A Bluffer's Guide to Prosecco

Overview

There are plenty of aspects of Italian living that we should learn from - like refusing to do any work during a one hour lunch break, or sprinkling fresh mozzarella on your pizza (none of that pre-shredded business). And while we're yet to incorporate many ways of Italian life, there is one thing that we've recently acquired from the fair boot-shaped country: the beloved sparkling wine Prosecco.

Wondering what this charming Italian beverage actually is? Well, today’s your lucky day because - with the help of Riccadonna, who've just recently launched their own Prosecco range - we’re here to educate you on the new entrant to the bubbles section of the menu.

Prosecco 101

Prosecco is produced using the Charmat method. This basically means it’s bubbled in a stainless steel tank as opposed to in its bottle like Champagne. Hence why it is more affordable. However, if you'd like to be a bit fancier (and paying just a little bit more), look out for Prosecco Spumante (i.e. fully sparkling wine), which is made like Champagne using the metodo classico.

Where's It From?

Prosecco is a sparkling white wine made from Glera grapes (a.k.a. ‘Prosecco’ grapes) that are grown in the divine region of Veneto in Northeast Italy. Typically dry or extra dry, it’s younger, lighter and fresher than its French frenemy Champagne. With its affordable price, growing local street cred and increased availability in supermarkets and liquor stores, it’s slowly becoming a popular alternative to its French cousin.

Prosecco Cocktails

Prosecco is a highly adaptable drink, perfect for nearly every occasion as well as being easy to mix into cocktails. In fact, it just so happens to be the original sparkling wine used in the legendary Bellini cocktail, and who can say no to one of those? It's not too hard to make it yourself either: just add one tablespoon of white peach purée to your chilled glass of Prosecco.

Another cocktail alternative to try is the Aperol Spritz. We’ll be drinking ours poolside, with a Caprese on the side.

Classic Bellini

The Bellini was invented in the 30s by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy. The drink named after the Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini is considered one of the best sparkling cocktails in the world.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon white peach puree
• Fill with Riccadonna Prosecco
• Keep all ingredients as cold as possible.

Preparation

The classic Bellini recipe is very simple.

1. Just put one tablespoon of white peach puree into the bottom of a chilled flute glass.
2. Now fill the glass slowly with Riccadonna Prosecco and stirs up the puree.

Aperol Spritz

This simple Italian cocktail is the drink of summer. Aperol is an Italian orange aperitif liqueur, and the Aperol Spritz is one of the lightest cocktails in the world having only 7 to 8% alcohol.

Ingredients

• 3 parts Riccadonna Prosecco
• 2 parts Aperol (see Tips for where to buy)
• 1 part soda water
• Slice of orange

Preparation:

1. Pour over ice and top with a slice of orange (we like to serve ours in a large bowl-style wine glass).

Sgroppino al Limone

Another refreshing Venetian drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups good-quality lemon sorbet, softened
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 1/3 cup Riccadonna Prosecco chilled
• Zest of one lemon

Preparation:

1. Chill 4 flutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk lemon ice cream until smooth.
3. Gradually whisk (do not use a blender) in the vodka and Riccadonna Prosecco. Don't whisk too much or it will become too liquid. You must whisk the Riccadonna Prosecco in by hand because a machine will melt the ingredients. You don't want it too thick, but you don't want it real thin, either.
4. Pour mixture into a pitcher and serve immediately in chilled flutes, tall glasses, or goblets.
5. Sprinkle lemon zest on top. Serve with small spoons. NOTE: The drinks will separate if left standing.

Where to Find It?

Look out for the Italian bubbles on the menu of all good restaurants and bars. Or for a more affordable tipple, why not not grab a bottle of Riccadonna Prosecco from any good supermarket or liquor store? Riccadonna Prosecco has just recently been released in New Zealand for $17.99.