NV Ca’ di Rajo “Cuvée del Fondatore” Prosecco Millesimato DOCG, Valdobbiadene, Italy

Wine of the Week with Annette Tomei

I believe most people who enjoy Prosecco are aware that it is, (now) more often than not, perfectly delicious on its own, and can stand its ground against other similarly priced sparkling wines. Many are probably, also, familiar with the DOCG of Valdobbiadene in the Veneto where the Prosecco gets the addition of “Superiore” to its name. I’m happy to see these changes happening to Prosecco’s reputation – it’s deserved! But the question still remains, when do you drink Prosecco? It’s time to start rethinking these Italian bubbles as brunch wine. 

About this Wine

Ca’ di Rajo is the product of the Cecchetto family. They also produce a variety of still wines from the Treviso region. Aromas of dried apple and ripe guava are enticing. The guava flavor persists and is accented by hints of jasmine tea, lightly touched by sweet spice and vanilla. On the palate, the initial burst of tart fruits rounds out into a delicate wave of foam with a bright, dry finish.

So when do you drink Prosecco?

Because of its juiciness and fuller body, I recommend this wine with roast pork, grilled chicken, or rabbit if you’re feeling a bit more Italian. Also try it with richer seafood: scallops, crab, lobster; or a triple cream cheese like Explorateur.

The verdict:

I found this Prosecco unique and exciting. I’ve heard it’s a bit hard to find, but if you come across a bottle (or more!) it’s well worth the average price of $17/bottle.

If you love Prosecco, you should try an Aperol Spritz. It’s a Prosecco cocktail with a hint of Aperol.

My new mission… to taste things I’ve never tasted before – either because I’m a snob, I can’t afford it, or it’s just a little too weird. I’ll let you know what I thought, and then you can decide for yourself if you will make the splurge, or take the leap into the strange but potentially delicious unknown!