August 13, 2020

Today on CTV Morning Live, CTVs Jasmin Ibrahim and Sommelier Matt Steeves we’re celebrating National Prosecco Day with some fan-favourite Prosecco, Prosecco cocktails, and food pairing tips to enjoy with this world-renowned sparkling wine.

Prosecco is produced in northern Italy, north of Venice, and Northeast of Verona where mountain-influenced wine regions produce fresh wines ideally suited for sparkling wine production. Using primarily Glera grapes, with a second fermentation in large pressurized tanks to capture the natural bubbles, Prosecco has become one of the world’s most popular styles of sparkling wine for its delicious flavours, refreshing bubbles, affordable prices (often $15 (+/-$5) CDN per bottle), and food friendliness, as Prosecco basically translates into ‘pairs with anything’, kidding about the translation but in practice it is legitimately super versatile and seems to pair with anything between breakfast, brunch, lunch, pool-side, cocktail hour, dinner, and late night celebrations!

 

 

In addition to its great food-friendly nature, Prosecco also makes a great base for some of the most popular sparking cocktails, including one of my favourite Italian cocktails, Aperol Spritz.

This iconic Italian cocktail features a simple, 3-2-1, Prosecco-Aperol-soda water recipe, making it easy to whip-up, easy to customize with garnishes, and easy to enjoy!  PS: It’s ok to add ice to a Spritz!  In fact, it’s a key part of keeping that drink ice-cold and as refreshing as intended!  

 

If you haven’t tried a Spritz then I’d highly recommend doing so today, and treat your guests to this wonderful Prosecco-based cocktail.  

The list of Prosecco cocktails goes on and on…Here’s another favourite of mine, which is perfectly suited for these hot summer evenings…The Lemon Sorbet and Prosecco float…

Lemon Sorbet and Prosecco cocktail float – this iced cocktail provides the perfect post-dinner dessert treat and is super easy to whip up. With only four ingredients: Prosecco, lemon sorbet, lemon slices and mint for garnish, you’ll be impressing your dinner guests with limited effort in this super refreshing cocktail. Take one scoop of lemon sorbet and top up with Prosecco then garnish with mint…and voila, another excellent cocktail!

 

img_6573

 

Another favourite summer Prosecco cocktail is the Mint-Cucumber-Sparkler, combining Prosecco, Vodka, with a splash of simple syrup, and lemon juice…all to make a superbly refreshing bubbly cocktail on ice.

cucumber-mint-vodka-prosecco-cocktail
Mint-Cucumber-Sparkler

For the Mint-Cucumber-Sparkler combine 3 ounces of Prosecco, 1 ounce of Vodka, 1.5 ounces of mint infused simple syrup, and a half ounce of lemon juice.  Garnish with fresh seedless cucumber slices and mint, and top up with ice. 

Try a Pineapple-Mint-Prosecco-Punch…another great summer cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 1 – 750 mL bottle Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG

  • 2 cups pineapple juice

  • 1 cup orange juice

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

  • Sprigs of fresh mint

  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks 

  • 1 orange, cut in half, and thinly sliced

  • 1 lemon, ends removed and thinly sliced

Instructions:

  • Using a large pitcher, add pineapple chunks, orange slices, lemon slices, and a handful of mint sprigs to the pitcher.

  • Pour in the Santa Margherita Prosecco. Add the pineapple, orange, and lemon juices. Stir to combine.

  • Fill rocks or wine glasses with ice and pour in the punch. Garnish with a chunk of pineapple and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately.

 

As mentioned above, Prosecco is super food friendly…complementing practically all meals, from breakfast and brunch, to lunch, afternoon snacks, dinner, and dessert.  Prosecco pairs with practically any finger foods, charcuterie platters, chips, popcorn, and fresh salads with grilled orchard fruit and ripe berries.  Prosecco also helps make any gathering feel extra special when bubbles are served, making it another great reason to pour more bubbly with your meals. 

Try fresh salads with grilled peaches, field berries, and tangy balsamic dressing with Prosecco.
Charcuterie is perfect with Prosecco

So as we celebrate National Prosecco Day, I invite you to also enjoy some tasty Prosecco with whatever meal you’d like, or in a special summer cocktail, and remember that sparkling wine is great all year round, and for any occassion!

Here are my recommended Prosecco offerings to check out:

Ruffino Prosecco

A very approachable (and value priced) Prosecco exhibiting beautiful orchard fruit and a pleasant note of fresh baked bread. Refreshing fine bubbles make this wine great on its own, yet pairs wonderfully with your favourite appetizers. This would make a great house-bubbly to keep on-hand (and chilled) for those impromptu celebrations or just to enjoy on a Friday evening. 89 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

ruffinoprosecco

Ruffino Prosecco available at LCBO ($17.95) and across Canada at wine boutiques

 

Santa Margherita Prosecco

Santa Margherita’s Brut Prosecco Superiore is a terrific option when looking for a refreshing sparkling wine. Made from 100% Glera grapes, this Prosecco has lively bubbles with crisp pear and white peach aromas and a delicious apple finish persisting on the refreshed palate. Great for pairing with rich appetizers, and makes a terrific ‘spritz’ which is ideal in the summer sun. 89 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

SantaMargherittaProsecco

Santa Margherita Prosecco available at LCBO ($19.95) and other wine boutiques across Canada

 

La Marca Prosecco

A crisp, dry Italian sparkling wine with notes of lemon zest and lime. What an amazing bubbly for the price. Ideal for celebrations and gifts. Perfect as a chilled aperitif or companion to seafood. 89 points.  http://www.nataliemaclean.com

LaMarca

La Marca Prosecco available at LCBO ($17.95) and other wine boutiques across Canada

Advertisement