I never really drank sparkling wines and Prosecco etc until late in life. More to the point it was switching to a Keto lifestyle that pushed me into it and to be honest I haven’t looked back. I love the stuff, for any occasion. It is great as a pre meal drink, a drink during meals and for a social gathering.
I vary my Prosecco habits among quite a few makes as you know from these pages. I have recently come to like this Mionetto Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut, which I go to, especially when seen in offers. Not too cheap, not too expensive either and great on the tastebuds or as a gift.
The Mionetto Winery
The story of the winery goes back to 1887 and a Mr Francesco Mionetto, a master wine maker. He started growing grapes in the hills of Valdobbiadene. Over 100 years later the name Mionetto is known worldwide in the name of Proseccos. It was taken over in 2008 by the German Henkell Freixenet company but continues the traditions and production of the Mionetto standards.
What is a DOC wine?
DOC stands for ‘Denominazione di Origine Controllata’ or in English, ‘Controlled Designation of Origin’. So as you guess, that means it can only be called Proecco DOC if from a certain area. The two provinces that DOC gets attached to are Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the the North East of Italy.
We talked about where Prosecco comes from itself and its history in the Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry post.
In this Mionetto example we have a DOC with the town name of Treviso attached to it. You will find that kind of example in only two places, Treviso or Trieste.
This tells me that this Prosecco was 100 per cent harvested, bottled and produced in the area of Treviso.
For those wondering what DOCG is then, well this is even more stringent and precise. The G addition means guarantee and for example ‘Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore Prosecco DOCG’ on a label means it is made exclusively only in between 2 towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in the Treviso province.
On the nose
Anyway, back to the Mionetto. We all have personal tastes so I will describe why I like this one personally. The aromas I get most from this is green apple and floral. Not too strong though. Not too acidic on the nose. Quite mellow in fact. If trying harder to ascertain the smells you can get that honey and slightly citrus feel to it.
Tasting Notes
This is where I enjoy it. The fizz is just right for me. Not too fizzy yet retains the bubbles well. The colour is a light straw as it is intended and in line with the region it comes from.
As the wine hits the tongue you immediately sense the green apple flavours with hints of peach and honey. Nothing too strong though which I like.
It is very mellow. Not overpowering. Not too sweet at all and not too dry. The aftertaste is extremely clean and refreshing.
Summary
The reason this is a bit of a go to is the adaptability. The mellowness and tastes mean it can be a standalone drink or is perfect for cocktails and adding juices. A party starter or a reliable drink when entertaining.
Where To Buy
As I have stated, this Prosecco is not too cheap and not expensive and fits in a good spot where it is actually cheaper than some more costly Proseccos I have drank.
It is stocked at most main UK supermarkets too and Sainsburys sell it currently at £10 per 75cl bottle. However it is even better when it comes around on offer or they do their 6 bottles for 25% off.