Two new Proseccos from one of Italy’s leading producers of sparkling wines, Cantine Maschio, are being introduced into the United States: Maschio dei Cavalieri, DOC Valdobbiadene, and M Prosecco Spago, IGT Veneto.
Maschio dei Cavalieri, sourced from grapes grown in the renowned Valdobbiadene region, is packaged in an elegant champagne-style bottle with flared mushroom-shaped cork closure and gold foil label. It is a full sparkling wine, light gold in color with a creamy textured perlage and aromas of candied citron and acacia. Its soft fresh taste and elegant finish make it an ideal match for fish and shellfish dishes, cream sauced pastas, and poultry. Maschio dei Cavalieri, which sells for around $20 for a 750ml bottle at wine retailers, is currently available in five markets (New York, New Jersey, Florida, Illinois, and California) and will be available nationally by early 2006.
Maschio M Prosecco Spago, a semi-sparkling wine in a sturdy soft-shouldered bottle, is sealed with a flat cork similar to that used for still wine, but reinforced by a string (spago in Italian) running across the top of the cork and looped around the lip of the bottle’s neck, in the traditional packaging style of the region. M Spago is naturally fermented from carefully selected grapes from the ancient vine-growing areas of Trevigiano. A soft, semi-sparkling white wine, it has a light gold color, lively mousse, and a bouquet of aromatic fruit with a hint of musk. With soft flavors and a delicate candied-fruit finish, it pairs extremely well with seafood appetizers, grilled white meats, and salads. M. Spago is already available nationwide, selling in retail wine shops at around $12 for a 750ml bottle.
Both wines are also perfect as aperitifs, after dinner with fresh fruits or pastries, or for just celebrating life’s everyday moments.
“We believe the Italian sparkling wine category has great potential in the United States,” said James Mariani, family proprietor of Banfi Vintners, the exclusive importers of Maschio Proseccos. “Prosecco is not just for special occasions. It offers the American wine drinker a more casual alternative to Champagne. More country than city, more spontaneous than planned.”
Mr. Mariani points out that restaurants throughout Italy, and many Italian restaurants in the US, offer guests a welcome glass of Prosecco upon their arrival. “Prosecco is an Italian sign of hospitality and conviviality,” he noted. “Socially it breaks the ice, and gastronomically it whets the appetite. How could America not embrace such a concept?”
Cantine Maschio was founded in 1971 by the Maschio family, which has a long history and reputation for quality. Today, Cantine Maschio is one of the largest producers of frizzante wine and one of Italy’s leading Prosecco vintners. Both wines are crafted by Chief Winemaker, Dino Dal Pos who has been with Cantine Maschio for thirty years.
Banfi Vintners is the leading wine importer in the US. Founded by John Mariani, Sr. in 1919 and run today by his children and grandchildren, the privately held company has earned a stellar reputation for developing its tight, closely run portfolio of wines into category leaders.
Maschio dei Cavalieri, sourced from grapes grown in the renowned Valdobbiadene region, is packaged in an elegant champagne-style bottle with flared mushroom-shaped cork closure and gold foil label. It is a full sparkling wine, light gold in color with a creamy textured perlage and aromas of candied citron and acacia. Its soft fresh taste and elegant finish make it an ideal match for fish and shellfish dishes, cream sauced pastas, and poultry. Maschio dei Cavalieri, which sells for around $20 for a 750ml bottle at wine retailers, is currently available in five markets (New York, New Jersey, Florida, Illinois, and California) and will be available nationally by early 2006.
Maschio M Prosecco Spago, a semi-sparkling wine in a sturdy soft-shouldered bottle, is sealed with a flat cork similar to that used for still wine, but reinforced by a string (spago in Italian) running across the top of the cork and looped around the lip of the bottle’s neck, in the traditional packaging style of the region. M Spago is naturally fermented from carefully selected grapes from the ancient vine-growing areas of Trevigiano. A soft, semi-sparkling white wine, it has a light gold color, lively mousse, and a bouquet of aromatic fruit with a hint of musk. With soft flavors and a delicate candied-fruit finish, it pairs extremely well with seafood appetizers, grilled white meats, and salads. M. Spago is already available nationwide, selling in retail wine shops at around $12 for a 750ml bottle.
Both wines are also perfect as aperitifs, after dinner with fresh fruits or pastries, or for just celebrating life’s everyday moments.
“We believe the Italian sparkling wine category has great potential in the United States,” said James Mariani, family proprietor of Banfi Vintners, the exclusive importers of Maschio Proseccos. “Prosecco is not just for special occasions. It offers the American wine drinker a more casual alternative to Champagne. More country than city, more spontaneous than planned.”
Mr. Mariani points out that restaurants throughout Italy, and many Italian restaurants in the US, offer guests a welcome glass of Prosecco upon their arrival. “Prosecco is an Italian sign of hospitality and conviviality,” he noted. “Socially it breaks the ice, and gastronomically it whets the appetite. How could America not embrace such a concept?”
Cantine Maschio was founded in 1971 by the Maschio family, which has a long history and reputation for quality. Today, Cantine Maschio is one of the largest producers of frizzante wine and one of Italy’s leading Prosecco vintners. Both wines are crafted by Chief Winemaker, Dino Dal Pos who has been with Cantine Maschio for thirty years.
Banfi Vintners is the leading wine importer in the US. Founded by John Mariani, Sr. in 1919 and run today by his children and grandchildren, the privately held company has earned a stellar reputation for developing its tight, closely run portfolio of wines into category leaders.