Italo Cescon Prosecco

Italo Cescon Prosecco is a sparkling wine listed under the Esplanda label with a Massachusetts appellation, so it comes from a US producer working in the Prosecco style. Wines in this style are typically built on the Glera grape and made by the tank method, where the second fermentation happens in a pressurized vessel instead of in the bottle. That keeps the fruit fresh and avoids the toasty, bready notes of traditional-method sparkling wine. The listing doesn't give a dosage level, vintage or ABV, so check the label for those. Expect the profile this style usually delivers: green apple, pear and white peach on the nose, perhaps a little white blossom or citrus zest. The body is typically light, the acidity bright, and the bubbles soft and frothy instead of tight and persistent. There is little to no tannin and no meaningful oak influence. The finish tends to be short, clean and lightly fruity. If the label says Brut, it will taste crisp and dry. Extra Dry usually tastes a touch rounder. Serve it well chilled, around 38 to 45°F, which keeps the acidity lively and the bubbles fine. A couple of hours in the refrigerator or about 30 minutes in an ice bucket will do it. It needs no decanting, since swirling and pouring would only drive off the carbonation. A tulip-shaped white wine glass or a standard flute works well. The tulip concentrates the fruit aromas better, and the flute holds the bubbles a little longer. At the table, wines like this suit salty and fried foods such as prosciutto, marcona almonds, fried calamari, tempura vegetables and potato chips. They also work with soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella, burrata and young goat cheese, and with light seafood, risotto with spring vegetables, or a plain pizza margherita. Its dry, fruit-forward character also makes it a good base for spritzes and mimosas. This is a drink-now bottle. Prosecco-style sparkling wine is made for freshness and doesn't improve with cellaring, so it's best opened within a year or two of purchase. Keep it upright and cool until you serve it.