Another dream came true this year: I finally made it to the vineyards on harvesting month in Europe. This dream has allured me for a few years. What a fantastic harvest adventure at Prosecco DOC area.
I was delighted to be invited by Enoitalia (the largest privately owned winery of Italy), Alberto Nani Prosecco and Asda to the hilly and clay-rich terroir of Prosecco to experience the Glera (Prosecco grape), picking.
Arriving at the vineyards
The local scenery is just stunning, and September weather is ideal for the harvest, as it’s not too hot. I really enjoyed it and felt utterly disconnected from the world, surrendering to the tranquillity of the vineyard.
Joining the group of pickers was a joy. I just loved the atmosphere, the sounds and smells of the area.
First, we were given hats, gloves and hand pruners, all ready to immerse ourselves into the grape picking. Before you ask, I did eat some grapes – they were not too big, and had the right balance of acid and sweetness.
How to pick grapes
Hold a bundle of grapes in one hand and snip the whole bunch off the vine with the garden pruners. Don’t try to break off the cluster, which is challenging, as it will damage the plant. Gently place each bunch in the bucket provided.
Grape harvesting is the most crucial step in the process of wine-making. It is determined primarily by the ripeness of the grapes, sugar, acidity and tannin levels by the winemaker based on the style of wine.
The Vinification of Prosecco
After picking the grapes, a truck takes the haul to the winery where the rest of the vinification magic happens. The vines get checked and then crushed, pressed, fermented, clarified, aged and bottled.
Alberto Nani Organic Extra Dry Prosecco DOC
Alberto Nani Organic Extra Dry Prosecco DOC is a wine created with a passion for nature and the discerning palate. It embodies the essence of this famous Italian signature sparkling wine: a pure expression of the region’s environment and terroir. Prosecco DOC is the most common quality level of Prosecco, which can be made in nine provinces spanning Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions.
It’s an Italian sparkling wine that is versatile, vibrant, intense, complex on the palate and rather elegant.
This particular Prosecco label was inspired by the chalkboards present in some restaurants; perhaps it’s a subtle proposition that it should be in your wine list!
Prosecco food pairings
During our stay, we tried Alberto Nani Organic Extra Dry Prosecco DOC, with a few foods during aperitivo hour. This Italian sparkling is not too sweet – being extra-dry it contains just over half a gram of sugar per glass. Therefore, it pairs well with saltiness, with low acidic foods, and it is very agreeable with desserts and even cakes.
Try it with salty cold meats and Italian cheeses, especially the Gorgonzola and Grana Padano. It’s also a wonderful accompaniment to sardines escabeche, salted cod and polenta, and fresh heritage tomatoes.
Due to its subtle sweetness, aromatics and bubbles, Prosecco also matches well with curries and Southeast Asian dishes.
It makes excellent cocktails too! Try to make a Mimosa: two parts sparkling wine to one part juice (usually orange), or a Prosecco Royale with the addition of crème de cassis. The Spagliato is another popular drink:four parts of Prosecco, one part sweet vermouth and one part Campari, Served with a twist of orange zest.
The Bellini is made of sparkling wine and peach liquor. And let’s not forget the very popular Aperol Spritz: Prosecco andAperol topped with soda.
The combinations and variations on cocktails using Prosecco are endless!
Good news for vegans!
Due to Alberto Nani’s commitment to sustainable organic farming, their Organic Extra Dry Prosecco DOC has gained vegan certification*From 2020, all their wines will have this certification on their labels.
You can buy this delightful Prosecco at Asda at £9/bottle (750ml).
*Certified by ICEA
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See behind the scenes :
PIN FOR LATER
Disclosure: I was invited on a press trip to learn about Prosecco Alberto Nani. Everything you are reading here are my words, my opinions and, unless otherwise, stated my pictures. Please ask permission to reproduce/use any images.
