Fresh, light, young and uncomplicated, prosecco originated in north-eastern Italy and took over the world. Photo: iStock
Prosecco is the name and the wine on everyone’s lips, judging from the racks of bottles of the product, both Australian and imported, in my local bottle-oh. Fresh, light, young and uncomplicated, prosecco originated in north-eastern Italy and took over the world. Its universal popularity sparked an Australian spin-off: beginning in the King Valley of Victoria, winegrowers began planting the prosecco grape and making their own. Result: an explosion in the market for this inexpensive, fizzy white wine. Usually made in a slightly sweet style, it makes a good thirst-quencher or aperitif, and a great mixer in spritzers. In my experience it does its best work in an Aperol spritz or a Bellini cocktail. Lately, pink or rosé prosecco is suddenly everywhere.
Billy Button Prosecco NV, King & Alpine Valleys, $22
Score: 90
Jo Marsh and Glenn James produce an astounding range of alternative varietals, mostly Italian, in the King and Alpine Valleys of north-east Victoria, based at Bright.
This is a benchmark for prosecco. Its colour is youthfully pale with a vigorous mousse, and there’s a fresh, clean, gently floral aroma that is typical of the grape. It’s very delicate, restrained and refined, with a near bone-dry balance and finishes with refreshing acidity. A simple young bubbly that’s extremely well made. Crown seal; 10.5 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Best enjoyed young.
Stockists include: Wine Republic, Melbourne; Coogee Bay Hotel, Sydney
De Bortoli Prosecco Rosé NV, King Valley $18
Score: 87
Riverina and Yarra Valley-based family company De Bortoli is always right on-trend, and so it is with pink prosecco.
This is a very good example of its type. The appearance is bright, light pink with a vigorous collar of bubbles, the bouquet fresh and inviting with an attractive muscat overtone. The wine is full, rounded and fluffy textured in the mouth with a surprisingly dry balance and subsequent clean finish. Keen value. Diam; 11.5 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Best enjoyed young.
Stockists include: First Choice Liquor (Australia); Glengarry (NZ)
Babo Prosecco Rosé 2019, Italy $28
Score: 86
This is a DOC (appellation-controlled) prosecco produced by Tasmanian winemaker Justin Bubb, whose main gig is with his wife Anna Pooley at Pooley Wines. He also produces Italian table wines under the Babo label.
This wine has a pale coral-pink colour and a reserved aroma of strawberry and red cherry, sweet and grapy – which is also how it tastes. The sugar level is on the high side and the wine is aimed at the broadest market, where it ticks all the boxes. Cork; 11.5 per cent alcohol.
Ageing? Best within three years.
Stockists include: Decanters by the Bay, Melbourne; United Cellars, Sydney