Weekly Wine Pick: Prosecco Superiore
There’s a simple truth to summer entertaining: bubbles improve nearly everything. Prosecco Superiore, coming from the historic hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in northeastern Italy, is a standout example. Light, lively and refreshingly dry, this style of Prosecco makes an excellent choice for warm-weather gatherings, weekend getaways, and easy pre-dinner aperitifs.
Prosecco Superiore is typically made from the Glera grape and is produced under stricter quality rules than generic Prosecco, which helps explain its bright aromatics and clean finish. The bottle I reach for most often is brut in style, meaning it leans toward the dry side rather than sweet. A tall, chilled glass has a delicate mousse and expressive notes of green apple, white peach and a hint of citrus—flavors that feel at home whether you sip it on its own or pair it with food.
If you enjoy classic Italian aperitivos, Prosecco Superiore is perfect in an Aperol spritz, where its acidity and effervescence balance the bittersweet orange liqueur. For a simpler serve, try it straight from a tulip or white wine glass to concentrate the aromatics. It also mixes well in lighter cocktails that call for sparkling wine as the finishing touch, lending freshness without overpowering other ingredients.
Food pairings for Prosecco Superiore are versatile and fun. The wine’s bright acidity and soft bubbles cut through rich, fried foods, making it surprisingly excellent with crispy fried chicken. It also complements grilled pizza topped with buffalo mozzarella, fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. For cheese, turn to milky, double cream varieties—the wine refreshes the palate between bites. A practical summer trick: add a splash of Prosecco to a bowl of mixed berries to coax the fruit’s flavors together and add a light lift.
One of the delights of this particular bottle is the value: it’s available at Trader Joe’s for around $9.99, which makes it easy to keep a few bottles on hand for impromptu plans. That price point turns Prosecco Superiore into an everyday luxury—affordable enough for casual nights yet refined enough to offer a genuine sense of place and quality.
Serving and storage are straightforward. Chill the bottle to around 45–50°F (7–10°C) for optimal freshness; avoid freezing. Once opened, reseal with a sparkling wine stopper and keep it cold—most bottles retain good fizz for one to three days in the refrigerator. Because Prosecco Superiore emphasizes primary fruit and floral aromas, it’s best enjoyed young and lively rather than aged.
Beyond the glass, there’s an easygoing lifestyle quality to enjoying Prosecco Superiore. It suits relaxed al fresco lunches, picnic baskets, backyard barbecues and celebratory toasts alike. With Memorial Day and summer weekends approaching, this is the kind of wine that encourages lingering conversation, spontaneous plans and small rituals—raising a glass to brighter days, looser schedules and the pleasures of seasonal eating. Cin cin!