Springtime conjures up images of relaxing outside and enjoying all that nature provides, and nowhere is this truer than in the wine-producing regions of Italy.
Situated at the foothills of northeast Italy between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, sits a masterpiece called Villa Sandi. This Palladian-style villa is an enchanting and magical estate; magical in the thrill and sense of enchantment that happens when grapes are transformed into a sparkling liquid gold.
In the Veneto region surrounding the areas of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the lively, approachable and inexpensive bubbly, prosecco, is artfully produced.
Influenced in equal measures by gentle breezes from the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, the grapes in this area grow in a cool climate with ample rainfall and yet experience numerous, sunny days. The name of the wine comes from its principal grape varietal, Prosecco. It is the only place in the world where true prosecco wine may be produced and legally named so. After a 2009 European ruling, which was similar to the protection laws that govern champagne, any wine using the grape outside of the designated DOC and DOCG areas must refer to the varietal as Glera.
At Villa Sandi, the main namesake offerings of prosecco are the Il Fresco DOC Brut and the Superiore DOCG Extra Dry. Both appear very pale, straw yellow in color and exhibit an agreeably fruity and harmonious finish on the palate.Unlike other producers, Villa Sandi refrigerates the prosecco must upon crushing, keeping it fresh and fermenting it on demand. A recent sister offering to the lineup for this spring is Il Fresco Rosé, a light rose-colored prosecco produced from a blend of Pinot Nero and Glera.
Springtime is the perfect season to try one of these light, affordable and fun proseccos, either alone as an aperitif or in an aperol spritz. Salute.