Prosecco - The Sparkling Wine of Italy

Photo by Fran Taylor on Unsplash

Sparkling wines always seem to be special. And plenty of corks get popped each year. It’s estimated that in 2024, the global consumption of sparkling wine was about 5.4 billion liters or 7.2 billion bottles!

In 2024, the Prosecco DOC denomination of Italy produced about 660 million bottles. So, Prosecco DOC accounts for about 9‑10% of global sparkling wine consumption.

Prosecco is the sparkling wine from the Veneto region of northeastern Italy that is often compared to the best known sparkling wine, Champagne. But, unlike Champagne, it is produced using the Charrmat method where the secondary fermentation occurs in large stainless steel tanks versus in the bottle. And, the grapes used in Prosecco but be at least 85% Glera whereas Champagne is produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Prosecco’s bubbles do tend to be larger and actually softer than Champagne.

Prosecco is produced in several quality levels:

• Prosecco DOC - The most common Prosecco that is produced is the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giula regions

• Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superior DOCG - a top-tier Prosecco made exclusively in a specific hilly area of Veneto

• Prosecco Colli Asolani DOCG - Known as Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, this is the second DOCG-level Prosecco zone though smaller and less famous

• Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore Rive DOCG - Some of the highest-quality, terroir-specific sparkling wines within the Prosecco world

• Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG - The most prestigious, limited, and luxurious of the entire Prosecco classification system

These Prosecco sparkling wines are produced in the following styles:

• Extra Brut - Contains 0-6 g/L of Residual Sugar that tend to somewhat rare

• Brut - Contains 0-12 g/L of Residual Sugar with crisp, clean and zesty flavors

• Extra Dry - Contains 12-17 g/L of Residual Sugar with sweet, fruit flavors

• Dry - Contains 17-32 g/L of Residual Sugar that is sweet and rich, a dessert-like wine

So, be sure to look for and try Prosecco. It’s a lot more affordable than Champagne with similar light, fresh and fruity flavors. Perfect for any celebration for just sipping with most any food. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Finca Los Principes Rioja Gran Reserva

2016 Finca Los Principes Rioja Gran Reserva ($19.99)

Finca “Los Principes” (The Princes) is a wine from the Spanish wine region of Rioja.

This wine is made from grapes grown in a historic vineyard in the foothills of the Cantabria Mountains that stretch across northern Spain. The winery has six generations of winemaking experience.

This Rioja wine is produced from 100% Tempranillo grapes. Per the standards for a “Gran Reserva,” it was required to undergo a minimum of five years of aging, with at least two of those years in oak barrels.

This Finca Los Principes Rioja Gran Reserva is a medium ruby red in color with big aromas of red fruit, oak and herbal notes including tobacco. On the palate, this is a medium-full bodied wine with nice flavors of red cherry, black cherry and fig. The oak aging leads to some subtle flavor of cocoa. This wine is medium-high in tannin and acidity and finishes a bit spicy with an every so slight tartness.

Gran Reserva wines from Rioja can be extraordinary. And, this Finca Los Principes is indeed. And, at this price, is a terrific fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Ever Wonder? What Does it Mean for a Wine to be Described as Bright?

Photo by Noelia Vega on Unsplash

Have you ever heard or read about a wine being described as “Bright?” You may have wondered what this really means. So, let’s take a quick look at “bright” wines.

When someone describes a wine as "bright" they are referring to the fact that it has high acidity.

Wines with high acidity are also described as refreshing, crisp, and zesty on the palate — like biting into a green apple or a lemon. This acidity gives the wine a clean, sharp edge and makes it lively rather than what might be described as soft or heavy.

Bright Wines:

• Usually light to medium body wines

• They have fresh and vibrant flavors

• They will often have tart fruit notes such as green apple, citrus, pineapple, cranberry or sour cheery

• These wines leave your mouth feeling cool on their finish — it feels like it "cleans" your mouth after a sip

• High-acidity wines will actually make your mouth salivate. That’s one of the key ways your body reacts to acidity in general, not just in wine.

  • Acidity in wine triggers your salivary glands, especially under your tongue and along your cheeks, to produce saliva

Here are just a few examples of wines that are high in acidity:

• White Wines

  • Sauvignon Blanc

  • Pinot Grigio

  • Albariño

  • Vermentino

  • Pinot Grigio (a.k.a. Pinot Gris)

• Red Wines

  • Barbera

  • Pinot Noir

  • Sangiovese (a key component in Chianti)

  • Gamay

“Bright” acidic wines are often enjoyed in warm weather but are also a great compliment to many rich and/or fatty foods. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Puerta de Plata Red Blend

2023 Puerta de Plata ($7.99)

Puerta de Plata (i.e., Silver Door) wine is produced in Spain and bottled by Terra Cellars.

It is made from 60% Tempranillo and 40% Garnacha. A bit of on-line searching seems to indicate this wine was aged for 12 months in American and French oak.

This wine is medium ruby red in color with a nice aroma of cherry, along with herbal notes and some hints of its oak aging. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine has flavors of cherry (from the Tempranillo) and blackberry (from the Garacha). It has medium tannin and medium acidity that leads to a lightly spicy and slightly jammy finish.

It’s hard to beat this Puerta de Plata wine for its nice flavor and value. This makes it a great fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Ever Wonder? What is a GSM Wine?

Photo by Valeria Terekhina on Unsplash

You may have come across a wine either on a wine list or on the store shelf that’s called a “GSM” and wondered what kind of wine it is. So, let’s take a look at this funny acronym wine.

A “GSM” wine refers to a blend of three specific grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. This blend was first developed in the Rhône Valley of France where it has been made for centuries. But today, it has also become popular in regions like Australia (especially in the Barossa Valley), California (especially Paso Robles), and other New World wine regions.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the three grape varieties that make up a GSM blend:

• Grenache (Greh-NAHSH): Known for its red fruit flavors, such as strawberry and raspberry, and often has a spiciness or subtle peppery note. It provides body and fruitiness to the blend.

• Syrah (Sir-AH): Known for adding dark fruit flavors (blackberry, plum), along with spicy, savory, and smoky characteristics. It can contribute structure and depth.

• Mourvèdre (Moor-VEH-druh): Often adds tannins and acidity, along with earthy, gamey, and sometimes leathery flavors. It helps balance the fruitiness of Grenache and the intensity of Syrah.

The GSM blend is best known for being well-rounded, with good fruit flavors, structure, and spice. Grenache is the primary flavor contributor with red-fruit flavor of cherry, raspberry and strawberry. The Syrah provides dark fruit flavors such as plum, blackberry and blueberry. The Mourvèdre adds blackberry and fig notes while also adding herbal notes.

Depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made, a GSM can range from light and approachable to bold and complex, but typically falling in the medium-bodied class of wines.

So, next time you see a GSM blend give it a try. It’s a very versatile and affordable wine. Cheers!