Prosecco. Sparkling Wines From Italy

Prosecco. Sparkling Wines From Italy – Epsiode #314

September 13, 2007

Value wine week continues with one of the best deals out there – Prosecco.

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Comments on this episode(198) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Haven’t tried much decent sparkling white wine, but favourite sp…” by richardvinifera
“Running through a few old episodes.
QOTD: Bollinger Special Cuveé…” by Lau
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Wines tasted in this episode:

Zardetto ProseccoProsecco
Nino Franco Rustico ProseccoProsecco
Riondo ProseccoProsecco

198 Responses

September 13, 2007

CJM
#1
September 13, 2007

David Canada
OH yeah….top 5….
September 13, 2007

SS Chris
#3?
September 13, 2007

Grant
Top 5
September 13, 2007

Dan NYC
Love prosecco!!! can’t wait til my Italy trip next week.
September 13, 2007

BiggRigg
mmmm bubbly
September 13, 2007

Palmer
love prosecco too!
September 13, 2007

dmg
I need more champ. top 10!
September 13, 2007

Brian Kachel
WHOOT top 10 again

I have had regularly all 3 of those this summer!!
September 13, 2007

Nanook
I love a good Prosecco – Thanks Gary
September 13, 2007

The Celebrator
Gruet is my fav value sparkler. Best I’ve ever had was the ‘96 Charles Ellner Rose.
September 13, 2007

David Canada
Just had some prosecco last night a could not agree more…..leave the Dom for when someone else is paying…….some loser
QOTD – Some kind of Cava, can’t remember the name.
September 13, 2007

purplejuicebruce
early today
September 13, 2007

BiggRigg
QOTD: I recently had the 2000 Reserve Schramsberg. Very well done
September 13, 2007

stewart l
I’ll have to see if theses are available in PA. Definitely worth the price
QOD-Best champagne I’ve had- Duval Leroy 1996
September 13, 2007

Palmer
qotd: can paixano rosado straight from the cava bar in barcelona. nothing like it…
September 13, 2007

Susan
Gary-Early today!!!! YYEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
September 13, 2007

kevinresolution
Love’n prosecco! Great episode–I have been waiting to hear your thoughts on some of those wines. I have been bringing prosecco to celebrations for a couple years and they always go over well. My fav is the Riondo Prosecco you had on. Great value.

Hey, quick question Gary…how long, if at all, can you cellar these wines?
September 13, 2007

Karl Laczko
Strangely enough I’ve never had a Prosecco, you know I’m not big on the sparklers. That should answer the QOTD as well? (I did have a nice Cremant de Jura recently, good QPR).
September 13, 2007

SS Chris
WOW!!! and Episode under 10 minutes!!!!

I’ve never had a Prosecco…will most def seek one out!!
September 13, 2007

Deano
Gary great episode i love champagne. I will seek out some of this Prosecco.

QOTD:
-Mumm Napa Valley Red Champange I love this stuff!!!
September 13, 2007

Dusty
haven’t had a lot of sparkling. really liked the bollinger 98 i think it was, and also had the rustico you tried and liked it quite a bit. good show. short and sweet (like i like my women, jk).
September 13, 2007

Bossman
Put the striped shirt back on.

QOTD: Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante (don’t come empty handed).
September 13, 2007

Brendan L (SmokeyUST)
Not quite as on top of this as I was yesterday…
September 13, 2007

rob in indy
QOTD: SL Cellars Pour La Vie Almondine Sparkling Wine.. mmmm.. They wouldn’t ship back to Indiana when we visited them last November. Guess we’ll have to try the prosecco.
September 13, 2007

hess
domaine ste michelle blanc de noirs
September 13, 2007

1whitetree
QOTD: M & R Asti Spumante. Saturdays are good for me. Sounds like youre gonna have a busy month.
September 13, 2007

*/^_^*
QOTD: prosecco (don’t remember the name)

but out of the hundreds of bottles of wines i’ve consumed, i think 2 or 3 were sparkling, so i’m no expert….nothing against the sparkley’s, just haven’t got around to them yet,,,,
September 13, 2007

Dave
Don’t dis on Korbel!!! At least they’re in Sonoma. Bash Domaine Chandon, they’re owned by handbag makers…
September 13, 2007

CindyW
I love prosecco! Jeff and I have it every weekend, with Sunday brunch-breakfast, often with a couple of fresh berries popped in the glass. I’ve had some nice champagnes, but honestly the prosecco really makes me happier.

QOTD: so far, my favorite bubbly is Serenissima Prosecco.
September 13, 2007

1855class
**come quickly-im drinking stars!**-dom perignon
qotd: 95 krug -and asti of course, for pouring on hookers
September 13, 2007

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
QOTD: Gary, you’d better come to Syracuse cause M&R Asti Spumante is my ALL TIME FAVORITE SPARKING WINE!!! I bought 10 bottles last december and between gifts, christmas eve, christmas and new years, my family and I went through ALL of them… and my mom said she’d never buy any other sparkler cause it’s HER favorite now too! (I THINK we MAY have even gotten my grandfather to like it… and he’s been drinking the same cheapo yuck stuff forever, so that’s amazing.) I honestly compare every sparkler I have to it… and i’ve had few that i liked as much!
September 13, 2007

Apostrophe
Dear Gary, thank you for yet another excellent episode. I’ve been watching WLTV for quite a while now and enjoy it very much. Since you’ve repeatedly requested comments from us lurkers, I thought I’d pop a comment in and say thanks. You make a grand show. And don’t be sad even if people don’t leave that many comments or post on the forums. Imagine if even more people sent you email, you’d drown under it!

And now I leave you with a joke:

“Columbus, OH (AP) – A seven-year old boy was at the center of a
Franklin County courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court
ruling over who should have custody of him. The boy has a history of
being beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to
his aunt, in keeping with child custody law and regulation requiring
that family unity be maintained to the highest degree possible.

The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him
more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When
the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy
cried and said that they also beat him. After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was
apparently a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented
step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him.

After two recesses to check legal references and confer with the child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the University of Michigan Wolverines, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.”

– Apostrophe
September 13, 2007

Adria
the nino franco is my favorite ever!!!!! REALLY good with food, especially risotto.
September 13, 2007

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
and i agree… Dom isnt worth it unless someone is paying for it who doesnt care what it costs – good stuff, but there’s stuff I can afford that’s better!
September 13, 2007

vivaitalia
QOTD: My alltime favorite is definitely the M&R Asti Spumante. I’m not saying that because you mentioned it, I just want something sweet and delicious sometimes. I’ve been trying some sparkling reds from different areas that were great. I had a sparkling cabernet sauvignon from Australia last week that was stellar. I’m on my way to get some prosecco now.
September 13, 2007

Phil G
QOTD – Mestres Clos Nostre Senyor Cava (at the winery)
September 13, 2007

Neil
QOTD: Mumm Napa Reserve Brut. Good juice.
September 13, 2007

Neil
QOTD: Mumm Napa Reserve Brut. Good Juice.
September 13, 2007

Lynne
I’ve never had a Prosecco. I really have not had but a couple of sparklers.
1) Asti-Spumante at a wedding
2) A Schramsburg of some sort because we took their tour.
Bubblies truly are not my favs.
September 13, 2007

Veloce55
Who needs to spend $140 on Dom when you can get 10 proseccos!!
September 13, 2007

Daniel
QOTD: Chandon Blanc de Noirs – my wife’s uncle sent us the bottle as an engagement gift back in 2004. It was absolutely delicious.
September 13, 2007

Yargh!
QOTD: 1985 Charles Hiedsick “Charlie” — perfect right now.
September 13, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
QOTD: sry…. my first real sparkler was a ?83 Dom P… was a gift,, loved it,, can’t afford more of it,,, so ordered some Prosecco… looking forward to it!

GO PACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 13, 2007

KNode
I’m going to have to check out some of these Prosecco’s; in all honesty the only bubbly I have is usually on New Years and it’s the Pink Andre (which is pretty darn good for like $2!)
September 13, 2007

GrapeStuff
Love Prosecco. Definitely a great QPR all around!
September 13, 2007

Dougie
Asti is the only one i have ever had my family rants and raves

this webisode felt rushed
September 13, 2007

Lar
Hi Gary,

we had Prosecco at our wedding last year and it went down a treat, Valdo was the winery.

Much easier on the gut and head than champers!

Interestingly, it’s not taxed at the same rate as champagne here in Ireland which also makes it a lot more afforable.

Luvvly Bubbly

Lar
September 13, 2007

Orion Slayer
Too bad about the Jets spit bucket, I was looking forward to a new bucket. Maybe I’ll send a Raiders bucket! More fitting would be a niner bucket. That’s a team to spit on.

QOTD: Cava. I’m not too experienced in sparkling wines. I love the affordability of Cava and its Spanish heritage.
September 13, 2007

randyb
Great ep! Love prosecco.

Best sparkler ever? A 1969 Dom on Big 8 accounting’s expense tab.
September 13, 2007

Dean D.
QOTD: Mionetto Moscato! Sweet and sparkly…kinda like a M&R but better.
September 13, 2007

laposte
GV.
I told you I was in Burgundy so am not thinking Prosecco but rather Cremant…with just a touch of Creme de Cassis.
QOTD:Jacques Salosse…my benchmark for Champagne.
September 13, 2007

charles
QOTD: for some one else paying VC grand dame; everyday and with sushi its Aria cava it has the right amout of citrus and yeast to go with rice, for brunch its a prosecco i find them a hint sweeter than a cava and it balances nicely with the acid in blood oranges
September 13, 2007

Mr. Cabernet
I like Prosecco.

QOTD: Ruinart NV
September 13, 2007

Greg B.
Nice Job Big G, I am going to try some at my next big bash!
September 13, 2007

j carey
to me Zardetto has always had a chemical, plastic like taste.. kind of nasty.
there are so many good ones.. but not that one.
Hey.. can you do some cheap 2005 burgundys?
September 13, 2007

Will G
QOTD: Mumm Napa Blanc de Noirs, but there’s definitely a place in my heart for the M&R Asti. Lots of memories drinking that at family dinners back in the day.
September 13, 2007

John J.
QOTD: Well, I don’t have much to compare, but I had a bottle of Veuve Cliquot last New Years in Dublin. I remember it was fabulous! (but then, I was in great spirits at the time
September 13, 2007

italianwinelover
Short but sweet! He! He! Always a great wealth of info!! You always make me want to try something new!!

QOTD: Mumm Napa Reserve Brut!!!! Although the 25th anniversary one is the most driest sparkling wine I have ever had!

Am going to seek out one of the last two this weekend!! Have enjoyed many Proseccos and loved every one I had!!

Enjoy the lady thought most of all…Veuve Cliquot Brut is my favorite champagne although White Star comes close. Not only does it taste fabulous it has a fabulous story – the widow took it over and ran it more successful than her husband!! Oooh LaLa!!
September 13, 2007

John
QOD: Ballatore Asti Spumante! Does that count the same as the Martini and Rossi? Seriously, what’s the difference between Spumante and Prosseco?
September 13, 2007

Kev and Ams
Is it just me or were there always more banana runts than every other runt?
September 13, 2007

Kev and Ams
QOTD: Banfi Rosa Regale.
September 13, 2007

Martin
Love the Prosecco, drink them all the time – whatever I can find here in Weld County. Have never even had real Champagne, though I’m sure there are good ones.
September 13, 2007

pforty
QOTD: All time fave sparkler is Nicolas Feuillatte Cuvee Speciale Millesime 1995. My wife and have loved the Feuillatte Brut for years and tried the Millesime 95 for our 10th Anniversary. Good Juice.

And my wife will love the band-aid quote for the Riondo! Ever since my first dram of Lagavulin she can sniff it a mile away!!! Will have to sniff for it in the Riondo as well!!

Great Show – always love to find inexpensive sparklers
September 13, 2007

Saftig
I was stationed on the East German border in the late 70s and picked up a bottle of German Schaumwein on the way home from a long day. Don’t remember the name but it served as my entree into the wine world and I made it a point to travel up and down the Rhein,Main and Mosel hitting every little wine village. Highly recommend it.
September 13, 2007

crank
I’m a big fan, but what’s up with “apple core” flavor? How is that different from apple? Sounds like your just trying to come up with unusual flavors.
September 13, 2007

joe p.
Gary,
sorry I missed Sasha’s birthday earlier this week. my best to him. Your show is the best thing on the internet. Do thank your pops for his hard work which has led to yours. jp
September 13, 2007

KAHUNA
QOTD: MUM DVX

Hey Jackwad(GV) can you please find some Chocolate chip SOUR dough ice cream – would love to see what that is-maybe we could start using descriptors that acutally exist!
September 13, 2007

hiliner
GV. luv the enthusiasm, not the sparklers. QOTD: i prefer my bubbles in my bath. or a fresca. (has a little aspartame on the nose, with a black cherry componet.)
September 13, 2007

hiliner
dont you love interesting “componets”?
September 13, 2007

Dominus
A big fan of Prosecco here.

QOTD: Favorite sparkling wine? I really like the red sparkler Moscato di Asti called “Bigaro.” Everyone I serve it to just adores it.

As for champagne, my favorite is Pommery “Apanage” which I consider (not Y’quem” the “nectar of the Gods” (overnight stay and dined at Les Crayeres/Chateau Boyer) in Reims with Gosset a close second.
September 13, 2007

yowens
GV- I’ve had that Rionda prosecco and thought it be ok, but nothing special. QOTD: I dont really know much about sparkling wine, but Shramsburg’s blanc de blanc is always a house fav.
September 13, 2007

Alex Diaz
Don’t Really know if it counts but I love, and I mean LOVE, Mateus Rose… It has a light sparkle and an extremely crisp taste.
September 13, 2007

Plminer
Rad episode, I really gotta get me some of that fizz from Italy. I’ve had Muscato d’Asti, but that’s more of a desert semi-sparkler. Thanks GV!
QOTD: Thus far, it’s gotta be J.Schrams 1999, by of coarse Schramsberg.
September 13, 2007

Micha
Thx Gary! Never had the Riondo.. sounds interesting to me.

Some Prosecco as a Frizzante/Spumante from Quality-Producers are really great and good values too. Also as a Rose (Marzemino grape). Don’t know the american market, but in the Germany/Europe there is huge amount of Prosecco, that’s not worth a penny.
September 13, 2007

Brandon B
Great episode!
QOTD: Frank Family 2001 Reserve Champagne. Although it was the first beverage I had after I was married, so I may be biased. Great Blanc de blancs from them as well.
September 13, 2007

Kopi Luwak
Three words…

Albrecht – Rose – Cremant.

Friggin delicious.
September 13, 2007

chenrys
We’ll haave to try Prosecco. Thanks.

QOTD: Can’t remember any really god sparkling wines. We’ll have to correct that.
September 13, 2007

PeterT
QOTD…….Any Grower champagne….Gary, I’m a beleiver ever since episode 114.
September 13, 2007

Doctor J
Mott got off too easy today. Can’t wait for my “Sasha free delivery” that is due tomorrow
September 13, 2007

Kopi Luwak
Chocolate Chip Sourdough Ice Cream? What the hell are you talking about?
September 13, 2007

Matt H.
I take back what I said about needing longer episodes. That one was of perfect length. Too bad I just checked out my cart on WL or I woulda added a PROSECCO! Sounds like a communist chant. PRO-SEC-CO! VAY-NER-CHUK!

QOTD: I’ve never had a good sparkling wine. Ever.
September 13, 2007

Kristen
Prosecco is pretty awesome GV and I’m glad you did a show on it!

QOTD: I had some pretty decent champagne from Carrefour (a French Walmart). Guess what the price was. Ok ok I’ll tell you- .76 Euros!! Less than a euro…this is why I love the French! And it certainly made some very spirited nights!
September 13, 2007

James Roscoe
1989 Louise from Pommery.

Prosecco rocks!
September 13, 2007

Joe Po
AAAASSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 13, 2007

Boston Ben
GV – I gotta say, I’m really liking the no-scoring thing. We definitely don’t need it to get a sense of whether a bottle’s worth trying or not at a particular price point. It’s like moving on from grade school.

QOTD: Yah know how popular it is to serve prosecco over peaches? Try making a mixed drink, like a peach schnapps or margarita, but use prosecco instead. It’s grrreeeeeaaat! (To quote Tony the Tiger)
September 13, 2007

Matt the Lurker
QOTD – 1997 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee was pretty good. I haven’t had too many sparklers, but they were all fun.
September 13, 2007

RieslingRon
The extent of my Italian sparkling wines are covered by M&R Asti Spumante and Banfi’s Rosa Regale, both ow which I like.

Sounds like I should try one of these on today’s show.
September 13, 2007

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: I have no favorite sparkly of all time. I have never really liked bubbly/sparkly. (Also, they give me headaches.) Caw! Caw!
September 13, 2007

Winn
QOTD: 1990 Krug Clos du Mesnil…. that’s how i roll.
September 13, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: The one two friends and I drank straight from the bottle just before we scaled the side of Santa Maria de Idris, which was carved out of a rock outcropping.
September 13, 2007

SteveW
Great Episode! I like it short, it was less than 10 minutes………..
I have never tried Prosecco, but I will buy some soon.
QOTD: Krug but I can’t remember the vintage, I think it was from the early 90’s.
September 13, 2007

jcbphd
QOTD: Lamiable Brut Grand Cru CuvÃ©e Les Meslaines. Typically I don’t drink expensive French champagne, but this was for a special occasion–my dissertation defense. I have some great memories associated with that bottle.
September 13, 2007

JonE
QOTD: I truly enjoyed kicking back glasses of 98′ Dom @ a recent trade show with a Brit friend. Now granted Dom isn’t all that great but as a first drink palate cleanser before a very large wine trade show it was quite fun. It was followed by Nectar Imperiale, Schramsberg BdeB, Vintage, J.Schram, and then a slight vertical of Gloria Ferrer. And then pigs in a blanket. Good times good times
September 13, 2007

Bobby B
QOTD: Cremant d’Alsace, if only because I can never find it in the US. I love my Prossecco, but I have had some weak bottles in the past. Alsace never does me wrong. Crazy varietal blend too.
September 13, 2007

Steve R
Great show — LOVE the Prosecco…it’s the house bubbly here. My favorite bubbly of all time? Icardi Brachetto d’Acqui — raspberry soda for adults!
September 13, 2007

Mr. Snarf
QOTD – I really enjoy Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad. A very nice cava for about $16. Good stuff.
September 13, 2007

Pastore
Haven’t had too many, but Gruet Blanc de Noirs from, of all places, New Mexico is pretty darn good.
September 13, 2007

Grapedigger
Thanks for introducing Prosecco. I have had some champagne mainly. I’ll give Prosecco a try for sure…CHeers.
September 13, 2007

Pat Mc
All time favorite sparkler was a special buy at PA state liquor store (of ALL places!!!!)it was amazing 1998 Taittinger La Reve champagne. The best i’ve ever had.
September 13, 2007

Robert F
QOTD: Havent’ had Dom or Krug, but the best so far I’ve ever had was a 1996 duval leroy brut. It seriously tasted EXACTLY like almond biscotti. As far as i’m concerned, the toastier, yeastier, and breadier, the better.
September 13, 2007

Tom (vtjones)
QOTD: My wife and I love the Martini and Rossi Asti Spumante – It is such an easy drink. I am not a big fan of the Korbel or other typical dry Champagnes.
September 13, 2007

Jeff D.
Wow, short episode. Short, sweet: I can dig it.

QOTD: sad to say, I’ve never really had sparkling wine before. I know I have, but it was at occasions where I never saw what type it was (and I thought it tasted like dirt and at that point, I wasn’t liking it too much). So I will have to get my hands on some of that Prosecco and check it out.
September 13, 2007

ChrisR
QOD: BANFI ROSA REGALE HANDS DOWN!!! Addictive elixir.
September 13, 2007

Sgt Vino
Getting a little loopy there Gary? I enjoy Prosecco a great deal, but don’t have a favorite sparkly. I have had the pleasure of a few expensive bottles (Dom, etc.), but if I am buying I prefer a Prosecco. Can’t beat the QPR.
September 13, 2007

TR
Thank you for your recommendation. Is proseco a dry style of sparkling? Seco (It)Seca (Sp) Sehkt(Ger)being indicatve of dry in various Euro speak? Does it have that musty earthiness of good Champagne? Was I listening to your show? I dunno the game was on.
Although I really love the original from Madame Ponsardin Vive Cliquot, the 1996 Dom Perignon was da best. I know not very original, but true.
September 13, 2007

Mike Miller
Gary,
Watched my first 5 episodes last night, and I now consider myself a Vayniac. Just bought a bottle of the Riondo from wl.com last night before the special “Sasha” free shipping expired! Was a little worried when I heard “Band Aid”, but after hearing your full review felt proud of myself for being ahead of the curve. Currently busy recruiting more Vayniacs in central Indiana.

QOTD: My wife and I are fans of the $7 (used to be $6.50) Prosecco at Trader Joe’s. Cheap and fun is a good combination. However, planning on buying a bottle of Dom Perignon for the first time when my daughter is born in December!
September 13, 2007

NathanN
Proseco I think I have had that before.

QOTD: Not a big fan of sparkling wine but I do remember a Mumm tasting good on my wedding night in 1998
September 13, 2007

Moselman
Have given up on the “state” liquor store to find prosecco (or dolcetto, for that matter) â€“ it’s in the catalogue, but not in the local stores (except for the Zardett0 â€“ at $Cdn 19.95!!). The private stores are no better. So have to go back a few years to early impressions. My parents first introduced us to Lacrima Christi, which I believe may have been an Asti Spumante. Later, friends recommended a Velletri sparkling rose. But for latter-day celebrations, we find the Henkell-Trocken suffices. But I’d really like to try a prosecco that evoked the kind of enthusiasm you show for the latter two of today’s choices.
September 13, 2007

Jon B.
Great show I’ll be giving the prosecco a whirl soon. QOTD can’t say I’ve had to many sparklers I’ve really enjoyed, However I’ve had a few Muscato d’ Asti I’ve enjoyed quite a bit, Sourgal Elio Perrone 2005 and 2006 where very good .These wines are frisante and not sparkling though.Thanks Gary and WLTV crew.
September 13, 2007

jahlove
Finest and most enjoyable I’ve ever had was the Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame. I think it was 96 or 98. Can’t remember. It was the sparkling wine that changed my mind about sparkling wine. I had never had a great one until that point.
September 14, 2007

Robin C.
I will definitely purchase some Proseccos. Sometimes I like to have a mimosa in the morning, and I’m not going to open a $30.00 plus sparkling wine just for a mimosa. I would never feel guilty with Prosecco.
QOTD: Perrier Jouet Fleur largely because of the beautiful bottle. I also had a Deutz that I loved.
September 14, 2007

Beav
QOTD: Segura Viudas Brut Reserva NV 92points 6-7bones.

Wisconsin wines, wollersheim prairie fume sell a ton, but I think it tastes horrid
September 14, 2007

monkuwino
QOTD – Krug Clos du Mesnil, don’t remember the vintage.. this was many moons ago, like early 90’s.
September 14, 2007

Mike Hale
QOTD: not a big champagne/sparkling wine fan but get a bottle of G.H Mumm Extra Dry NV every year for New Years.
September 14, 2007

PRW
GV, I can definetely sense you gearing up for the weekend on this episode. The sparkling wine seemed only a brief distraction from the upcoming Jets game. Not even a Jets fan, but they better win because I worry about you sanity otherwise. QOTD: Not a big champagne fan, can’t remember anything but the usual suspects
September 14, 2007

flippy
QOTD: including Champagne – 1995 Pol Roger Brut Rose – a wedding gift four years ago, drank it two years ago.
Non-Champagne: Mumm Cuvee Napa is great, tried one called “J” when I was in California which was great, love the Spanish cavas (the Segura Brut vintage-dated is good), etc. I’m a sucker for bubbly…
September 14, 2007

Ferrigno
YOOOOOOOOOOOOO

GREAT EPISODE! but I like em LAAAARGE AND LENGHTY
MY QOTD since the ask gary app is over: is Asti serious? the one I had was very sugary, no body, no finish…
September 14, 2007

louie
Keep up the awsome work Gary V!
September 14, 2007

wildebeest
Hmmm… chocolate-chip SOURdough ice cream… wtf?

QOTD: Without a doubt, my favorite sparkler of all time is the Pierre Morlet Millesime 1999.
September 14, 2007

Withnail
Dude! 9 mins? I can’t blame ya, when you are busy…

But I prefer the 20-30 min shows, and that anniversary show (#100? or 200?)
that was like 42 mins – that was the best.

QOTD: Probably Veuve Clicquot (in all its various forms), but I’ve also had some
fantastic Charles Heidseck and Nicolas Feuillatte has been amazing too.
September 14, 2007

Aadip
Thundercats ho!
September 14, 2007

indiana
NV Krug by far. Savory, smokey, meaty, toasty, and delicious.
September 14, 2007

Dan S
Cheep, Spanish, Cristalino. My all time favorite sparkling wine.
September 14, 2007

KC Dan
Love the prosseco just seen it on the shelf one day . Gman your always saying try new things So i did , and now prosseco is one of my favorite sparklers . Thanks for doing a show on it .
September 14, 2007

wlburk
those proseccos sound good! gotta try me some….

QOTD: AHven’t had a sparlker yet
September 14, 2007

Andrew
QOTD: I’ll stick to Australian examples (like I usually do) my favourite Australian sparkling would be either Clover Hill or Janz Vintage, both from Tasmania and both a lot cheaper than the French stuff.
Don’t forget one of Australia’s claims to fame; the sparkling Shiraz (or Grenache or GSM or …). Favourites of these include Wirra Wirra (tried recently and loved), Seppelt for outstanding value and consistency and Peter Lehmann ‘The Black Queen’. Sparkling Shiraz is a unique and awesome experience, perfect for a BBQ, rich fatty cooked breakfast or turkey (think Christmas / Thanksgiving).
Andrew
September 14, 2007

Michael
We had a prosecco last year around the holidays. It was good but had a bit too much residual sugar for my taste. In ‘95, on our honeymoon, we visited Domaine Carneros (the Taittinger Estate in Cali). We tasted some great sparklers there. I remember tasting a great blanc de blanc and a Rose.
September 14, 2007

YoungDave
QOTD: Well, I haven’t tried too many, but my favorite so far is probably Moet Rose, with that added Pinot Noir skin character, strawberry-cherry flavors and bone dry finish with a hint of tannin. Good stuff. Although I had Andre Brut recently, and it was actually pretty….just kidding.
September 14, 2007

Cabdrinker
Perfect length for the show!
September 14, 2007

J.Rice
A good sparkler? Paul Delane Cremant de Bourgogne. Yumm… a good Burgundy white, but sparkling? Yes please!
September 14, 2007

Keith F
A tough QOTD. Either the 1985 or 1988 Salon BdB Le Mesnil. Every time I taste a Salon I am amazed by the variety of flavors and their and depth.
September 14, 2007

Ken T
Favorite Sprakling Wine:
Nicolas Feuillatte Rose
September 14, 2007

Jason S.
QOTD: Vorin-Jumel – Had it as part of the pairing at Citronelle in DC and it’s now my fav sparkler.
September 14, 2007

ninefingers
I always liked Asti Spumante, Normally looking for the lowest cost.
I grew-up with Talyors NY and Great Western, acceptable but not great.

I have enjoyed some German ’sekt’ wine also.

Had the bone dry crap, and realized that is was the $$$ cost that the newly-rick liked, not its lack of taste.

I think the russian had it right, the always had the french champagn double dosed when it bottled.
and then I am a liker of auslese mosel’s
September 14, 2007

E
The Moncuit Cuvee Delos I had last New Year’s. Go go sourdough in a glass!
September 14, 2007

Pietrie
1996 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame
September 14, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Gary- Good show. Never had Prosecco, but I’m going to pick some up to serve at the holidays as quite a few friends like the sparklers.

QOTD- I don’t have one, but will keep trying!
September 14, 2007

cp.t
loooong time lurker here. like you gary i am a big fan of the sparklers. it is the category of wine that my girlfriend and i drink the most, and i love to check out not only champagnes, but cavas, proseccos, cremants, and anything else interesting and bubbly too. to date i think the best sparkler i have tasted would be the 1996 cuvee william deutz rose brut, which i had in paris over the summer. IN FACT, you should taste it on the show.
September 14, 2007

Chris C
GV: Nice show on Prosecco. I like them much better than many of the Champagnes that are out there.

QOTD: Best Sparkling wine that I have had would have to be Iron Horse Russian Cuvee
September 14, 2007

cp.t
my mistake. not 96. now that i think about it it was the NV brut rose. still spectacular.
September 14, 2007

JimW
I have never had prosecco before, so I am going to have to try that out. I have had the 2005 Cascinetta Vietti Moscato d’Asti which is very good. But for me the 1 + 1 = 3 Cava Brut is my favorite sparkling wine.
September 14, 2007

Kathleen Lisson
Gary,
I love Spanish Cava.
Kathleen Lisson
Albany, NY
September 14, 2007

mcj
QOTD: I love many…don’t have a favorite
September 14, 2007

Martini
Henriot 1990. Or Jean Vesselle Rose. Or L. Mawby’s Cremant. Or…I love bubbles.
September 14, 2007

JayZee
Did you ever notice than when Gary does one of these marathon episode-taping-days and you get to the end of them, he starts rambling, sort of mumbling and seems, um, a little goofy?

QOTD: Piper-Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top
September 14, 2007

MtnCharlie
Proseccos are excellent. Always have some on hand.
QOTD: Moet White Star, Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc.
September 14, 2007

MetalDave
QOTD: Herve Mathelin Brut Rose Champagne for reasonable champagne. For other sparkling wine, I love the Pierre-Henri Ginglinger Cremant d’Alsace.
September 14, 2007

Chris C.
Great show on Prosecco. WL should check out Rotari NV Brut for a nice Italian sparkler with a high QPR.
September 14, 2007

Jim C
Veuve Clicquot Rose
September 14, 2007

Elliot Essman
I cannot pin down individual wines, since it’s been a while, but I am a big fan of Moscato d’Asti.
September 14, 2007

Shad
Again playing catch up…Gary, when you said M & R Asti I bust out laughing because that was about the only wine-type beverage that my wife would drink for the longest time (and still does). I got her to branch out to Toad Hollow Risque, which she and I both enjoy and the price is right.
September 14, 2007

BelgianBeerMistress
QOTD: Sparklings are my favorites, so this is an easy list. GH Mumm Carte Classique, Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label, Piper-Heidsick Cuvee Brut, Mumm Napa Brut Prestige, Cordinu Blanc de Noir, Saint Hilaire Brut(when I’m in a “steely” mood), Charles de Frere blanc de noir…I could go on and on…
September 14, 2007

Billr
Come on down to Texas big boy and we’ll show you how to drink Asti Spumante with a Corona beer chaser……Just kidding but a good sparkling Shiraz such as a bottle of Black Queen followed by a few Corona’s is always good. Thank God I don’t usally drink beer on a regular basis or I would be worthless all the time…..GREAT SHOW…Thanks for introing the Prosseco’s to us whom knew nothing about them.
September 14, 2007

Iron Man
QOTD GV, I prefer Spanish Cava and Prosecco over champagne, but I almost always have Moscato d’Asti from Piedmont. True, sweeter than Prosecco but a crowd pleaser and a wife pleaser which is top priority at my house!!

Me thinks 9 minutes is too short. What? was there a taxi with a meter running? And I thought you were going to go off on the “man who always wear a sweatshirt in NE.” Gary, it’s not a sweatshirt, it’s a hairshirt Gary!! The man’s exterior is assembled in a foreign sweatshop!!
September 14, 2007

mike palmieri
Love Riondo proseco light, fruity, crisp and clean
September 14, 2007

wayno da wino
YOOOOOO GARY!!
What a deal!! You’re almost giving dat stuff
(Prosecco) away! Thanx for taping all those
episodes in advance for da troops (Vayniaks).

QOTD: Drink lots of Bubblies. Da favorite???
Seems like you can never go wrong with da QPR
Mumm Napa Blanc da Noir.
September 14, 2007

eduardo amaral
Dear Gary,

Don’t get me wrong, but Proseccos are very irregular and tend to be a big disappointment most of the times. I bet to say that more than 90% of zillions of bottles produced every year do not stand a chance against a regular Cava or non-vintage Champagne. You can always say Proseccos are more joyful, an additional teaspoon of sugar to make the ladies happy, etc. But, for the serious connaisseur, Proseccos are usually something to avoid.

BTW, Nino Franco Rustico is one of the few exceptions (I have not tried the other two; will do soon).

Best sparkling ever? Tough one… I can name a couple: Tarlant Brut Prestige 1997, Veuve Clicquot Reserve 1996, Henriot 1989.

Best everyday sparking? Codorniu NV Brut.

Finally, were you tasting the Proseccos at room temperature? Don’t you think the ‘hot’ CO2 kill your palate? It’s like having a hot coke… ugh.

Cheers
==
Eduardo Amaral
September 14, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
Still want to know why WL can no longer ship to Wisconsin????????????????

yeah, i’m going to pout until something happens!!!!! GDit anyway!!!!!
September 14, 2007

Ben Daniel
GV:

I LOVE the Vonnegut reference on your chalkboard, and if I’m the only semi-lurker who caught it, I think I deserve some kind of shout out. (A working knowledge of 20th century American lit should be worth something.)

QOTD: I like Moscato d’Asti, but I’ll have to try proseco.

Ben Daniel
San Jose, CA
September 14, 2007

Orion Slayer
I’m surprised ( ) that no one commented on the flying saucer!
September 14, 2007

Steve
Gary,
I an a HUGE champagne and sparlking wine lover…and my house champagne is the one your store carries, the Charles de Fere in both the rose and the standard brut. For 7.99 and 8.99, how the hell can you go wrong. Thanks for these hidden gems! My favortie continues to be the Cliquot Grande Dame 1996, but the Dom 96 was blowaway…also loving the Henriot and the Deutz Rose 2000- which I opened up for my 40th at Rods in Whitehouse Station, awesome place!

J E T S ! PS, got to meet Kenny Obrien back in the day when we picked him up and he was doing promotion work for my Dad’s company back then, hell of a nice guy and wish he panned out better for the green.

Best,
Steve
September 14, 2007

Autoproxy
QOTD: There’s no such thing as a “favorite” wine, you know that! A couple of my favorites would have to be Mumm Napa Blanc de Noir, and Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir. I think we can all probably guess a big reason why.
September 14, 2007

chenin
Well… there might very well be good Proseccos, but a lot of them
are dull and made for the mass-market.
It’s a little bit tough to find the good stuff, IMHO, because it’s
a very fashionable drink (here in europe) and just too much crap
floating around everywhere.
Beware.
September 14, 2007

nyc621
Gary – Thanks for the great week of wine values! Please do more of these every once in a while. Really so good to have so much to choose from when you’re looking for values.
September 14, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: 1995 MoÃ«t & Chandon Champagne CuvÃ©e Dom PÃ©rignon RosÃ©. Sorry to sound snobish but I found it to be the best I have had…….but I will be ordering some prosecco to try….
September 14, 2007

Cam
QOTD: I haven’t tried a *lot* of sparklers, but so far my favorite is FRV100.
September 14, 2007

Michael Sokoloff
QOTD: A wine you recommended to me: Majella Sparkling Shiraz.
September 14, 2007

Steve Lambert
I’ve enjoyed Conte D’Alba Moscato D’Asti — very consistent. Light, flavorful and, most importantly, consistently good.
September 15, 2007

Mason
I want some prosecco now! I will look for some this weekend.

QOTD: Haven’t had many sparkling wines, but the best I have had so far was a Taittinger Brut. Nice and crisp, not sweet, and good mouth feel. Plan on trying some Cliquot and all that other jazz for some special occasions in the future.

Have a great weekend, Gary.
September 15, 2007

Judith
L’Shana Tova, Gary.

QOTD: ‘96 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame and ‘95 Pommery Cuvee Louise.

Still haven’t had a Prosecco that I’ve liked. I guess I should keep trying…
September 15, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
my absolute favorite sparkling wine is Billecart Salmon Rose though it is very difficult to find and ridiculously expensive, Schramsburg Rose from Napa is my favorite US sparkler.

Prosecco is a great alternative to almost anything else for Thanksgiving turkey.
September 15, 2007

thepiratedoc
Absolutely LOVED the Ric Flair reference. Good lord, son, you do have a rich and varied background!
September 15, 2007

Piper
QOTD: J Schram ‘98 Rose – so far!! But I generally am not a sparkling fan…
September 16, 2007

Porter
QOTD: NV Pierre Gimonnet Brut Cuis Premier Cru
September 16, 2007

ChiantiPrincipessa
One of my favorite sparklers is Pierre Peters Blanc de Blanc Champagne. I think it’s the best value too.
September 16, 2007

Harley Stan
Gary, cool quick episode.
QOTD- I can’t really say, last time I had a sparkling wine I was really paying that much attention to what wines I was drinking, I have a few in the basement I should just open.
September 16, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
I had that Riondo Prosecco at a friend’s house a few weeks ago, and I agree, it is totally awesome. That is the best sparkling wine I’ve ever had, completely delicious. I skipped over your Nino Franco review, I have that wine on the way and want to refresh my memory before seeing your opinion(a friend of mine gave me a bottle of that a wedding present a year ago and I remember it being good).

The Rondel Pura Raza Cava is another great sparkler in recent memory.
September 18, 2007

Jeff Cleveland
QOTD: N.V. Pierre Peters Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut CuvÃ©e de RÃ©serve – it’s what I drank last summer the night I got engaged!!!
September 18, 2007

J.ÄŒ.
OK, finally moving from the lurker stage… )
The best sparkling wine I’ve ever tasted was Champagne Philipponnat – Clos de Goisses 1992. Pinot Noir based blend, absolutely amazing.
September 19, 2007

wannaBconnoisseur
QOTD: Love Schramsberg.
September 20, 2007

Snowdog1
You really hit the nail on the head with the band-aid nose and taste of the Riondo. Enjoyed it a lot and really appreciate the intro to Prosecco, but may pass on future purchases of the Riondo. Just a little too much band-aid… Looking forward to future Prosecco purchases.
September 21, 2007

George Clark
First enjoyed Prosecco on trip to Italy several years ago. Have been fan ever since, but never quite satisfied with local purchases. Until now. The Riondo was so tasty. Never experienced such mouth feel in a sparkling wine. Had a few glasses last night and woke up this morning to an empty bottle. Seems my wife liked it as well. Her response “My God that was good”. She was referring to the Riondo, not me. Thanks.
September 23, 2007

desmaic
give it up for prosecco!!!! word up.
December 30, 2007

kathy
HEY PROSECCO LOOSER!!! REGARDING YOU STUPID CHALKBOARD PATS=*, DOES 16-0 MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU OR MAYBE YOU NEED TO WASH IT DOWN WITH A BOTTLE OF ITALIAN BUBBLES. YOU CAN HAVE YOUR PRETENTIOUS BOOZE, BUT NOTHING GOES DOWN AS EASILY AS A GLASS OF “PERFECT TEAM HAVING A PERFECT SEASON.” DRINK THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 5, 2008

Tom G. of the CKC
I just had to respond to this post by “kathy” below:

1) It’s not “looser,” it’s loser. The first rule of insulting someone is that you should make sure you’re not making yourself seem ridiculously unintelligent in the process.

2) 16-0 means nothing without 19-0. Period.
February 21, 2008

thefanjestic
Qotd: Thanks to WLTV – it’s now the Riondo Prosecco for the value and flovrs! It’s just an easy wine to drink and I love the banana flavor profile it has.
April 9, 2008

AR
Okay, I just had a glass of Prosecco at an after work function and it was so amazing, I had to go to my local wine store to check it out. Turns out episode 13 & Gary helped. I had Riondo Prosecco and I absolutely recommend everyone go and buy a bottle. Not to mention its inexpensive. I’m thinking of the next party to have just so I can have this amazing beverage
July 4, 2008

jimka
A few years ago in munich were i live, the fashionable drink was prosseco on ice. everyone was drinking it. if you ordered a prosesseco the waiter would ask whether you want it on ice… about that time i took a trip to rome and ordered prosesseco on ice and the waiter thought i was crazy but he gave it to me anyway, albeit in the wrong glass.
August 15, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
Sweet. I have had a few proseccos and are becomming fond of them. I forget about these being much better deals than most Champanges. QOTD: Sadly nothing comes to mind.
December 1, 2008

nnothing
still catching up on old episodes and trying to get out of lurker mode. for the qotd i don’t have a lot of experience with sparkling wine but have always liked Roederer Estate.
December 21, 2008

Colleen
just ordered 2 bottles of the Braida moscato d’asti for a little get-together So lets hope thats my new fav- also got the Albrecht Gewurztraminer Reserve.
April 20, 2009

Donna Schiavone
Let’s see…if you’re buying, it’s Cristal for me. If I’m buying it’s Moet White Star. I love love love champagne & that White Star is so very smooth. However, I am ordering the Riondo. I’ll give it a whirl. I trusted you on the Fiorano Montepulciano & it was delicious! So tonight’s case will have both. Thanks for saving me the bones!!!!
May 21, 2009

Lau
Running through a few old episodes.

QOTD: Bollinger Special Cuveé
August 28, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: Haven’t tried much decent sparkling white wine, but favourite sparkling so far is Majella Sparkling Shiraz 2005. Incidentally I was looking for tasting notes on Google and that’s how I found WLTV!