A holiday party just doesn't seem the same without sparkling wine. These two Italian sparklers from Val d'Oca are just the kind of easy party starters you can find for under $15.
Disclosure: The wines in this post were provided as media samples. All opinions are my own.
Value wines without the headache
I feel your pain.
The side splitting kind that engulfs your temples after you've drunk cheap bubbles.
I just got one the other day from a half bottle of French sparkling rose at a local restaurant. My temples screamed shortly thereafter.
Luckily that was not the case with these Italian sparklers from Val d'Oca priced at just $10-$15 per bottle.
Extra Dry Sparklers
Established in 1952, Val d'Oca is a consortium of more than 600 growers and 1000 hectares vineyards that is committed to sustainable growing practices.
Wine Enthusiast magazine deemed their prosecco a "Best Buy" and described it as:
Delicate scents of spring flower and white peach follow through to the soft foaming palate along with green apple and a hint of candied nectarine drop. Bright acidity gives it a fresh finish.
I didn't quite manage to taste all that...
However, I did sense a non-aggressive taste of the glera grape, not overpowering with floral notes, a surprisingly fine bead, and fluffy mousse.
I liked this wine because it held its own and paired nicely with the crispy, salty party starters.
For me this meant your a reliable charcuterie/cheese board and crostini appetizers topped with marinated artichokes and a spicy, red pepper relish.
The Prosecco didn't pair as nicely with the asiago cheese as I expected, bringing out a little too much tartness.
But with salty salami, vegetal artichokes, and spicy/sweet red peppers, it kindly accented all those flavors.
The Kiss Goodbye
If I appreciated the Prosecco, then I loved the Val D'Oca Sparkling Rose wine.
The kind of wine you don't really need anyone to share because you can drink the whole bottle on your own.
Not too acidic or fruity but more like sparkling pink lemonade with a hint of strawberries.
Like the shade of ballet slippers it comes in, it was too delicate for many of the foods I tried them with.
In the end, it paired best with just some fresh raspberries.
I would liken this wine to an innocent peck on the cheeks you could greet your guests with at the start of the party or bid them farewell with when it's over.
Most of all, you can kiss that headache goodbye with these Italian sparklers.
Italian Sparkling Wines for the Holidays
Learn more about Italian sparkling wines to enjoy this holiday season from the Italian Food, Wine, and Travel writers:
- Terri of Our Good Life says Beviamo alla nostra! Prosecco Superiore and Happy Christmas!
- Marcia of Joy of Wine is Celebrating the Season with Sparkling Freisa.
- Cindy of Grape Experiences writes about Pure Trentodoc – Sparkling Wines from the Mountains.
- Jill of L'Ocassion encourages us to Be in Italy for the Holidays with This Bubbly Wine Lineup.
- Gwendolyn of Wine Predator pushes Beyond Prosecco? Try These Sustainable Sparkling Wines from Italy's Erbaluce, Franciacorta, Lambrusco, Pignoletto.
- Lynn of Savor the Harvest gives us Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco to Make Your Holiday Sparkle - La Tordera Rive Di Guia.
- Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm says Cheers to 2021...2020 Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out.
- Susannah of Avvinare pours Versatile Lambrusco for the Holidays.
- Payal of Keep the Peas offers A ‘SeeYaNever2020’ Toast with Italian Bubbly.
- Linda of My Full Wine Glass says Hello Again, Lambrusco - Everyone Deserves a Second Chance.
- Jane of Always Ravenous pairs a Frizzante with Holiday Sweet Treats.
- Robin of Crushed Grape Chronicles pours Prosecco - Joyful Bubbles to “Wring” Out 2020.
- Jen of Vino Travels is ready to Sparkle up the Holidays with Prosecco Superiore.
- Martin of ENOFYLZ Wine Blog offers A Taste of 21st Century Lambrusco; Paltrinieri Lambrusco di Sorbara Radice.
- Nicole of Somm's Table shares The Wide World of Italian Bubblies.
- Katarina of Grapevine Adventures posts A Year in Need of Sparkling Wine Surprises.
- Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla is Celebrating with Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Amidst the Pandemic.
susannah gold says
Deanna, love your comments about a peck on the cheek. I like your wit and pairing suggestions as well. Cheers to you and Happy New Year.
Linda Whipple, CSW says
I've found Val d’Oca a trustworthy brand and excellent quality for price. Pairing with party appetizers sounds perfect. Sorry the Asiago didn't work. Someone on the chat suggested Gouda. Maybe that would work?
asiantestkitchen@gmail.com says
Excellent to hear you're familiar with the brand! I was not, but I think their gold foil wrappers are very festive. And yes, this prosecco would totally go with a Gouda (or just better quality cheese I think than the one I had!)
Nicole Ruiz-Hudson says
I really enjoyed the Prosecco from Val d'Oca, and am now looking forward to enjoying the Rosé as well!
asiantestkitchen@gmail.com says
Yeah!!! Thanks Nicole! Hope you enjoy the Rose as much as I did.
Lynn says
The rosemary and pomegranate... such a festive addition, as are the raspberries. Tis the season to dress things up- your words and pairings, three thumbs up! Think I've found a new wine to kick off evening gatherings with.
asiantestkitchen@gmail.com says
Thanks Lynn! I do love the color combo for the holidays. Christmas tree in a glass!
robincgc says
"The kind of wine you don’t really need anyone to share because you can drink the whole bottle on your own. " Amen! I fully agree! In fact, the bottle I had, Michael only got one glass of this! This sparkling rose I would keep around, just for when I need cheering. Will they indeed call it Prosecco Rose next year?
You are so right about being headache-free! It was something I had not paid attention to. They were simply delicious, and bubbly. All your descriptions were so spot on! I love "I would liken this wine to an innocent peck on the cheeks you could greet your guests with at the start of the party or bid them farewell with when it’s over. " Brilliant!
asiantestkitchen@gmail.com says
Thank you so much for your kindness Robin! Lol, I'm glad I wasn't the only one that drank most of the bottle solo!
Camilla M. Mann says
Thanks for this post about Val D'Oca. I love your descriptions - "ballet pink" for example - and, of course, the pairings! Thanks for joining the fun.
asiantestkitchen@gmail.com says
Thanks so much for reading and commenting Camilla!