An Introduction:
Much like Napa and Bordeaux, Prosecco is both a style of wine and a region. The Italian answer to Champagne is typically dry or extra dry and mostly made from the Glera grape, a prized grape (and a bit pricey) known for soft flavors and wonderful aromatics. 
The Prosecco region is located in the hills of Northeastern Italy (or at the top of the boot, as we Americans might say), tucked in near the borders of Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, just inland of the Northern tip of the Adriatic Sea.
The region’s soils and climates are nearly perfect for growing the Glera grape. And unlike Champagne, which uses classic (read also: long-ass) aging methods, Prosecco is made through the Chamat process, using secondary fermentation in stainless steel tanks, which expedites the process with hopes that its freshness remains in full tact.
Initial Thoughts:
I like to think I’m somewhat of a man’s man. I love a great hoppy beer. I adore a bold, spicy cigar. Bourbon and Scotch are two of my absolute favorite libations. And I can often be caught rockin’ Mötley Crüe while doing work around the house. But, when it comes to sparkling wine – Champagne and Prosecco in particular – I am a sucker for that cold, fizzy, refreshing drink, a drink that was formerly associated with ladies wearing pearls and elbow-length, satin gloves or cheesy old men, wearing an ascot as they sail their yacht around Santa Barbara.
All stereotypes aside, the fact is Prosecco is good. You don’t need a New Year’s Eve, a new house, or a promotion at your job to drink it. Truth is you can drink it right now or for any daily choice of grape. Try it. You’ll thank me later. Keep it chilled to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and you’ll be good to go.
Looks:
This LaMarca Prosecco bottle has a clean, light blue label with a bright, golden foil on top. The white band around the bottom of the foil is sealed on the side by the official DOC sticker, letting you know that this bottle meets Italian government standards as it relates to grapes. After removing the foil, the metal twist which secures the cork has a fun, medieval-looking castle on top. It’s worth noting only because there is so much attention to detail with the packaging of this bottle. The top of the actual cork displays the LaMarca name between some filigree patterns. Now that all looks great, let’s get this bottle open.
After opening the bottle with a delightfully loud pop of the cork, I poured half of a glass into my oh-so-modern flute. The carbonation caused the Prosecco to fizz all the way to the top of the glass and then began its slow decent. After settling, the bubbles arose from the bottom of the white-gold colored Prosecco, swirling to the top and trailing off into incongruent circles. It doesn’t sound like much to behold, but it’s truly fun to watch your drink have a little bit of a personality.
Aroma:
The aroma was wholly consistent throughout my (ahem) four glasses of LaMarca Prosecco. Bursts of white grapes naturally shined through on the nose as well as lemon, green apple, and some woody-ness. And as I tipped the glass up to my nose to get a good smell, the fizz would jump up and tickle my nose as if it were teasing me saying, “Come on, you know you want to.” Enough with the teasing, I’m ready to drink this already.
Taste:
The taste of the LaMarca Prosecco is wonderful. Cold, crisp, bubbly, delightful. The flavor is fresh, zesty, citrusy, and slightly tart. It’s extremely simple, as it should be, and dangerously easy to drink.
Not much changed with the flavor profile with exception to tasting a touch of wood as it neared the bottom of each glass and had warmed a touch. Every sip was perfectly refreshing confirming (to myself) the thought that grapes and bubbles are a perfect pair.
Conclusion:
Hold on now, friends. While I’m sure it’s tempting, don’t you dare think about adding orange juice or anything else to make a LaMarca Mimosa. I’m sure it’d be a real treat, but please, please buy the cheap stuff for that. LaMarca is a great Prosecco, one that stands on its own. If served chilled at the right temperature, it will stand and deliver with nothing needed to assist.
If you want something with which to pair it, slice up some cold watermelon, raw nuts and honey, and/or some lemon squares as a digestive. Now, that we’re all on the same page, pick up a few bottles online and entertain some guests this summer. I’m certain they’ll be delighted.
