The new Prosecco DOC Rosé category continues to impress. The Consorzio's rigid standards for Rosé DOC - between the two exclusive varieties allowed, the quantities required of each variety, the vintage prerequisite, the longer fermentation period and the narrower residual sugar allowances - are creating a more homogenous category that is easier to navigate than the (non-rosé) Prosecco DOC category. I'm happy to report that the Caposaldo entry in the field performs nicely. Of notable interest is the fact that 100% of the grapes are hand-picked.
Read MoreCorvezzo makes exclusively organic Prosecco, over half of which is estate grown. This bold choice was made by third generation "happy farmer" Giovanni Corvezzo as soon as he came to work full-time at the family farm near Treviso, one of two historical centers of the Prosecco production region. Not only has the switch to organic farming given Giovanni healthier grapes with thicker skins good for fending off the Veneto's occasionally finicky weather, he believes the wines are tastier, too. I can't say anything about the pre-organic wines, but these certainly are good wines, especially for the money.
Read MoreCasa Paladin makes truly striking rosé - both still and bubbly. The Pinot Grigio rosé is particularly fun for its play on Pinot Grigio's natural pink and gray clusters, meriting a favorite notation "*". The packaging of all these wines is striking, too, especially the Prosecco bottles.
Read MoreHailing from a stunning new winery built in the shape of the surrounding, undulating hills with vines planted atop the roof, the innovative architecture certainly fits with founder Ermenegildo Giusti's construction business background. This striking building is not the only on the property; just 1,100 yards away is the Abbey of Sant'Eustachio, a Romanesque structure built in 1000 CE. The pair create a compelling reason to visit and take a stroll through the vineyards with a glass of wine in hand.
Read MoreBallet slipper pink, this newly minted Prosecco Rosé DOC comes with a label featuring photographer Giò Martorana's 20-foot shot of the wall leading to Juliet's house in Verona that features love notes. The bottle is as striking as the love graffiti on the label - rather squat with low shoulders. The Famiglia Pasqua certainly knows how to differentiate its wines on shelves. They have a knack for cutting-edge packaging.
Read MoreFor the wine geeks: while made in the Nino Franco cellars in Valdobbiadene, this blended spumante (80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) technically is not a Prosecco for several reasons. The differences add up to make the Faìve Rosé Brut a more intense and concentrated sparkling with with a definitively dry edge and focused finish
Read MoreProsecco recently has seen a tidal wave of change at every quality level. The popularity of the DOC wines has driven global markets for sparkling wines in recent years, making even Champagne sweat.
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