Another month means another sparkling toast from us to the future. This time, we raise a glass of Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Not only does this wonderful Italian sparkler add light and life to our day, but it also does it with a low 11% alcohol so that we can have a glass for lunch and then go back to work.
(Note: We're not recommending that you drink and drive or do critical tasks after a glass of wine. We walk to our home office and only operate keyboards and cameras.)
This wine is 100% Glera, the traditional grape for Prosecco. In fact, the grape was called Prosecco for most of its history until recently. According to Wikipedia, the book "Il roccolo Ditirambo," written by Aureliano Acanti in 1754 says, "And now I would like to wet my mouth with that Prosecco with its apple bouquet."
This sparkler is also a great value when you can find it around the $15.99 price at retail. We bought ours at Bauer Wine & Spirits on Newbury Street.
It is straw colored with persistent bubbles and a crisp, pleasant flavor and, yes, an apple note that makes you understand how a host in the Veneto or Friuli regions of Italy might greet evey guest with a glass of this as a sparkling welcome.
You'll also find it on wine lists across the area. While it is about to rotate off the list at Island Creek Oyster Bar in Kenmore Square, we did enjoy a glass for lunch last week and could return to work and accomplish something post Nino! (Island Creek also has a reserve offering from Nino Franco on the current list that you may want to try.)
We're on the hunt for more wines in the 12% alcohol or less category. We'll also be posing this topic to some of our wine mentors and reporting back on their recommendations.
If you find a good one, let us know.
Here's more about Our Sparkling Resolution
And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List
Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon
The Food Lover's Guide to Wine
The New Wine Lover's Companion
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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino
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