A journey down the ‘Prosecco Road’ through northeastern Italy in the Veneto wine region about 4- miles north of Venice is one of the magic carpet rides of travel.
Located in 50-thousand acres of pristinely terraced rolling green hills, with its scenic medieval castles and fog-shrouded towers, it almost resembles a fairy-tale land. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is no accident that this idyllic region also produces some of the most coveted and tasty sparkling wines in all of Europe, the Prosecco Superiore DOCG of Conegliano Valdobbiadene. It’s a mouthful to say, but it also an easy sparkler to drink just on its own or with a casual light, late summer meal.
Once entirely consumed in the hushed privacy of these sunny hills, it is readily enjoyed at restaurants, wine bars and just about every store or specialty shop where you buy your favorite wines. A recent wine showcase in Chicago, sponsored by members of the Consorzio di Tutela Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG in Chicago brought together about a dozen winemakers who flew over from Italy to show off 30 sparkling wines with a selection of cheeses and salumis and other light bites typical of the area. Among the winemakers was Luigi Stramare of Gemin with his Prosecco Superiore DOCG. An outstanding value at just $22, this is exactly the type of versatile, medium-dry sparkling wine that is guaranteed to satisfy even the most finicky palate.
Light, crisp, and lemony, with a nice, toasted finish, Gemin Prosecco Superiore tasted great with a mouthful of soft Fontina Cheese. It also made for nice company with a handful of fresh tasting olives and the thinly sliced Prosciutto with melon that was plated nearby. A nice Caprese Salad of sliced Marzano tomatoes with fresh Basil and Fresh Mozzarella is the perfect dish to start a lazy afternoon lunch. A nice plate of Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Paste dusted with grated Asiago and crushed fresh Oregano or finely shredded Italian Flat Leaf Parsley is the proper way to enjoy yet another glass of this easy-to-drink Italian bubbly.
Some Lemon Gelato or a slice of Hazelnut encrusted Panettone is a nice way to round out a perfect day.