Everything you need to know about Prosecco

16 November 2016, by Sarah Gough

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We're excited to present the first in a new series on how to enjoy Box Grove Vineyard wines at their best — from storing to serving, and everything in between. We'll decode each variety and hopefully make it a little easier for you to choose your wines.

Let's begin with a look at one of our favourite summer varietals — Prosecco. It's one of the first grapes we pick and the first wine we bottle each year.

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ORIGINS

Prosecco is the term applied to the fresh aromatic, sparkling wine made from the prosecco grape. In recent years, the Italian style of sparkling wine has surged in popularity in Australia.

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PROCESS

Our Prosecco goes through two ferments, one from grapes to a crisp, light dry white wine. And the second, in a big tank, to get it's lovely little bubbles, which we capture by bottling as soon as the ferment is complete.

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TASTE

Best described as a light-bodied, aromatic wine, bursting with zingy flavours of fresh apple, nashi pear and an exuberant hint of lemon.

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STORAGE

Keep a few bottles in the fridge to enjoy spontaneously with friends while the wine is fresh and young.

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PAIRINGS

The fine, gentle bubbles and lower alcohol make it perfect to enjoy any time of day – a relaxed brunch, a light lunch or a pre-dinner aperitif. Delicious on it's own or add a dash of Aperol and mineral water with a twist of orange for a stylish Spritzer.

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MIX IT UP

Lighter than Champagne, Prosecco is the ideal base for sophisticated and refreshing summer cocktails.

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Gertrude Street Enoteca Prosecco Spritz

A year or so ago a girlfriend told me she had discovered her new favourite drink — a Prosecco Spritz — something she'd tried at Gertrude Street Enoteca during the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.

This simple cocktail is THE drink of summer. Try it yourself as a refreshing aperitif or with a delicious Italian panini. Thanks to Enoteca's Jamie Broadway for sharing the recipe.