Sep 29: Thanks to the growing popularity of Prosecco, a wider choice is available now in India but unfortunately the prices are not always commensurate with quality in many cases, though Henkell-owned Mionetto makes good quality Prosecco and with the prices hovering around Rs. 1700 a bottle, all the 3 variants in the market make a very good choice, with the Prestige Cuvee being my personal top favourite
Mionetto Prestige Cuvee Brut is an excellent Prosecco with elegant aromas and fine mousse, with peach on the nose and fruity and crisp flavours. Bubbles are lively and not on your face. The green apple flavours and a full mouthfeel, with medium after-taste make this bubbly rather engaging. The alcohol is low at 11% so it feels light on the palate and is versatile with different foods like most other Proseccos. The Residual Sugar at12 gms/liter even though it is Brut and not the sweeter, extra dry version, making it perfect for the Indian palate. At Rs. 1830 MRP in Delhi it is not the cheapest but middle of the range with quality better than many others at higher prices.
If you like slightly sweeter wine and at cheaper price, Mionetto La Pieve ‘Pergole’ Extra Dry Prosecco di Treviso is an almost equally good option at Rs.1650. A perfect banquet wine, it would be the preferred choice of newer drinkers and ladies, with sweeter demand on the palate. It’s also lighter on the pocket. Alc is also low at 11%.
For those who like Rose, Mionetto Vivo Rose Extra Dry made from an undisclosed blend of red grape is an excellent Spumante (caution-this is a sparkling wine but NOT Prosecco). The bouquet is full of raspberry, rose petals, and cherries. The palate is crisp and well-balanced with vibrant acidity that makes you salivate a little with full berry fruit flavours. MRP is Rs. 1700. The wines are available at a few retail stores, including Le Marche.
When I had visited Mionetto 10 years ago in July 2007 as a part of the visit to the Prosecco producing area in the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene belt, I was really impressed with the passion of Sergio Mionetto, the middle-aged grandson of Francesco Mionetto who founded the winery in Valdobbiadene in 1887. In 2008, it was sold to Henkell, the sparkling wine giant in Germany. Today Mionetto is the most popular selling brand in the US.
‘Prosecco producers in the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene hills are very proud of their culture, history and traditions, and of course their Prosecco. One of the most passionate persons I found, was Sergio Mionetto, winemaker grandson of the founder Francesco Mionetto who founded it in 1887. I met him at his antiquated winery with modern touch, near downtown Valdobbiadene; he has been keeping the traditions alive.
The importer Sanjeev Gupta of Hi Spirits would surely like the bubbly lovers to raise a toast and say Mionetto! But I would be happy to have a glass of any three variants of Mionetto and say…
Jai Ho!!
Subhash Arora
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