Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
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    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
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    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
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If you thought you knew Prosecco, think again.  Fresh and fruity, this Italian sparkling wine is fun, but the star wines of the classic hillside regions of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene are serious contenders for some of the best bubbly wines out there.  Elegant, floral, and mineral, Prosecco Superiore can go glass to glass with other classic sparklers, its effervescence, body, and balance a reflection of these classic winegrowing areas, tradition and TLC in winemaking.
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Americans have been fascinated by Prosecco for decades, closely linked to the Italian ideal of “La Bella Vita”, the good life.  Right after the end of World War II, Prosecco first captured the world’s attention through the Bellini, the famous cocktail invented by Harry’s Bar in Venice.  Then on its own merits, this fresh and fruity sparkler continued to climb in popularity in the US, becoming the top selling sparkling wine over the past few years.  Light on the palate and pocket, with most bottles selling for $15 or under, Prosecco’s popularity has continued to rise.  But not all Prosecco are created equal.  The best Prosecco captures the essence of the Veneto, the Northeastern Italian countryside from where it comes, redolent of golden apple and pear, fragrant with white flowers and notes of citrus, crisp with a mineral vein, and a lingering finish, through an effervescent bubble stream that tickles the nose and palate.
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Rive di Farra di Soligo, Courtesy of Consorzio di Tutela Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG
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Rive di Combai, Courtesy of Consorzio di Tutela Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG
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Rive di Combai, Courtesy of Consorzio di Tutela Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG
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In the ancient hill towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, where vineyards cling to the steep hillsides and bask in the mild climate and full sun, still wine has been made for over 1,000 years.  With technological innovation over 200 years ago, Prosecco was born.  Yet winegrape growing has been frozen in time, with steep vineyards resisting any effort to modernize.  Here, heroic viticulture requires good balance and no fear of heights, while hand-harvesting the grapes demands ingenuity, as in buckets hoisted up with pulleys to a waiting tractor bin.
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Courtesy Bortolomiol
Young and charming, Prosecco sets itself apart from the traditional method sparkling wines, such as Champagne, through its flavor profile, which is directly related to its production method.  Prosecco’s fizz is produced by secondary fermentation in large steel tanks or autoclaves, known as the Charmat method, that keeps the wine under pressure until it is ready to be bottled, preserving the fresh fruity character of the Glera grape.  But secondary fermentation in the bottle is also a viable option for the higher quality Prosecco Superiore, which gives the wine a complex character through extended aging.
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Courtesy of Consorzio di Tutela Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG
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Although Prosecco is wildly popular, in the past decade, there has been some confusion, since the grape varietal, region, and wine were all labeled Prosecco.  So in 2009, the wine producing regions were more clearly drawn, with the highest quality DOCG wines coming from the classic hillside areas of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.  The grape varietal was renamed Glera, but the name of the wine remained Prosecco.  Riding the wave of demand, the highest quality Conegliano Valdobbiadene wines saw a big jump in production from 2015 to 2016, from 25% of all Prosecco produced to almost 30% of the current crop.
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Rive di Farra di Soligo, Courtesy of Consorzio di Tutela Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG
The Prosecco DOC/DOCG label reflects a commitment to quality wine from nine provinces in the Veneto region, and can be made in three styles.  Spumante is sparkling, with a fine, long-lasting bubble stream, and can be either Brut, Extra Dry, or Dry, a designation of the sugar content in the wine, with dry actually the sweetest wine.  Frizzante is semi-sparkling, with a lighter bubble stream that dissipates quickly.  And Tranquillo is a still wine, bottled right after the first fermentation.  The Glera grape makes up the majority of the blend, at least 85% and up to 100%, with other approved grapes rounding out the mix.  Prosecco is often at its best when consumed in the year after the vintage on the bottle, expressing its fresh and fruity fragrance, but Millesimato, or single vintage wines, benefit from aging, yielding a more complex sparkler.
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Glera grapes, Courtesy of Col Vetoraz
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Cartizze Vineyard, Courtesy of Consorzio di Tutela Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG
The thirst for quality and value is driving many consumers to take a second look at these Prosecco wines.  Within the Prosecco quality pyramid, the base is formed by Prosecco DOC, the most common wine from the flatlands.  Moving up to the DOCG wines, 15 communes or villages make up Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, while a step above, Prosecco Superiore Rive from 43 specific sites in individual towns and hamlets, and the jewel in the crown is the Cru single vineyard Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze.
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Alan Tardi conducted a master class in Prosecco Superiore
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Recently, I had a chance to explore these superior quality Prosecco wines at AOC Restaurant in Los Angeles, in a master class conducted by Alan Tardi, a wine and food writer who is currently the Prosecco US Ambassador for the Conegliano Valdobbiadene organization.  What really sets Prosecco Superiore apart is the “difference in personality”, according to Tardi, “the primary floral and fruit character can be complex and subtle.”   He explained why wine drinkers should seek out these wines, “It makes a really important, fundamental difference, because it’s not just about regulations or aging, it’s about growing area.  For anyone that cares about wine, where the wine comes from obviously makes a huge difference, because it’s an expression of a particular place, tradition, and vintage.”  And so only Conegliano Valdobbiadene Spumante DOCG wines can be labelled Prosecco Superiore, displayed on the DOCG strip on the bottle.  These hand-crafted wines reflect the close relationship between growers and winemakers, with over 3,400 growers tending the vines for 600-800 hours in a season, providing fruit for 178 wineries, they are united in their goal to elevate classic Prosecco above the simpler DOC wines.
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Ten Prosecco Superiore wines, from Brut Nature to Extra Dry, were poured, and here are my impressions:
1)    Astoria Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry “Corederie” (SRP $11)
       fruity and floral, slightly sweet, balanced, long finish
2)    Drusian Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry (SRP $15)
       persistent bubbles, baked golden apple, mineral, elegant, good body, Very good         
3)    Tenuta Due Castelli Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut (SRP $23)
        fresh and mineral, citrus, peach, and green apple aromas, Excellent
4)    Tenuta degli Ultimi Sanguefreddo Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry (SRP $14)
        floral, fruity with apple, pear, and citrus zest, almond note on finish, Very good
5)    Col Vetoraz Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG Dry (SRP $12)
       so effervescent and elegant, floral, mineral, great balance and a touch of creaminess, long finish, holy smokes, this is fantastic!
       Outstanding wine     
6)    Sommariva Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut (SRP $14)
       nice balance of fruit
7)    Conte Collalto Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut (SRP $16)
       smooth, round, and friendly, Very good
8)    BiancaVigna Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut Millesimato 2016 (SRP $16)
       mineral with good mouthfeel, Very good
9)    Ca’ Di Rajo Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut “Cuvée del Fondatore” (SRP $15)
       floral and fruity, apple, lemon, and grapefruit, mineral, good body
10)  Bortolomiol Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut Nature DOCG Rive di San Pietro di Barbozza “Grande
     Cuvée del Fondatore Motus Vitae" Millesimato 2015
 
(SRP $20)
     lots of acidity with little residual sugar, best with food
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Worthy of gracing dinner tables and celebrations from coast to coast, these high quality beauties bring a new dimension to Prosecco wines, most for under $20.  Time to celebrate in style!