Montesel Prosecco – Vigna del Paradiso 2005 Extra Dry

Montesel Prosecco Vigna del Paradiso 2005 is an interesting Prosecco. The Montesel Family has been producing wine for generations and they are proud of their family culture and their land. The Prosecco they produce is acclaimed as a top shelf Prosecco, year after year. Prosecco is an heirloom vine. Current legislation permits the use of up to 15% of Pinot Bianco or Pinot Grigio in the production of Prosecco but tradition and passion requires that the bubbly wine be made exclusively from the Prosecco grapes.

The grapes, which grow in large bunches, are round or slightly oval, yellow with a thin skin that releases a rich perfume during the late grape harvest. The timing of the grape harvest followed by a carefully monitored vinification, do the rest. During the preparation of Prosecco the most important rule is to respect what nature has given and keep any technical intervention to an absolute minimum. The grapes are pressed gently to obtain the best must and then left to rest for 10-12 hours at a controlled temperature. It is then decanted, yeasts are added, and its left to ferment at 18-20 ° C. The result is a richly scented wine, which after a few months of natural re-fermentation becomes a beautiful wine that overwhelms the palate with a velvety softness and a lively effervescence. It is straw-colored with a fruity scent of peach, apple, pear and a hint of citrus fruits which tend toward a floral fragrance; rich and fresh sensation.

Montesel Prosecco is a spumante. This is not to be confused with Asti spumante that is sweet. Spumante indicates that Montesel has the highest concentration of natural carbonation. There are also Prosecco wines that are frizzante. This definition indicates a lower carbonation due to a shorter re-fermentation period. Most Prosecco will cause a little burp after every sip but the Montesel did not have this effect.

Montesel Vigna del Paradiso 2005 is interesting. It is a good solution to keep in the cellar. Prosecco’s principle characteristic slightly bitter flavor is not as evident in Vigna del Paradiso. This wine is more neutral with just a hint of floral sweetness. I would not choose this for before dinner Aperitivi, but it would be marvelous with crostini and fresh cheeses. It will also do well during dinner with fish and white sauces.

All in all it is not my favorite Prosecco but I would keep a couple of bottles as an alternative for guests.

Grape: 100% Prosecco.

Color: Hay yellow.

Bouquet: peach, apple, pear and a hint of citrus fruits that tend toward a floral fragrance.

Taste: Hints of sprite apples, pears, and slightly acidic. The finish is mild, with just a hint of sweet.

Alcohol Content: Minimum 11.5 %

Serving Temperature: 6-8 c.

Decanting: None.

Pouring: Pour slowly with a 15-20 degree inclination.

Glass: Flute.

Aging: Up to 2 years.


Tags: Prosecco White Wine Italian Wine Veneto Montesel Sommelier Sparkling Wine Food and Wine Travel Italy