first had Prosecco during our first visit to Venice. It was a warm sunny day, we'd been walking all morning - up and down just about every canal in Venice (anyone who's been on vacation with Mr. White will know what I'm talking about) and we finally decided to stop for lunch...there might have been whining involved. In any case, we were sitting outside at some little place in the Cannaregio neighborhood, looking at the wine list and recognizing pretty much nothing. The waiter suggested we try a bottle of Prosecco. Bless that man. The chilled glass of bubbles was the perfect accompaniment for our meal and we've been enjoying it ever since.

That trip was 12 years ago - it was somewhat difficult to find Prosecco when we got back home. That's all changed now, you can find Prosecco at almost every liquor store and any grocery that has a wine section, sometimes even in the cold box. Not surprising given the great flavor and reasonable price (about 1/2 the price of a decent bottle of Champagne).

The International Herald Tribune had an interesting article last month - it seems that along with tremendous growth, Prosecco makers are experiencing difficulties similar to the Champagne vintners. In other words, Prosecco makers from the Valdobbiadene district of the Veneto (the home of Prosecco wine) are seeing other wine makers in both Italy and other countries produce and sell Prosecco. The problem, from their point of view, is that the others

"... are not held to the same strict production standards as the traditional producers, which are tightly governed under Italian wine laws. One product, Rich Prosecco, is made by an Austrian company whose ads feature Paris Hilton. In some, she is naked and spray-painted gold. What's worse to some producers, the product is sold in a 6.8-ounce can, in gas stations as well as stores, for around $3"

The traditional Prosecco makers are attempting to combat this invasion of the Prosecco usurpers by creating

"an official prosecco production zone tied exclusively to northern Italy. Only wine produced in that region could be labeled as prosecco. If the plan is approved by the Italian government — a decision is expected by early 2009 — prosecco would then be eligible for "protected designation of origin" status under European laws intended to protect regional products from Champagne and port to Serrano ham."

Of course, they would then have to spend time and money making sure the designation is enforced. All I have to say is if it will keep Paris Hilton from being associated with Prosecco, they need to get this done now.

While I'll always associate Prosecco with sunny days and al fresco dining, you can also make some excellent cocktails with this wine. Next time you're looking for a celebration drink or maybe a nice brunch beverage, try one of the following:

Prosecco Blush
1/4 cup chilled sparkling grapefruit juice or pink grapefruit juice
1/3 cup chilled Prosecco
1 2-inch long strip of grapefruit zest for garnish
Pour grapefruit soda in a champagne flute and top with Prosecco. Garnish with zest.

The original Bellini recipe from Harry's Bar in Venice
One third fresh peach juice and two thirds chilled Prosecco sparkling wine. Make sure to pour the peach juice into the glass first. That's it, enjoy perfection.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/27/business/28prosecco.php

http://www.wineloverspage.com/italwineguide/prosecco.phtml