Why fill in the The Drinks Trust industry survey

Press release from the Drinks Trust

Over the last few months, The Drinks Trust has been able to award a significant number of financial grants to people within the industry who have been struggling with challenges at this time. In addition, an increased selection of wellness services have been made available to support people. The Trust will continue to provide these services. However, the emerging and likely long-term effects that the current situation will have on the community has led us to launching our first Drinks Industry Survey. It has been created to establish how members of the hospitality and drinks industries are feeling, what their concerns are and to better understand what their thoughts are on diversity and inclusion in our industry.

Link to the survey: https://waw.getfeedback.com/drinkstrustsurvey

The results will help to evolve the services and support supplied by The Drinks Trust as well as businesses in the drinks and hospitality sectors. The survey includes four sections covering you, your work life, diversity and your wellbeing and should take approximately 12 minutes to complete.

By understanding the diverse nature of our industry, and what more needs to be done to evolve it, we are able to better support the drinks industry community.

The survey has been created by We Are Wellbeing in association with Best Bar None, NDML, NTIA, SIBA and WSTA.

Drinks Trust CEO, Ross Carter said, “we are very keen to understand the needs of the people within our industry so we can ensure we provide the best possible support to them. We ask all businesses to share the survey so we can build a comprehensive picture”.

Operations Manager, of NTIA, Silvana Kill said, “The NTIA are extremely proud to work in partnership with the Drinks Trust, Best Bar None, We Are Wellbeing and all partners to create this survey. We hope to gain some critical insight and understand how best we can support our industry. Never has there been a more important time than now to join forces and support diversity, inclusion and the wellbeing of the night-time industry workforce. We are fully committed to helping our community on this journey throughout the pandemic and beyond.”

Andy Romero-Birkbeck, Founder &Director of We Are Wellbeing said, “We Are Wellbeing are proud to be supporting the hospitality industry, particularly at a time like this. We firmly believe that the success of the drinks and hospitality industry is crucial to the social wellbeing of our society. We will do whatever we can to ensure both businesses and employees are supported throughout”.

Take part in the survey: https://waw.getfeedback.com/drinkstrustsurvey

Your Two Minute Grape Guide to Cariñena

Carignan, also known as Cariñena, Carinyena, Carignane, Carignano, Samsó, Mazuelo and more is a grape that hails from Aragón within the region of Cariñena in Northeastern Spain. Follow Aidy and Helena as they take a closer look at the Cariñena grape…

Enjoyed this? Don’t forget to watch 5 Reasons to Try Garnacha.

Carmenère: Smoky Sorceress of Wine Grapes

Words by Helena Nicklin

Carmenère is a red grape that has really upped its game in the last few years. Fans of Cabernet Sauvignon will appreciate its similar, brooding, blackcurrant leaf flavour profile but Carmenère tends to be juicier and less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon with a characteristic cocoa and bell pepper notes on the finish. Dark purple, velvety and smoky, throwing herbs into the cauldron, Carmenère has always been the smoky sorceress of wine grapes to me.

Much like Malbec in Argentina, Carmenère came over to South America from Bordeaux when French immigrants settled there in the 1800s. For years it was believed to be Merlot but it eventually was discovered for what it was and has only been an officially recognised varietal in Chile, its new spiritual home, since 1998. It never thrived in its original home of Bordeaux where it struggled to get ripe and after the phylloxera vine infestation of 1870s, most of the vines there were ripped out. Chile had the right combination of weather and soils however to let the grape show its potential. For years it made relatively inexpensive, juicy, dark red wines in Chile that were easy to drink but not all that complex. Nowadays, Chilean Carmenère is getting the full terroir treatment, with higher quality wines from specific microclimates really showing what this grape can do. According to winemaker Marcelo Garcia at TerraNoble winery in Chile, a Carmenère plant takes around 12-15 years to truly shine, when it starts to make wines that have more structure and fewer vegetal notes.

Fact: The name Carmenère comes from the French word for crimson, which is ‘carmin’, thanks to its bright red leaves at Autumn time.

Fact: Carmenère is also often spelled with two accents: Carménère. Chile tends to only use one. 

Carmenère Food Match

The smoky, leafiness of this grape makes it a great match for earthy meats like roast lamb and grilled vegetables. It loves anything that’s been on a barbecue! 

Chilean Carmenère Tasting Tour

Co-op Irresistible Carmenère

From the warm, inland appellation of the Maipo Valley, this cheap and cheerful wine is a classic example, packed with notes of ripe blackcurrant, vanilla spice and green pepper. Smooth velvety. It packs quite a punch. 

Find it here at Co-Op for £7

Arboleda Carmenère 2016

A rich, bramble-fruit and chocolatey number hailing from the inland Aconcagua region that is a step up in structure and complexity. Silky smooth, but big enough to handle lots of meat. You might always want to try this with some dark chocolate! There are not many wines you can say that about!

Find it at Corneyandbarrow.com for £16.95

Costa Vs Andes

TerraNoble is a winery becoming known for championing Carmenère and creating high-end wines with it. They have an exciting project where they are comparing Carmenère from Los lingues the bottom of the Andes with some from Lolol, by the coast. What they have found is that the Andes (CA1 Andes) wine is riper, fuller-bodied and richer with more classic typicity than the cooler, coastal wine (CA2 Costa), which shows crunchy red fruit notes, fewer green flavours and generally, a finer structure and more precision. Try them side by side to see what this grape can truly do.

Find CA1 Carmenère Andes 2014 at vintageroots.co.uk for £27.30 (2017 on its way)
Find CA2 Carmenère Costa 2017 at vintageroots.co.uk for £27.30

Love wine? Then make sure to check out our 5 Reasons to try Garnacha and From Budget to Blowout: 7 Outstanding Champagnes.

5 Reasons to try Garnacha from Spain's Cariñena region

The Garnacha grape - also known outside Spain as Grenache  - makes wines that are easy to love. Fleshy and ripe, with notes of wild strawberry, licorice and cinnamon spice, its full-bodied without being overly dry and tannic. We’ve been on a journey of discovery to find out more about it with the help of Grandes Vinos…

Want to find out more about Spanish wine? Then, read all about the Cariñena wine region here.

From Budget to Blow-out: 7 Outstanding Champagnes

Words by Helena Nicklin

Champagne: in victory, you deserve it; in defeat, you need it, so Napoleon Bonaparte famously said. I think we can all agree that 2020 has been that kind of year. At 3D towers, we’ve all learned to keep a bottle or three around for emergency moments of celebration and commiseration and boy, there have been a lot of both! The good news is however, that we are now perfectly placed to recommend some brilliant bubbles for every budget. 

What makes a great champagne? 

Not all champagne is created equal. That magic word on the bottle does not necessarily mean the wine is going to knock your socks off. There are a lot of weedy, overly tart champagnes out there that can be pretty hard to drink and have you reaching for some cheese or bread to tame the acidic burn. A good champagne does not have to cost the earth if it’s beautifully made though; when the acidity levels are balanced with weighty, leesy, brioche notes and perfectly judged sweetness levels (dosage). At the other end of the financial scale, if you’re willing to spend a bit more (ok, a lot more), then champagne is one of those wines that can transcend being merely a nice drink. At the risk of sounding like a pretentious wine snob, it becomes an experience in itself. It IS the event. I’m talking about those champagnes made only in years when the climate decided to look kindly on the grapes, which were then vinified and blended with painstaking passion before being aged to perfection and only released at the ideal moment for us mere mortals to enjoy them. These champagnes are on another level, with different complexities and flavours in every sip and with every degree change in temperature. After the year we’ve all had, surely, just occasionally, they are the only bottles that will do! If you cannot go out, splash out. Here are some champagnes for every budget and occasion that are well worth seeking out:

Crazy Value

Veuve Monsigny Champagne, NV

This champagne no longer seems to be the wine trade’s best kept secret but it’s still for sale, so go get in there while you can! With grapes sourced by Philizot & Fils, this is a blend of all three champagne grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier) that’s had some ageing time to add extra complexity. Full of flavour and easy to drink, it really punches above its price tag. 

Best for: Every day celebrations and parties when you need to buy in bulk.

Find it at Aldi here for £12.49.

Champagne ‘Les Pionniers’ Brut NV

Another badly kept secret is Co-op’s own brand of Champagne, which is made by a well-known house that while Co-op can’t officially say who it is, everyone else says it’s Piper-Heidseck. Creamy and weighty with notes of yellow apple and those much sought-after brioche notes, for under £20 it’s a fantastic buy and a great bottle to have on hand for those emergencies. 

Find it at Co-op for £19 here.

A step up for gourmets

Pommery Apanage Blanc de Blancs

Blanc de Blancs when referring to champagne means that the wine is made from 100% Chardonnay; the only white grape used in champagne. This is a rich, creamy wine with subtle, jasmine and white blossom aromas, citrus notes and an understated complexity that comes from seven years of bottle ageing before release. Finishing dry, it’s a fantastic pairing for umami food like truffles and comté cheese. One for a posh dinner, for sure.

Find it here at Champagne Direct for £55

Billecart Salmon Brut Sous Bois

There's something special about Sous Bois, which literally means ‘under wood’ in French. Here’s a champagne vinified entirely in oak, which while quite unusual now, was how champers always used to be made. While not tasting oaky, it has a caramel-scented opulence and notes of dried fig and apricot with a butter-velvet texture. Too good! A wine that can handle many dishes, from creamy, fish sauces to earthier dishes like roast lamb or guinea fowl.

Find it here at Champagne Direct for £66

Bollinger La Grande Année 2012

Bolly is a much loved champagne house not just for it’s 007 affiliations, but for its gorgeous rich and toasty bubbles. The Grand Année is their premium wine and the 2012 is opulent even by Bollinger’s standards, with the wine boasting a creamy mousse, with ripe notes of orchard fruit, brioche and white flowers on the nose. Try it with fleshy seafood like lobster or white meats. It would also be a wonder with hard, nutty cheeses.

Find it here at Laithwaites for £95

Seriously special

Dom Pérignon 2010

There’s a good reason why Dom Pérignon is arguably the most famous champagne for quality (rather than bling) in the world; it’s because it’s incredible. DP only make ‘vintage’ wines with grapes from one, good year, rather than non vintage blends. Purity and precision are the key words for these wines, where the character of each parcel of vines is known intimately by the producers. This 2010 is still very young but has body and depth, with notes of smoky pineapple, brioche, flint, guava and citrus. Start this cool and let it slowly warm up in your glass to experience to full effect. 

Find it here at The Finest Bubble for £148

Krug Rosé 24eme Edition

Super rare, a bottle of Krug rosé is something to cherish. The 24ème Édition from Krug is a very distinctive rosé champagne with spicy, red apple skin notes from the Pinot Noir, enough grip to make this a foodie wine and a beautiful aroma of fresh, raspberry baked pastries. Krug is known for blending their wine in between years but not in a ‘non vintage’ way; more of a multi vintage, taking advantage of their incredible stock of reserve wines to build up the wine like a painter on his canvas. Again, try it cool and let it warm up to get the full effect and flavour.

Find it here are Clos19.com for £275

Read more about the stories of Krug and Dom Pérignon here.

Awesome, Autumnal, Austrian Reds

Words by Tobias Gorn

When my friend Colin Hampden-White of the Three Drinkers offered me a chance to contribute to their beautiful and ever so growing world of drinks news and fun, educational content I was over the moon. It’s an absolute honour and a real pleasure to support this trio of friends and wonderfully entertaining colleagues. So, for my first piece, I have picked something slightly off the beaten track and also close to my heart that I think everyone will love once they give it a chance: Austrian wine.

Why Austrian wine is worth a look

No one knows if such a thing as an ‘Austrophile’ exists, but don’t we love all things Austrian? Well almost all… Arguably the best skiing, rich and delicious food and naturally very intriguing wine and wonderful spirits based on local specialities. Right now, it is Autumn time and I keep catching myself sneaking Austrian reds into my wine recommendations in my regular columns. One just can't help it. Most wine buffs know zesty, fresh Gruner Veltliners and dry, mineral Rieslings from Austria and their lovely late harvested sweet, honeyed wines including some TBA* and ice wine, but reds are a tiny bit lesser known and less obvious choices from this beautiful, mountainous region of Central Europe.

The holy trinity of Austrian grapes

The trinity of Austrian red grape varieties, St Laurent, Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch are real secret favourites and a guilty pleasure whenever one is designing a wine list or at the dining table with the family. The easiest way to explain these three is that they have usually a lighter tannin structure with a tad higher, crisper acidity and some spices and crunchy dark cherries in common. This is only just a vague explanation with major generalisation but why don’t we just imagine a wine between a richer, but still crisp and fruity Pinot Noir and a lighter, more refined fresher Syrah with all sorts of red and dark fruits and scented fresh crunchy morello cherries with a touch of sweet spices?

These aromatic red wines are never really cheap but given the last twenty-odd years of innovation and adding the latest technology to tradition, they are really worth that little extra investment. The beauty is the clean and fine aromatics with a great balance between lovely soft tannins and acidity, rich red fruit and tart cherry and cranberry notes and beautiful warm spices reminiscent of a Christmas lunch. They are pretty versatile and can produce lighter rose wines; a fresh pale ruby red wine - that in some cases can be treated as a rose and enjoyed cold but it is actually a crispy lighter, acid driven super fresh pale red without any detectable tannins – through some more structure youthful Pinot-esk expression to some serious spicier and bigger wines with fine oak aging and longevity a bit like a Northern Rhone Syrah.

The St Laurent grape variety

St Laurent is actually indeed an offspring of Pinot Noir so the zesty fresh strawberry and cranberry zippiness is not at all surprising, especially when the Autumn forest floor aromatics start to develop after a couple of years of aging. Adding the fact in the mix that Zweigelt is the crossing of Blaufränkisch and St Laurent is not making our life much easier to distinguish between them beautiful local varieties, but we really do not have to. 

The Zweigelt grape variety

Zweigelt was created by Fritz Zweigelt in 1922 and it has been a great and spicy Central European local speciality ever since. It has a distinctive red paprika powder note on top of the fine dark cherries and plums. 

Blaufränkisch

Finally, Blaufränkisch seems to be the bigger and more serious member of the family with a greater maturation potential and bigger tannins when picked riper. It is a real autumn variety and it ripens later than the other two. It was thought it is a clone of Gamay – the variety of your favourite Beaujolais from Southern Burgundy. When it is picked a bit earlier it can display fantastic fresh cinnamon, zesty ripe morello cherries, red plums and even blackberries. It is a great wine to match with roasted lamb or even pheasant and slightly heavier cheeses. All the three are very lovable and we can’t recommend them enough. Most of these Austrian wines are not cheap but they are produced to a very high standard and they should very rarely disappoint with their real local character, ability to display the typicity that some like to call ‘terroir’ and they are unique and intriguing with their fine nuances and friendly personality.

Perfect food wines

The great news is that all the three grapes are ideal food partners. Their fresh acidity makes them very versatile and they can go with creamier dishes including the local stews but even curries and a Stroganoff. The earthy, autumn leaf notes and ripe red berry fruit makes these wines perfect for more gamey, earthy flavours, such as lamb or even grouse and pheasant. The heavier oak aged end wines are delightful with venison or even with blue cheese. When cooking, just use a bit of paprika powder and a pinch of black pepper so your dish to make your Austrian red wine sing.

Recommended wines

I have two favourites to recommend. Both wines are brilliant examples of fine Austrian reds for the Autumn – and as a bonus they are not that hard to pronounce after all! You can find them both at 9 Elms Wines. 

‘Feuersbrunn’ Zweigelt, Anton Bauer, 2017

This Zweigelt from Anton Bauer is complex and broad with savoury spicy notes, smoked paprika powder and wild strawberries and some ripe dark plums and cherries. There is a bit of chorizo and freshly crushed red pepper in the background. The palate is bright and fresh with juicy morello cherries, cranberries and red plums. It starts with refreshing acidity and continues with exceptionally smooth, silky tannins. So moreish and refreshing it is hard not to down it however one should really enjoy the fine spicy nuances and the beautiful balance and light elegance of this beauty.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £17.99

Reunion Bläufrankisch, Kracher & Wieder, 2017

Our other favourite is the Reunion - a joint project between the famous Kracher winery and Wieder. I am biased as I love this Bläufrankisch so much; a spicier expression that is similar to a lighter Syrah with its staple black cherry and paprika powder quality and fine cinnamon and plum hints supported by a little freshly crushed black pepper and herbal notes. It is a superb example and as always, we have consulted some friends in the wine industry, and they have all agreed this is a fine choice and a fantastic value example of modern wine making combined with a traditional local variety. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £20.69

Don’t forget to also check out 13 luxury red wines you should be drinking now and why boxed wine should not be overlooked.

8 Reasons to Try Boxed Wine

Click above to play the video!

Words by Helena Nicklin

Boxed wine, also known as bag-in-box wine, was one of the industry winners during lockdown with more than one in four people aged 25-34 buying them during this period, according to a recent report from Sainsbury’s. Fewer trips to the shops might have been an initial, very real cause for this during the pandemic, but it seems that people soon realised that you can now get some pretty decent wine in boxes. Add some astonishing green credentials to the mix and it's little wonder that boxed wine / bag-in-box wine is a trend we are seeing exploding, with more and more brands available, many of them looking super swish and containing delicious, premium wine. Here are eight reasons to buy boxed wine in 2020 and eight suggestions for great ones to try:

1) Tighter Technology

Boxed wine no longer has to mean oxidised, vinegary wines thanks to huge leaps in quality with the technology, with many companies using special vacuum taps and collapsible bag inners that keep out oxygen properly. Oxygen after all is the killer of wine! Tip: If the tap looks like the one in the picture, you’re looking at the top of the range tech.

2) Longer lasting than bottles

Thanks to this technology, boxed wine, once opened, can stay fresh for a month when stored upright and cool in the fridge (even the reds). Some even say six weeks but who keeps it that long anyway?!

3) You can have one glass...

… without feeling obliged to finish the whole bottle - or waste the rest of an opened bottle. 

The BIB Wine Company have quickly gained a reputation for good looking, luxury bag-in-box wines.

4) Cheaper than bottle equivalents

Most boxed wines now come in 2.25L sizes, the equivalent of 3 bottles of wine. Given that the packaging for boxed wine is a lot cheaper to produce than single use glass bottles AND the packaging works for three bottles worth of wine at a time, that value can be passed back the customer. 

5) Greener than glass

A recent study has shown that the CO2 produced during the manufacture, transportation and disposing of a single use glass bottles can be up to ten times that of the infinitely more recyclable BiB wines. Producing bag-in-box wines consumes around 80% less water than glass bottles too. Many companies are now also going a step further, making sure their boxed wine packaging is as sustainably sourced and recyclable as possible. You’ll even see several boxed brands with environmental initiatives such as the BIB Wine Company, who are planting a tree for every box sold. What’s not to love? #lowcarbondrinking is real.

6) Portability

It’s much easier to carry the equivalent amount of wine when it’s in a box than when in a bottle. That picnic in the park when we are allowed to see other humans again, or dinner parties, stocking up for Christmas… Imagine lugging three heavy, clinky, wine bottles around, when you could just pick up a pretty box with a hand strap.

7) Quality wines

It may not have been the case in the past when bag-in box wine was known as ‘hangover juice’, but nowadays, you’ll find the same wines you’ll find in bottles inside those bags and boxes. The common misconception that it’s inferior wine needs to be rethought. 

8) No light strike

Light strike is a phenomenon that’s becoming a bit of a buzz word this year. Generally speaking, it refers to the negative effects sunlight can have on wine, where funky, stinky aromas and flavours are produced. It doesn't take long to happen either, which is why you should avoid bottles sitting in shop windows. Wine in glass bottles are obviously much more susceptible to this than boxed wine, which is protected by the cardboard outer layer. 

Have we convinced you yet? Here are some boxed wines to try. Let us know what you think on Twitter @the3drinkers or Insta @thethreedrinkers:

WHITE WINES

Maree d’Ione Organic Fiano 2.25L

Fiano at its best is a great all-rounder grape, making easy-drinking, pineapple and orange scented whites. This one is exactly that with a lovely weight and balance of fruit and acidity. Very classy.

£25.99 / £8.66 per bottle equivalent. Find it at Waitrose here 

BIB Wine Company Dry Furmint: 2.25L

Furmint is one of the grapes that makes the famous Hungarian sweet wine called Tokaji. We’re seeing more dry Furmints on our shelves these days and we think it’s going to be the next big thing in wine. Crisp and refreshing, with subtle notes of honeysuckle. It’s a little bit different, versatile and very easy to love.

£38 / £12.67 per bottle equivalent. Find it at bibwine.co.uk here

When in Rome Grillo 2.25L 

Grillo is the Sicilian grape that will transport you back to a foreign summer holiday with warm winds and fresh seafood on the beach. Golden and tropical with a cool mineral core, this is rustic wine that’s easy going and perfect with simple weekday meals like pizza and pasta.

£26.99 inc delivery / £8.99 per bottle equivalent. Find it on Amazon here

Clearsprings Sauvignon Blanc 2.25L

A benchmark Sauvignon Blanc that’s lemon citrusy and leafy with classic grassy notes. Softer on acidity than some and for the price tag, it’s remarkably good value. Have it with goats cheese or quiche with salad and it will sing.

£16 / £5.33 per bottle equivalent. Find it at Sainsbury’s here.

RED WINES

Terre di Faiano Organic Rosso 2.25L

A big cuddle in a glass, this Primitivo blend from Puglia tastes like chocolate-dipped raisins and honey. Silky smooth and rich with lots of ripe fruit, if you like it big and bold, this wine is for you. Beautifully packaged too, it would also make a great gift.

£25.99 / / £8.66 per bottle equivalent. Find it at Waitrose here

BIB Wine Company, Domaine les Caizergues, ‘Terrasses du Larz’ 2.25L

The BIB Wine Company is currently the go-to place for luxury bag n box wines. Beautifully packagedin sleek grey board, their wines are serious and delicious. A blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan, this elegant Southern French red blend from the Languedoc is concentrated and fresh, packed with crunchy, red berry fruit, subtle tobacco spice and a food friendly slick of saline. Proper wine, glass after glass.

£37.50 / £12.50 per bottle equivalent. Find it at bibwine.co.uk here

Co-op Fairtrade Chilean Merlot 2.25L 

Here’s where cheap is very cheerful. A classic Chilean Merlot with its up front, smoky nose giving way to rich, dark red fruit and cedar. It’ll warm the cockles on an Autumnal day and at under £5 a bottle, there is nothing to complain about!

£14.50 / £4.83 per bottle equivalent. In store only at Co-op.

Most Wanted Shiraz 2.25L

Fans of Aussie Shiraz will not be disappointed by this friendly little number. Think spicy jam tarts and licorice with a touch of smoke. A little lighter than some Shiraz wines, but all the more drinkable for it. Great value too. 

£17 / £5.67 per bottle equivalent. Find it as ASDA here

Want more wine recommendations? Try this Guide To Prosecco Styles, Celebrity wines available now and The Best Red Wines To Have Chilled.

Which is the Driest Prosecco Style? Your Guide for National Prosecco Day

Words by Helena Nicklin

We’re not always in the mood for a Hollywood blockbuster. Sometimes, a bit of daytime TV hits the spot perfectly: it’s accessible, cheaper than going to the cinema and you can consume buckets of it in one sitting and barely notice! Yes, if Champagne is the film star of the wine world, Prosecco is the much-loved TV star. And while it doesn’t command the price tag or have the wow factor of its film-star cousin Champagne, it’s often seen as more approachable, affordable and a lot less demanding.

Prosecco is the easy-drinking fizz choice for many these days; loved for its creamy mousse, soft, ripe pear flavour and low-ish alcohol (generally 11%). It’s not trying to taste like Champagne with all those complex flavours that come with age; Prosecco is all about fresh fruit and early drinking. It’s cheaper to produce and therefore cheaper to sell, so all in all, it’s easy to see why it’s the everyday sparkling wine of choice for many in the UK and the US..

Need-to-know Prosecco Facts

This fresh-faced Italian lovely is a great wine in its own right, so here are some vital statistics:

Where is it from?: the small, hilly Conegliano Valdobbiadene area within the Veneto in North East Italy, just above Venice.

Grape:  Made with the Glera grape, which until recently was also called Prosecco.

Fizz levels: Prosecco comes in various styles of bubbleage: still (tranquilo), semi-sparkling (frizzante) and fully sparkling (spumante). Spumante wines keep their fizz better than frizzante wines. The ones we usually see in shops are spumante with a few frizzante wines here and there.

Quality levels. The acronyms D.O.C. or D.O.C.G. on your labels equate to a rubber stamp of quality, as wines have been made according to certain regulations. D.O.C. (Denominazione d’Origine Controllata) is more common that the higher quality D.O.C.G. (Denominazione d’Origine Controllata e Garantita) and within this latter category, there are Prosecco wines that go up further, from Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, up to Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive DOCG, then at the top of the pyramid, you have Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze DOCG, which is a high quality sub zone over 107 hectares. These wines will naturally be more expensive and show a great more viscosity and complexity. They are often referred to as the Grand Cru wines of Prosecco.

Sweetness Levels

Deep breath! Did you know there were actually six key levels of sweetness for Prosecco? It’s not really at all clear to be honest, especially in the middle ranges so it’s little wonder people have no idea why some Prosecco wines are sweeter than others. Here they are from driest to sweetest, though it’s really the Brut and Extra Dry styles that we see mostly in the UK.

Dry to Sweet

Brut Nature Aka Ultra Brut, Brut Zero, Pas Dosé and Dosage Zéro) (0 – 3 g/l residual sugar for the wine geeks). Bone dry, this is the driest of the Prosecco styles.

Extra Brut (0-6g/l residual sugar), is ‘very dry’.

Brut (0-12g/l residual sugar), is dry but fruit will feel ripe.

Extra Dry (12-17 g/l residual sugar) and is medium dry with a hint of sweetness. Also known as Extra Sec in French and Extra Seco in Italian. Both mean extra dry, even though the wine is not technically dry. Bonkers. 

Dry (17-32 g/l residual sugar) Also known as Sec or Secco, will taste pretty darn sweet. Not dessert wine sweet, but definitely sweet.

Demi-Sec (32-50 g/l residual sugar), is proper sweet, yo, though it’s actually quite hard to find demi-sec Proseccos in the UK. Very much a pudding wine.

Food Matching

Take Prosecco to any party and it will excel. It’s fabulous alone, but is also incredibly versatile, going well with many foods. The slight sweetness will even help cut through some delicate spice. Give it a go with antipasti, creamy sauces, seafood, spicy starters, white meat and pasta dishes. The list goes on!

Here are some great, easy drinking Proseccos that are easy to find:

The Brut: Co-op Irresistible Prosecco D.O.C ‘Special Cuvée’ - Brut, £8 

A classy, drier style of Prosecco that’s less frothy and ripe than some. This wine won’t get sickly thanks to the lower sugar levels and there’s a lovely floral and honeyed note balanced by a cool hint of lime that keeps you coming back for more. Find it at Co-op here.

 The Extra Dry: Planeta Organico Organic Prosecco D.O.C. Treviso- Extra Dry, £7.99, Aldi

This sparkler frequently comes top of the charts when it comes to Prosecco picks. It’s a richer style with buckets of ripe pear and baked apple fruit flavours, but beautifully balanced. Made with organically grown grapes, which is a bonus. Find it at Aldi here.

The Vintage Superiore: Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference, Conegliano Prosecco Superiore, 2012- Brut £10

A vintage Prosecco no less, which means the grapes were so good they used only the ones from the 2012 growing season rather than blending several years together. Made by a revered producer, this deserves its higher price tag for the zesty lemon, peachy notes and dazzling drinkability. Find it here.

The Cartizze: Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze DOCG Le Colture NV

Possibly the best Prosecco I’ve ever had. Cartizze wines mange a greater balance of all their flavour components, from blossom aromatics, ripe pear and almond to acidity, a cool, saline core and sophisticated drinkability. You can see the upgrade in the price of course, but I’d take this over any cheap Champagne.

Find it at Corney & Barrow here.

The Frizzante: Allini Prosecco frizzante, Lidl, £4.99 

Note that this Prosecco is frizzante in style, so is meant to be softer, with less frothiness than the other ‘spumante’ wines. Uncomplicated and refreshing, with decent fruit. It’s unfussy but pleasant with it and who can argue with that price? Find it here.

Let us know if you find a P rosecco you love! We’re on Insta @Thethreedrinkers and twitter @The3Drinkers