It’s been said once, it’s been said a hundred times: Few things transform a gathering into a celebration quite like sparkling wine. But when planning the drinks menu for your holiday gathering, the question arises: Should one serve Champagne? Sparkling cider? Seltzer-spiked cocktails? The best option, however, is something else entirely: Prosecco, an entrancing sparkling wine from Italy’s Province of Treviso made with ancient Glera grapes, a favorite variety among vignerons stretching back to Roman times.
From its versatility to its excellence of flavor and texture, here’s every reason why you should stop what you’re doing and pick up a bottle.
It’s effortlessly elegant.
While Champagne is known for subtle bread and yeasty notes, Prosecco — an effervescent style of Italian white wine — offers light hints of cream and a smooth mouthfeel. La Marca’s Luminore in particular epitomizes the best of the Prosecco genre, with a lively effervescence that’s crisp on the tongue without being overpowering. Luminore is a limited-edition Prosecco, crafted with detail and using only the best grapes from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region.
It’s versatile.
There aren’t many wines that can stand up to a funky, fat-flecked soppressata as well as a spicy Thai noodle dish riddled with chili peppers, but that’s Prosecco for you. For a vibrant dinner party, Claudia Manetta, La Marca Prosecco’s U.S. brand ambassador, suggests pairing Luminore with either (or both!) of these dishes, as well as offerings like fresh, pan-fried fish tacos blanketed with a bitter endive slaw or a crispy flatbread pizza slathered with tangy goat cheese. Then there’s the matter of dessert.
“Of course, sweet treats sparkle when paired with La Marca’s Luminore — think a scrumptious chocolate cheesecake or lemon meringue pie,” she added.
D.O.C.G. designation.
Under Italian wine law, D.O.C.G. — Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin — is the highest designation of quality given to a wine. It’s intensely difficult to get, but Luminore, a limited-edition Prosecco Superiore that commemorates La Marca’s 50th anniversary, nabbed one upon its release earlier this year. It’s a reflection of the meticulousness of Luminore’s winemaking process: All of its grapes hail from Conegliano Valdobbiadene, a hilly region in the country’s north that’s rich with stone-packed soil and cooled by breezes from the Adriatic Sea. The unique climate produces fresh, vibrant fruit with high levels of acidity and elegant flavors that is hand-harvested and immediately crushed to retain its optimum character. It’s a special wine perfect for special occasions.
Claudia Manetta explains, “For Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G., grapes are grown in small plots on some of the steepest hillsides in Italy.” Manetta adds, “Aromas of white flowers and stone fruits are a perfect complement to its soft and creamy texture, while subtle hints of fresh citrus, pear, and nectarine round out the exquisite palate.” Being the most loved Prosecco in the nation, La Marca’s Luminore celebrates 50 years of quality in one taste. “The finish is light, refreshing, and crisp — perfect from the first toast to the final sip.”
The final takeaway? No matter what kind of holiday party you’re throwing — a fancy evening soiree, a casual brunch, or an intimate cocktail party — Luminore Prosecco is essential to elevating any gathering.
This article is sponsored by La Marca.
