VinePair Best Wine Pairings For Your Game Day A nice, round bubbly like the Blanc de Noirs from New Mexico-based Gruet family is the perfect match for the salty crunch of fried chicken, and a straightforward Prosecco like the Nino Franco Rustico will calm the heat of jalapeño poppers, a spicy guac, or even hot spinach dip. FULL ARTICLE HERE
Food & Wine Declares Nino Franco Grave di Stecca Brut 2010 as One of “15 Amazing Proseccos to Buy Right Now” Food & Wine featured Nino Franco Grave di Stecca Brut 2010 in the October 5, 2020 article 15 Amazing Proseccos to Buy Right Now. “Aromas of lemon blossoms, mashed almonds, and gently caramelized white peaches roll into a palate of beautiful vinosity, with tiny, leisurely bubbles carrying honeyed flavors of white cardamom, sesame-honey candies, lemon oil, fresh ginger, vanilla, and a savory finish verging on salinity.” Click here to read the full article.
Wine Enthusiast: 94 Points & #1 Enthusiast 2019 for Nino Franco NV Rustico Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) Review published 12/31/2019 by Wine Enthusiast Nino Franco NV Rustico Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)94 Points #1 Enthusiast 100 2019 “Aromas of white spring flower, Bartlett pear and citrus waft out of the glass. The racy, refreshing palate is full of energy, offering crisp yellow-apple, lemon drop and orange zest flavors balanced by vibrant acidity. A perlage of small, refined and continuous bubbles provides the silky backdrop.”
Wine Enthusiast: 94 Points for Nino Franco NV Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) Review published 12/31/2019 by Wine Enthusiast Nino Franco NV Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)94 PointsEditors’ Choice “Foaming, vibrant and loaded with finesse, this radiant sparkler opens with delicate but enticing scents of fragrant spring blossom and white stone fruit. The dry elegant palate delivers Granny Smith apple, Bartlett pear and white almond alongside bright acidity and tiny, continuous bubbles. This is gorgeous offering, and one that nicely shows the incredible potential of the Valdobbiadene hills.”
Wine Enthusiast: 92 Points for Nino Franco 2018 Primo Franco Dry (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) Review published 12/31/2019 by Wine Enthusiast Nino Franco 2018 Primo Franco Dry (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)92 Points “Heady aromas of green apple, wisteria and baking spice propel from the glass on this luscious sparkler. Elegant and bright, the silky palate doles out pear, white peach and lemon drop, while a creamy mousse provides finesse. Bright acidity lifts the rich flavors and leaves a tangy finish.”
Wine Enthusiast: 94 Points for Nino Franco 2017 Nodi Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) Review published 12/31/2019 by Wine Enthusiast Nino Franco 2017 Nodi Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)94 PointsEditors’ Choice “Here is a Prosecco Superiore that shows depth and elegance as well the denomination’s hallmark freshness. It opens with delicate enticing scents of spring wildflower, fleshy white stone fruit, wild herb and a yeasty whiff of bread dough. On the dry linear palate, a silky mousse accompanies yellow apple, pear and white peach alongside a note of white almond and a hint of ginger.”
Wine Enthusiast: 95 Points for Nino Franco 2018 Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) Review published 12/31/2019 by Wine Enthusiast Nino Franco 2018 Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore)95 PointsEditors’ Choice “An outstanding expression of one of the most celebrated vineyard sites in the denomination, this wine opens with enticing scents of toasted almond, white orchard fruit, botanical herb and pressed spring flower. Elegant and focused, the bright, foaming palate delivers a great depth of flavors, including green apple, creamy white peach and lemon drop, while a soft mousse gives it a silky texture. It closes crisp, tangy and dry.”
Wine Spectator: 90 Points for Dry Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Primo Franco 2018 From the June 30, 2020 issue of Wine Spectator Nino FrancoDry Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Primo Franco 201890 Points “Round and creamy, with a juicy layer of acidity enlivening flavors of almond biscotti, pastry cream, candied lemon peel and ground ginger. Fresh, floral finish. Drink now through 2023. 5,000 cases made, 200 cases imported.”
The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene Proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site After a ten-year nomination process, on July 7, 2019 the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic winemaking region in north-eastern Italy is the 55th Italian site to be recognized with this prestigious designation. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to “encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.” The Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene landscape is the 10th site in the world to be registered under the category of “cultural landscape.” The other sites in this category include Langhe Roero and Monferrato (Italy), Champagne (France), and Tokaj (Hungary). These evolutionary cultural landscape sites show the vital and constantly evolving interaction between man and the environment. The producers of the Consortium of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, including Nino Franco, were the driving force behind the region being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information, please visit the websites of UNESCO and the Consortium of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
Wine Spectator: 91 Points for Nino Franco Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano 2017 From the March 31, 2019 issue of Wine Spectator: Nino Franco Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano 201791 POINTS ” A rich and creamy Prosecco, enlivened by a firm backbone of juicy acidity, this offers a fine range of baked apricot, pastry cream, almond biscotti, and spiced orange flavors that linger in the mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2022.”
Wine Spectator: 90 Points for Nino Franco Brut Rosé Vino Spumante Faìve 2016 From the March 31, 2019 issue of Wine Spectator: Nino Franco Brut Rosé Vino Spumante Faìve 201690 POINTS ” Peach and blood orange granita flavors are layered with pastry cream and biscuit notes in this well-balanced rosé, with a fine and creamy mousse. Floral and spice accents linger on the juicy finish. Drink now through 2021.”
Briscoe Bites featured Nino Franco Rustico in the December 11, 2017 article Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco. “On the pour and into the glass, the Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco is a light, but bright straw-like yellow. Out of the glass comes complex aromas of brioche, crisp apples, and white petaled flowers. The palate is a light to medium body with a bit of nuttiness in the background that gives the impression of a bit of creaminess on the tongue as well.” Click here to read the full article.
From the December 2017 issue of Wine Enthusiast: Nino Franco NV Rustico Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) 89 POINTS Silky and fresh, this bright sparkler delivers aromas and flavors of ripe apple, Bartlett pear and creamy white peach. Tangy acidity and a foaming perlage provide the polished backdrop.
From the December 2017 issue of Wine Enthusiast: Nino Franco 2016 Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze 92 POINTS Creamy and delicious, this elegant off-dry sparkler doles out layers of sweet white peach, yellow apple, pear and a tangy note of candied lemon drop. A silky perlage gives it a smooth polished texture while bright acidity lifts the rich flavors.
From the December 2017 issue of Wine Enthusiast: Nino Franco NV Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) 92 POINTS Heady aromas of white spring flower and mature apple carry through to the creamy palate along with ripe pear and citrus notes. It’s balanced, with vibrant acidity and an elegant perlage that lead into the dry, refreshing finish.
From the December 2017 issue of Wine Enthusiast: Nino Franco 2016 Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) 93 POINTS – Editors’ Choice Citrus, apple, crushed herb and wild flower aromas take center stage on this elegant sparkler. It’s bright and silky, with savory Bartlett pear, nectarine zest and hints of thyme balanced by a creamy mousse and vibrant acidity. Thanks to its depth of flavors, finesse and crisp dry finish, it beautifully demonstrates Prosecco’s serious side.
From the December 2017 issue of Wine Enthusiast: Nino Franco 2015 Nodi Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) 93 POINTS “Delicate, compelling aromas of ripe pear, lily of the valley and pressed acacia flower mingle with a whiff of aromatic herbs. The smooth, silky palate delivers yellow apple and white peach alongside a creamy mousse and fresh acidity. A lovely sparker of pedigree and finesse. “- Kerin O’Keefe.
VinePair featured Nino Franco in the November 2017 article POPPING OFF: THE MOST POPULAR PROSECCO BRANDS OF 2017. “Prosecco is the specialty of this family-owned winery that has been in the heart of the Veneto since 1919.” Click here to read the full article.
Vino-Sphere featured Nino Franco in the October 9, 2017 article Nino Franco Continues Legacy of Premiere Prosecco In Italy’s Valdobbiadene Region. “Nino Franco Prosecco has received a multitude of awards and it is easy to see why. Each bottle was crafted to produce a delicious experience. The pricing is such that opening a bottle doesn’t need to wait for a special occasion. Even the highest priced bottle we enjoyed is under $50. We highly recommend the wines of Nino Franco and want to nudge you to step up from the basic Prosecco to the DOCG Prosecco Superiore of Valdobbiadene.” Click here to read the full article.
Hudson Valley Wine Goddess featured Nino Franco in the October 6, 2017 article The Prosecco Ambassador – Primo Franco and the Nino Franco Brand. Writer Debbie Gioquindo said, “Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superior DOCG really opened my eyes to what a good Prosecco is. Rustico is a term connected to an old local tradition of making wine using a shorter second fermentation in the bottle and leaving the sediment in the wine. This isn’t practiced today, as the second fermentation takes place in the tank (charmat method) but the brand name stayed. There are 4,000 cases of Rustico produced. This Prosecco was soft and creamy with a nice mousse and aromas of white flowers and apple blossoms. Nicely balanced, you can taste the salinity along with hints of apple and pears. Overall enjoyment.” Click here to read the full article.
Dracaena Wines featured Nino Franco in the October 4, 2017 article Getting Educated on Prosecco by Nino Franco. “Being one of the oldest wineries in Valdobbiadene, Nino Franco holds true to its tradition. A combination of old practices and adapting to new technologies has allowed three generations Antonio, Nino and Primo to produce exceptional Prosecco.” Click here to read the full article.
Always Ravenous featured Nino Franco in the September 30, 2017 article Prosecco Paired with Small Savory Plates. Writer Jane Niemeyer said, “I paired the 2016 Primo Franco with a triple cream cheese, Gruyère, proscuitto, fresh figs, and Marcona almonds. The fresh acidity of the Prosecco was a nice contrast to the creamy richness of the triple cream cheese. The almonds brought out a toasted almond note in the Prosecco. Both the prosciutto and Gruyère complemented the Prosecco, leaving both the food and Prosecco enhanced.” Click here to read the full article.
The Frosted Petticoat featured Nino Franco in the September 25, 2017 article Prosecco Tower How-To with Nino Franco. Writer Sam Temsah-Deniskin created a Prosecco tower with Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore and coupe glasses. She writes, “Founded in 1919, Nino Franco is quite appropriately paired with the unofficial glass of the Roaring Twenties, the coupe! A sexy, elegant, and celebratory prosecco to match an equally rich glass. And with Rustico’s crisp fruit and creamy taste, it won’t disappoint.” Click here to read the full article.
The Wall Street Journal featured Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore in the September 14, 2017 article 15 Great $15 Wines: For Oenophiles on a Budget. Writer Lettie Teague said, “The popularity of Prosecco remains strong, and Nino Franco’s non-vintage is a reliable one. A very crisp, very dry, and relatively light-bodied take on Prosecco and an excellent aperitif.” Click here to read the full article.
The website Always Ravenous: Adventures in Food and Wine featured Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG and Nino Franco Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG in the September 12, 2017 article FETTUCCINE WITH ASPARAGUS, PEAS & SAFFRON AND PROSECCO. “I paired the Nino Franco Brut with Fettuccine with Asparagus, Peas, and Saffron. What made this pairing work? A lighter vegetable forward pasta matches the weight of the Prosecco. The cream sauce is enhanced with a dry Vermouth echoing the dry savory notes in the Prosecco. The bubbles and acidity cleanse the palate.” Writer Jane Niemeyer’s article includes tasting notes and a recipe. Click here to read the full article and obtain the recipe.
From the August 31, 2017 issue of Wine Spectator: Nino Franco 2015 Nodi Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 89 POINTS “Lightly floral and aromatic, this lacy Prosecco features a hint of petrol underscoring the flavors of poached pear and lemon preserves. Fresh and well-cut on the lingering finish.” – Alison Napjus
From the August 31, 2017 issue of Robert Parker Wine Advocate Nino Franco 2012 Grave di Stecca Brut 88 POINTS “The 2012 Grave di Stecca Brut is a luminous and beautifully transparent sparkling wine packaged in a clear glass bottle. This wine just begs for a hot summer afternoon on the terrace. It is a refreshing sparkling wine in both spirit and substance. The bouquet is dry and mild in aromatic intensity with citrus and dried mineral. What it lacks in exuberance it makes for in streamlined elegance.” – Monica Larner
From the August 31, 2017 issue of Robert Parker Wine Advocate Nino Franco 2015 Nodi Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) 87 POINTS “The 2015 Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut Nodi is a cheerful and fresh sparkling wine that tastes great on a hot day. The wine goes down very easily, thanks to its bright aromas of citrus, green apple and kiwi. The mouthfeel is tonic and lean.” – Monica Larner
From the August 31, 2017 issue of Robert Parker Wine Advocate: Nino Franco NV Rustico Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 87 Points “The NV Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut Rustico is made with no perceived residual sugar. The bouquet shows aromas of dried cut grass and lemon zest. The wine is polished and clean with a great sense of sharpness and energy. It has the acidity and the cutting effervescence to keep the palate clean and refreshed.” – Monica Larner
Primo Franco is quoted in the August 28, 2017 Wine Spectator article Facing a Meager Harvest, Prosecco Winemakers Win Approval to Use Non-DOC Grapes by Alison Napjus. “It’s a way for the area to avoid price speculation and to meet market demand,” explained Primo Franco, of his family’s Nino Franco estate located in Valdobbiadene. Click here to read the full article.
The Daily Meal featured Nino Franco Rustico in the August 21, 2017 article Mixed Case: 12 Wonderful Wines from Around the Globe. Writer Wanda Mann said, “Who says Prosecco can’t be fancy? Valdobbiadene produces some of Italy’s most superb Prosecco wines and Nino Franco is one of the oldest wineries in the region. Dry, creamy, and crisp with fine bubbles and elegant fruit & flowery flavors, this is a gorgeous 100% Glera bubbly with tremendous texture and minerality.” Click here to read the full article.
Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore Valdiobbiadene DOCG was featured in the August 16, 2017 The Drunken Cyclist article Building a Tower to Nino Franco. “My adoration for Nino Franco was enhanced by my visit last Fall and I now seek out both their wines and Proseccos from other producers with a similar emphasis on quality that are available in the U.S. market (there are not many). A few weeks ago I received a couple of magnums of Nino Franco’s Rustico and several sparkling wine coupes to build a tower for Prosecco Day, which occurred this past Sunday, August 13th.” Click here to read the entire article and to see a video of writer Jeff Kralik’s tower of coupe glasses flowing with Nino Franco Rustico.
Nino Franco Grave di Stecca Brut 2010 was featured in the August 15, 2017 Forbes article What to Drink Now: The Best White Wines of August. Contributor Katie Kelly Bell writes, “Yes, this is a pricey Prosecco but this bubbly is significantly more complex and decadent than any Prosecco I have tasted. Made with 100% Glera grapes from the Valdobbiadene district, it is herbal with a decadent palate of lemon creaminess and lemon meringue. The winery was founded in 1919 and the fruit for this wine is sourced from a single select vineyard, Grave di Stecca, an ancient origin vineyard on the slopes of the Prealpi. Indeed, from serious fruit comes a serious sparkling.” Click here to read the full article.
Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore Valdiobbiadene DOCG was featured in the August 13, 2017 Wine Predator article Cheers to National Prosecco Day with Riondo and Nino Franco Rustico “Creamy and balanced, this is not one of those overly sweet Proseccos making it a really terrific food wine. Not dramatic, but pleasant with a nice finish. In the somewhat smaller coupe glass, the bubbles were persistent enough. Once the bubbles are gone, it is a bit bland — so drink up!” Writer Gwendolyn Alley also crafted a sparkling wine tower with the Rustico and coupe glasses. Click here to read the entire article.
Nino Franco Rustico has earned a spot on Food & Wine’s “list of 50 of the world’s most reliable, inexpensive wines—bottles that offer amazing quality for their price year in and year out.” The magazine writes: Proof that Prosecco doesn’t have to be a simply, fizzy drink (yet can remain affordable), Nino Franco’s basic cuvée has layers of toasty bread and citrus notes, with fine, elegant bubbles. Founded by Antonio Franco in 1919, the company is now ably run by 3rd generation vintner Primo Franco. See the full list on Food & Wine’s website here.
Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore Valdiobbiadene DOCG was featured in the July 19, 2017 Food & Wine article 50 Affordable Wines You Can Always Trust. “Proof that Prosecco doesn’t have to be a simply, fizzy drink (yet can remain affordable), Nino Franco’s basic cuvée has layers of toasty bread and citrus notes, with fine, elegant bubbles. Founded by Antonio Franco in 1919, the company is now ably run by 3rd generation vintner Primo Franco.” Click here to read the entire article.
Nothing could be more spectacular as a party centerpiece than a Prosecco tower – with Nino Franco Rustico, of course. See how it’s done.
See the full list of winners here.
Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore Valdiobbiadene DOCG was mentioned in the July 3, 2017 article Provocative: The Federalist Wines and Hamilton on GrapeExperiences.com “You can only guess how thrilled I was to be invited to Tangley Oaks and taste a few of The Federalist wines with the “Hamilton” cast and John Terlato himself. Upon arrival at the breathtaking mansion, originally built for the Armour family of Chicago meat-packing fame, hors d’oeuvres of spicy citrus shrimp and prosciutto and fig crostini and chilled glasses of bubbly, Nino Franco Rustico Presecco Superiore, Valdobbiadene DOCG were offered to awestruck guests.” Click here to read the full article.
2015 Nino Franco “Primo Franco” Superiore Dry was featured on FoodandWine.com in the March 28, 2017 article 7 High-End Proseccos to Try Now. “Not many years ago, Prosecco was seldom seen outside northern Italy, and Nino Franco was one of the first to introduce it to the international market as an alternative to Champagne. The Primo Franco bottling is rich and deep with some fruity sweetness and whispers of vanilla.”- Roger Morris. Click here to read the full article.
Wine and food consultant Bernard Kenner writes on Prosecco on the iSanté blog and remarks: Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco DOCG Brut NV is one of my favorites; some extra time on the lees and very dry, it is more complex and sophisticated. See the full post here.
When Melanie Stone of Business Insider decided to put together a list of the best sparkling wines to bring to your holiday parties, what better person to ask than Alison Napjus, senior editor at Wine Spectator? The challenge Alison faced was to recommend bubblies that are not only tasty, but also affordable. After reviewing more than 2,500 sparkling contenders annually, Alison Napjus recommends options from Italy, Spain and California, with Nino Franco Rustico NV standing out as the only Prosecco to make the list. Nino Franco Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rustico NV “This Italian Prosecco has hints of white peach, Thai basil, sliced almond, and lemon pith.”– Alison Napjus. See the full article here.
The February/March 2017 issue of Brides magazine includes the Brides Selects Awards for “Wedding-Worthy Wines” — crowd-pleasing wines that are ideal for celebrations. Nino Franco is selected for the shower: Bridal Shower: Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore NV “From one of the best prosecco producers on the market today, this rustico’s stone fruit and finely textured bubbles create an elegant pour. Pair with: An ample cheese course.” – Amy Zavatto
Wine Enthusiast checks in with two great reviews of Nino Franco wines in the December 2016 issue: 92 points: Nino Franco 2015 Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) “Enticing scents of ripe orchard fruit, aromatic herb and fragrant white spring flower take center stage on this elegant sparkler. The generous palate doles out juicy white peach, ripe Granny Smith apple and tangerine zest. Fresh acidity brightens the creamy flavors while an elegant mousse imparts finesse.”- Kerin O’Keefe. 90 points: Nino Franco 2015 Primo Franco Dry (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) “Aromas of fragrant white flower, chopped herb and white stone fruit jump out of the glass while the creamy palate presents juicy yellow peach, mature green apple and a note of candied nectarine zest. A soft foaming mousse accompanies the rich flavors.” – K.O.
For the holidays, Best Products picks the best 12 bottles of Prosecco under $20, and Prosecco Rustico Nino Franco makes the list: The bright and juicy taste of apples, peaches, and pears sings through this fragrant and delicate sparkling wine that is easy to drink either with food or on its own. Try serving as a refreshing aperitif this season alongside fruity chutneys, charcuterie, and cheese. See the full post here.
T.J. Foderaro writes on the 2011 Nino Franco Grave di Stecca Brut: It’s not often I taste a wine that I can unhesitatingly declare to be the best of its kind. But this vintage-dated sparkling wine from Italy’s Nino Franco winery is easily the best prosecco I’ve found…. Whereas most prosecco has little to offer beyond bubbles, Franco’s Grave di Stecca has a seductive bouquet and complex flavors not unlike a fine Champagne. See the full post here.
Wine with Halloween candy? Well, OK…. How to compete with candy corn’s waxy, saccharine spirit? Bubbles. And lots of them. The effervescence in a clean, elegant sparkling wine not only mellows candy corn’s over-the-top sweetness—it helps coax out the inherent creaminess in Halloween’s most divisive candy. This combo, dare we say, might even convert candy corn’s biggest skeptics. Bottles to Try: Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico, $18 Bisol Jeio Prosecco, $16 See the full story here.
In a new post, the popular wine blogger Jeff Kralik—you know him as “The Drunken Cyclist”—turns his focus to the Veneto, dining with vintners Silvia Franco and Lisa Anselmi, and he finds much to like. At a time when production of Prosecco has surged, he writes, “Nino Franco has maintained its position … as one of the few producers in the region that have not wavered from making truly excellent wines.” Here are excerpts from his notes on the three Nino Franco wines tasted—but be sure to click here to read the full article: N.V. Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG One of the best Proseccos in this price range that I have ever had. Outstanding. 90-92 Points. 2010 Nino Franco Grave di Stecca Brut This is unlike any Prosecco I’ve ever had and really is fantastic. Whoa. Outstanding Plus. 93-95 Points. 2012 Nino Franco Primo Franco Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG More of a classic Prosecco with exotic and tropical fruits on the nose, leading to a sweeter mouthfeel and an almond aspect on the finish. Very nice. Very Good to Outstanding. 89-91 Points. Not to be overlooked, three Anselmi wines are also reviewed: 2015 Anselmi San
Food & Wine Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle was one CNBC’s On the Money program on July 29 to talk summer wines, and one of his five fresh, delicious and affordable picks was Nino Franco Rustico. Check out the segment here!
Just in time for a celebratory three-day holiday weekend, Drink Me is featuring three summertime cocktails built around Nino Franco Prosecco. “The key components of Nino Franco not only make it a perfect aperitif or food pairing wine, but allow a range of thirst-quenching cocktails to be crafted,” writes Adrian Smith, introducing the St.-Rustico Spritz, Rustico Campari Spritz and the Rustico Aperol Spritz. Click here to see the article and the recipes.
“I spent the past few weeks tasting a range of seasonally appropriate, delicious value bottles,” writes the Wall Street Journal’s Lettie Teague in a new article this week, “and found 20 reds, whites, rosés and sparklers from all over the world for under $20 a bottle—often well under, in fact.” Among this select group of wines: Nino Franco Rustico. Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico $15 There is a decided division between strictly commercial Prosecco and the more serious stuff. The elegant Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico, produced in the Veneto’s prestigious Valdobbiadene, belongs to the latter category. Pale and dry, with fine persistent bubbles, it makes a first-rate aperitif. Click here to see the full article (registration may be required).
VinePair has selected”The 8 Best Bottles Of Affordable Prosecco You Need To Drink Now,” and Nino Franco’s Rustico is on the list. In the piece, writer Emily Bell explains the Prosecco-making process and notes that “many of the affordable bottles make great accompaniments to food.” She goes on to say this about Rustico: More ready fruit here, with a (pleasant) hit of lees. Supple stone fruit flavors balanced by a soft perkiness—no bubble explosion here—which makes this bottle ridiculously easy to drink. Add a Joni Mitchell track and you’re just about in “chill out” heaven. Click here to see the post on VinePair.
Why Rustico? The name for this important wine in the Nino Franco portfolio dates to its very beginning: In the 1970s, the first one was made doing a second fermentation in the bottle without disgorgement, or col fondo, literally “with sediment.” This somewhat cloudy wine was reminiscent of traditional, homemade wines enjoyed informally among friends and family. It had a rustic quality, and although it has long since been made by the charmat method, with the second fermentation taking place in a pressurized tank (this is also known by the French term cùve close), it continues to bear the name “Rustico.” But you might notice something new alongside the name on the label: The addition of an appellation. Rustico has always had a place of origin, of course – it was just on the back label. Through 2008, that appellation was Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC. Then in 2009 the Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG was recognized. That became the new Rustico appellation – and the appellation says a lot about the wine. Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is where the Prosecco was born, in steep and hilly terrain, with chalky and clayish soils. Cultivating grapes isn’t easy there, but the growers work
Happy June! This #WineWednesday we’re highlighting a summer cocktail made from simple syrup, ginger, lime and Nino Franco Primo Franco Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, that was recently featured on the Frosted Petti Coat. Bali Sunset (serves 1) A pop of tropical delight paired perfectly with Nino Franco Prosecco. Ingredients Nino Franco Prosecco 1 ounce of simple syrup 1 inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled & sliced) 1 ounce of lime juice Lime slices Instructions In a highball, muddle a 1-inch piece of peeled sliced ginger with 1 ounce of simple syrup. Add 1 ounce of lime juice, and top off with Nino Franco Prosecco. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy! To read the full post click here.
Robert Camuto recently toured Prosecco-land to try and discover the best places to eat, where to stay and where to taste some of the most prized wines the region has to offer. In his comprehensive guide, published in the April 30 issue of Wine Spectator, Nino Franco is featured as one of the top wineries to visit and their Old World villa turned bed-and-breakfast is recommended as a place to stay. Where to Taste Nino Franco Nino Franco is a leading negociant run by the tireless Prosecco pioneer Primo Franco, 68. Franco, who typically works closely with small growers, has one vineyard for his small-production Grave di Stecca brut, planted around the family’s Villa Barberina. Where to Stay Villa Barberina For intimate Old World style, take a suite at this landmark 18th-century Venetian villa turned bed-and-breakfast, run by the family behind Nino Franco. Situated a short walk above the town of Valdobbiadene, in a leafy garden surrounded by the winery’s prized Grave di Stecca vineyard, this historic property is furnished in plush period style with antiques, frescoes, parquet floors and fat silk-upholstered armchairs. The villa experience, beginning with a warm welcome from Annalisa Franco, makes you
Christy Canterbury, Master of Wine, shares her recommended wine pairings with this four ingredient pasta dish. “There are only four ingredients in this pasta, not counting the salt and pepper, so each makes its presence known. Yet naturally, the leeks and gorgonzola dolce stand out. Those two each give this dish a pleasant contrast of a hint of sweetness along with savory earthiness. That’s an unusual combination to find in wine. However, it’s one that a range of Prosecco Superiore DOCG styles can cover with ease. Furthermore, Prosecco’s lightness will match this pasta’s mid-weight palate.”—CHRISTY CANTERBURY Recommended wine pairing: Nino Franco Vigneto Della Riva Di San Floriano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG To read the full article click here.
Master of Wine Christy Canterbury recently visited the Prosecco region of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano and had this to stay about the area, “These are the most beautiful vineyards I’ve ever seen. And, I’ve seen a lot of vineyards.” In this feature Christy details out the vast differences between Prosecco DOCG and Prosecco DOC and IGT areas: “Just as some jewels are more precious than others, so they are here. In wine grape growing, hills trump plains for top quality, and neither Conegliano nor Valdobbiadene are short on slopes. This is mostly unlike the Prosecco DOC and IGT areas, composed of flat lands surrounding the DOCG region. The DOCG zone makes the most prized wines because of its vineyards’ privileged hillside positions that require an exorbitant number of wo/man labor hours and produce small yields (compared to DOC and IGT Prosecco) as well as the detail-oriented prophets who prove with every glass that their wines’ quality is better. Whereas DOC and IGT Prosecco from the plains requires approximately 150 hours of labor per hectare per year, DOCG Prosecco made on the slopes can require 500 to 800 hours. Moreover, DOCG producers work much harder for far less
The Food & Wine kitchen is making Spicy Thai Shrimp & Pork Dip this month and pairing this zesty dish with what other than bubbles! Prosecco bubbles to be exact, from famed producer Nino Franco comes their flagship sparkling wine, the Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. To get the recipe, click here.
CIMA will be holding their first 2016 gathering of the NYC Art History Fellows Network on February 1 and invite everyone to join! It’s a great opportunity to get to know colleagues from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Collection, the Morgan Library & Museum, and many other institutions in the tri-state area. And even better, you can enjoy a glass of Nino Franco prosecco while you tour the Giorgio Morandi exhibition. NYC ART HISTORY FELLOWS NETWORK GATHERING CENTER FOR ITALIAN MODERN ART 421 Broome Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10013 01 February 2016 / 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm For more info and to RSVP click here.
Antonio Galloni shares his seven essential tips for serving Champagne on New Year’s Eve and provides his recommendations for the best sparkling wines to ring in 2016. Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is one of Galloni’s top choices for those looking for a budget-friendly option. A few of his must-learn tips include serving Champagne at the ideal temperature of around 48°-50°F, opening the bottle gently and using the proper stemware (the standard flute is actually a poor choice; go with a white wine glass instead). To read the full article click here.
Marie Claire just published their best bubbly for New Year’s Eve guide and Nino Franco Rustico is one of their top picks for NYE 2015: For the Budget Babe: The Best Bottles Under $20 “To make sure you have enough $$ left over for your NYE dress, stock up on these delicious and wallet-friendly champagne—okay, fine prosecco and cava—options.” What to buy: 1. Reviewers claimed this bottle “is as close to Champagne—at this price—as Prosecco will get.” We’ll take it! Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco di Valdobbiadene To read the full article click here.
In this feature dedicated to Primo Franco and his role in Italy’s wine quality revolution back in the 1980s, Robert Camuto, contributing editor to Wine Spectator, walks us through Primo’s inspiration for transforming the Nino Franco Winery into what it is today: Franco’s grandfather founded the winery as a négociant house, bottling red and white wines after the close of World War I. His father, Nino, expanded that business within Italy. “We were selling calories,” recalls Franco. “Wine was something that was drunk every day and every night.” Franco expanded the business with its first exports to other European countries and the United States. Then in 1982, his father died and took over. He immediately modernized the family winery, replacing old fermentation barrels with temperature-controlled steel tanks and eliminating red and white still wines from the family portfolio. “I decided to do one thing—Prosecco,” he says, “to put all the gas inside one car in order to go faster and further.” It was the time of Italian wine’s quality revolution, which Franco fondly recalls. “We were a bunch of producers of the same age,” he says. “We were coming from the business of calories and into
In January 2015 Primo Franco hosted a vertical tasting of Primo Franco Prosecco spanning 24 years from 1989 all the way through 2013 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of this special wine. Cynthia Sin-Yi Cheng of findyourcraving.com was one of the many distinguished guests and filmed a short interview with Primo after the tasting. Primo talks about his inspiration to make this single vineyard Prosecco and why he believes it’s a wine that can age for decades. Watch the video below.
Featured in the December issue of Wine Enthusiast, Nino Franco is highlighted with five 90+ scores including two 93-pt scores for the 2014 San Floriano and 2012 Grave di Stecca. 93 pts Nino Franco Vigneto Della Riva Di San Floriano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG 2014 **Editor’s Choice This dazzling sparkler opens with enticing aromas of wisteria, spring wild flowers, vineyard dust and freshly picked orchard fruit. The crisp, linear palate doles out green apple, nectarine, pear and energizing mineral notes alongside a creamy perlage and vibrant acidity. It’s perfectly balanced and refreshing. 93 pts Nino Franco Grave Di Stecca Brut Sparkling 2012 **Cellar Selection Made with 100% Glera grown inside a walled vineyard, this stunning wine boasts unusual depth and structure. It delivers aromas and flavors of ripe yellow apple, pear, lemon drop, chopped sage and a ginger note while the foaming, silky mousse lends it a creamy, elegant texture. A recent vertical tasting back to 2007 proves this wine can develop more complexity after several years in the cellar. 92 pts Nino Franco Primo Franco Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG 2014 Creamy and fresh, this off-dry sparkler offers heady aromas of exotic fruit, candied orange peel
Labor Day might have come and gone, but those hot temperatures are sticking around for a while longer, which means more outdoor barbeques. Over the holiday weekend, Nino Franco was featured on Bloomberg.com as the top-listed wine to pair with barbeque: Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Bubbles contrast barbecue’s spicy, smoky, and sweet flavors and counterbalance salt and richness. At 11.5 percent alcohol, this fresh, lively quaffer is a wine you can also drink a lot of.—ELIN MCCOY To read the full article click here.
James Suckling recently released ratings for Nino Franco Prosecco with all wines receiving 91+ points: 93 pts Nino Franco Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano 2014 Extremely aromatic with honeysuckle, lemon, cream and peach character. Full body, soft and round texture. Beautiful fine bubbles. Long and flavorful. Fantastic Prosecco here. 93 pts Nino Franco Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Brut NV A very dry and balanced Prosecco with sliced lemon and apple aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, tight and compacted. Beautiful sliced white peach too. Creamy texture. Delicious aperitif or with food. Drink now. 92 pts Nino Franco Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Primo Franco 2014 Aromas of cooked pear, apple and melon. Hints of fresh ginger too. Full-bodied, bright and clear. Plenty of transparency of delicious fruit. Yet fresh and delectable. Stylish Prosecco. Drink and enjoy. 91 pts Nino Franco Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Rustico NV Delicious, creamy texture to this with dried apple, pear and lemon curd. Subtle and flavorful. Full, dry and fresh. A mineral and white pepper undertone. Spicy green apple too. Drink now. Serious Prosecco as always.
Nino Franco Rustico is featured in Saveur Magazine, the second recommendation by the publication for the Prosecco producer this summer! Thomas Pastuszak, wine director at The Nomad Hotel, and Jessica Brown, who helps the wine program at The John Dory Oyster Bar, talk about their favorite sparkling wine pairings in this August post. “We really like the Nino Franco ‘Rustico’ Prosecco, not only because of its affordability, but because it does a great job of balancing between being a seriously well-made wine, and being extremely easy to drink.” –Thomas and Jessica To read the full article click here. Nino Franco was also featured in the July 2015 issue of Saveur Magazine: http://ninofrancousa.com/2015/06/04/nino-franco-featured-in-saveur-magazine/.
Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is featured as a “must try” in Decanter with a 90-point score. “From one of Valdobbiadene’s oldest wineries, this tastes vital and fresh. The bright fruit flavours have good intensity and the bubbles are gently persistent, making it a great wine to go with food.” –MARCO SALVADORI To read more of this article please click here.
Michael Edwards takes a look at the rise and rise of Prosecco, before sharing his notes on a tasting of one of the very best producer’s wines. In this article, featured in World of Fine Wines, Primo Franco is profiled and tells his story of joining the family business and growing the Prosecco category from Valdobbiadene into something magical. “Primo has been the pioneer in presenting and distributing Valdobbiadene with style “on a tray,” creating added value linked to a specific territory. All Valdo producers, houses, and growers, have owed him a great deal in bad times and good.” —FRANCO ADAMI, Primo’s great peer and friendly competitor. To read the full article including tasting notes on several vintages of Primo Franco Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG click here.
“Looking for the perfect wine for dinner or to take to a party? Our team of experts has come up with bumper crop of suggestions—enough to try something new every week. Next time you go to the wine store, look for these bottle bargains.” Mary Ewing-Mulligan @memmw, president of the International Wine Center and co-author of Wine for Dummies, recommends Nino Franco Rustico! To read the full article click here.
Nino Franco Rustico samples were served to the sold-out crowd at Ravinia Music Festival held in June. One of the season’s hottest shows, nearly 17,000 spectators were in attendance to see Tony Bennet & Lady Gaga for their Cheek to Cheek tour. In addition, Nino Franco hosted a buyers night-out for many Chicagoland accounts to enjoy the music paired with Prosecco! To learn more about Ravinia, click here.
Nino Franco Prosecco, presented by Terlato Wines, has been a generous in-kind sponsor of the new Center for Italian Modern Art in Soho since its opening last February 2014. CIMA serves glasses of the delicious Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG at all of its receptions. The next reception will be the closing party for the current installation — featuring the Italian sculptor Medardo Rosso — this coming Saturday June 27th. Don’t miss it! Click here for more details. The Center for Italian Modern Art is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting new scholarship and dialogue around Italian twentieth-century art. Founded by Milanese art historian and collector Laura Mattioli, CIMA is located in a beautiful loft in SoHo, New York’s historic cast-iron district. Each year, from October through June, CIMA hosts an installation of works by master artists often little known or rarely exhibited in the United States. CIMA also sponsors a fellowship program, which is open to art history scholars of any nationality, and hosts a variety of public programming throughout the year. CIMA’s first season (February 21 – June 28, 2014) was dedicated to the Italian Futurist Fortunato Depero, perhaps best known for designing the Campari bottle in 1932. Its second and current season (on view until June 27, 2015)
Master Sommelier Laura Maniec of NYC’s Corkbuzz lists her top choice producers of prosecco in InStyle: Nino Franco Grave di Stecca Brut Sparkling “Dry, followed by a decidedly fruitier taste and aroma with nuances of fresh fruit.” Click here to read the full article.
Primo Franco, his wife Annalisa and daughter Silvia Franco sit down to tell their story of Nino Franco Winery.
Nino Franco is featured in the July issue of Saveur Magazine as one of the best bubbles to add to your summer cocktail. Prosecco: It’s clean, light, fruit-forward flavors make prosecco the ideal candidate for mixing. To read more click here. This article will also appear in the July 2015 issue of Saveur.
“Last fall I attended an unusual tasting event at the Nino Franco winery in the town of Valdobbiadene. Trenta Brindisi al Prosecco Primo Franco celebrated thirty years of producing the company’s eponymous prosecco. The wine was something of a groundbreaker when it was first introduced in 1983 and, appropriately enough, so was the tasting that followed. Primo Franco, creator of the wine, kicked off the evening by giving the audience—comprised mostly of journalists, sommeliers, friends and a handful of other wine producers—a bit of background. “I didn’t set out to be a winemaker; I thought I was going to be an architect,” he began by saying. “I finally entered the family business in 1973. Ten years later, I came across a bottle of prosecco made by my grandfather that had been forgotten in the cantina. It had been made in 1956. I thought ‘this wine will surely be shot but maybe we can at least use it to make risotto.’ Then I tasted it. Much to my surprise, not only was the wine drinkable, it was enjoyable—still fresh and alive after almost thirty years. We had it with our dinner that evening rather than in it.
Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine Magazine recommends Nino Franco Faive Rosé Brut on The Today Show! “This, I love…beautiful Prosecco producer started making Rosé.” –RAY ISLE Ray recommends drinking Nino Franco Faive Rose in the backyard on a warm summer day. Click here to view the segment as well as the accompanying article. Nino Franco first appears at the 1:52 mark. Nino Franco Faive Rosé Brut Prosecco is still immensely popular and to capitalize on that, Prosecco producers are now making rosés as well. So we have Nino Franco’s pale pink, berry-scented version is the perfect summer aperitif.
Wine veteran Tom Maresca attended the 30th Anniversary of Primo Franco event back in January where guests tasted through a vertical of Primo Franco Prosecco led by Primo Franco. Although he found the 1989 vintage a little disappointing he writes: “Those other six bottles were across the board textbook top-of-the-line Prosecco, delightful to drink and fresh even at over 20 years old. Indeed, I was amazed at how consistently, through the whole lineup, aromas of honey, smoke, and acacia flowers persisted, how the palate deepened and intensified ever so slightly from vintage to vintage, how it preserved always the hints of spice and dried apricot and slate, the elegance and appealing effervescence of the youngest sample. This is first-class winemaking, and a superb demonstration of the potential of the Glera grape (it used to be called Prosecco) in the right soils under the right hands.” –TOM MARESCA To read the full article, please click here.
Sarah Tracey of The Lush Life gives a crash course on sparkling wine for newlyweds and brings couples past Champagne to bubbles from around the world. Including a recommendation for Nino Franco Rustico! Prosecco Perfect For: Frugal partyers What You Should Know: Prosecco, from the Veneto region of Italy, is your true budget alternative—especially if you’re going for quantity. Prosecco is an affordable option in large part due to the production method (called the Charmat method). Instead of the second fermentation happening in the bottle—which is incredibly labor-intensive, specialized, and expensive—the second fermentation happens in a big tank. So, while the process is a bit less artisanal, the flavor is still festive, light, fruity, and effervescent. Try Nino Franco Rustico. Click here to read the full article on Martha Stewart Weddings.
Nino Franco Grave di Stecca is recommended in Bloomberg News by award-winning journalist Elin McCoy. Along with a beautiful bottle shot, Elin describes the 2010 Grave di Stecca as “dry, elegant, polished, and savory.” To read the full article, please click here.
Nino Franco is proud to share that the winery has been invited to participate in the 2015 OperaWine! OperaWine is hosted by Veronafiere, Vinitaly and Wine Spectator to bring you the finest Italian wines, 100 producers in total, at one grand event. The new premier event to Vinitaly 2015 “OperaWine,” will be held on March 21, 2015 in Verona. Please click here for more information.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Nino Franco Faìve Rosé Brut is featured on Forbes.com as a winning “Rosé Champagne” to woo your valentine. Now of course we all know that the Faìve Rosé is not a Champagne, and so does the writer Nick Passmore, but it certainly stands up to the competition. Nick calls the Faìve Rosé a “pure, simple delight.” Please click here to read the full article.
On January 13th Primo Franco, the third generation of his family to lead the historic Nino Franco winery, hosted a vertical tasting of Primo Franco Prosecco to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this wine at Corkbuzz Wine Studio @corkbuzz in New York’s Union Square. It was a great turnout with a mix of distinguished trade and NY press including Tom Marseca, Ed McCarthy @edchampagne, Levi Dalton @levi_opens_wine, Anthony Giglio @winewiseguy, Ray Isle @islewine and Lawrence Marcus @lawrmarcus of @foodandwine, Cynthia Sin-Yi Cheng @cynetvin & Sister Celia Cheng @findyourcraving, Aaron Von Rock, Paul Grieco @spitpaul, Charles Scicolone @obwnknobeofwine, Jessica Sturman, Alec Steidel, Carrie Strong and Cynthia Canterbury @canterburywine as Moderator. Along with a taste of the 2013 Primo Franco Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Primo Franco guided guests through 24 years of Prosecco including vintages 1989 in magnum, 1992, 1995 in magnum, 1997, 2000 and 2003. As most of these years were very difficult harvests, guests were pleasantly pleased by how well each of the wines showed. Below are some of the Twitter highlights surrounding the event: In October 2014, Primo Franco and his family hosted a similar tasting at their home in Valdobbiadene that
Featured in Food & Wine’s ‘Ultimate Holiday Guide’, Nino Franco Vigneto Della Riva Di San Floriano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG 2012 is recommended as a Prosecco worthy of New Year’s Eve. “It’s appley and minerally, with loads more complexity than its price would suggest.”–LAWRENCE MARCUS To read the full article, please click here.
Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is recommended by Food & Wine Wine Editor Ray Isle on today’s CNBC “Squawk Box”. As Ray shares his insight on the sparkling wine market, the “Squawk Box” crew toast to the New Year. To view the segment, please click here.
Holly & Flora (the beautiful blog written by Sommelier Jayme Marie Henderson) posted today on pumpkin spice waffles and how to make a holiday wreath with a feature on Nino Franco Rustico! “This is a leaner style Prosecco and is great if you don’t gravitate toward bread-like, biscuit-y sparkling wines.” –JAYME Read the full review & learn how to make your own wreath here.
We are pleased to announce that the editors of the Gambero Rosso 2015 Guide to the Wines of Italy have awarded the Nino Franco 2011 Grave di Stecca Brut “Tre Bicchieri” (Three Glasses, the guide’s top rating).
From the August 2013 issue of Wine & Spirits: Nino Franco 2011 Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Faivé Rose Brut 88 points More red than rosé, this has the dark flavor of pomegranate and a black, slightly rubbery edge. There’s something oddly refreshing in it, a quirky rosé to chill for the beach, to serve with grilled shellfish.
From the June 2014 issue of Wine Spectator: Nino Franco Brut Vino Spumante Grave di Stecca 2010 88 points There’s good verve to this lithe sparkler, which carries expressive floral, ripe apricot, mandarin orange and briny mineral notes on a light-bodied, silk-textured palate.—Alison Napjus.
From the October 2014 issue of Wine Spectator: Nino Franco Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano 2012 88 points An elegant version, with a fine mousse and fresh acidity, offering rich flavors of apple, pear, almond biscotti, honey, smoke and ginger, offset by a pretty note of lemon blossom that runs throughout. Drink now. 2,500 cases made.—Alison Napjus
The Nino Franco Media Kit was created by Terlato Wines for use by U.S. journalists and select members of the trade. It offers users an inside look at the Nino Franco winery and detailed information on its history, its approach to winemaking, and the wines themselves. For media inquiries, please click here. Please click here for the Nino Franco website. Image via the Nino Franco Facebook.
Once again this year, the editors of Food & Wine have featured one of Nino Franco’s wines in the magazine. The Rustico, writes taste-making wine shop owner Jill Bernheimer (DomaineLA, Los Angeles) in the October issue, is a great bottle for a “perfect case of wine.” Click here for the complete article.
“We tried a number of his wines,” writes New York-based Italian wine blogger, Susannah Gold, “including a Rosé calle Faivé and Grave di Stecca. Both were interesting and the Grave di Stecca a very elegant and special cuvée but it is the brut that I feel represents the area and the category most profoundly.” Click here to read about her recent meeting and tasting with Primo Franco in New York.
THE CHAMPAGNE & SPARKLING WINE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS by Tom Stevenson, 08/14 The sparkling new ‘Oscars’ of the wine world GOLD MEDAL Nino Franco, 2013 Prosecco Valdobbiadene Primo Franco, Italy Veneto, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Glera 100% , 27g/l RS. Nino Franco, 2013 Prosecco Cartizze, Italy Veneto, Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG, Glera 100% , 27g/l RS. SILVER MEDAL Nino Franco, NV Prosecco Valdobbiadene Brut, Italy Veneto, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Glera 100%, 10g/l RS.
From the Oct. 2014 issue, “40 Tasty ideas to Eat, Cook, Sip, and Serve Right Now”:
“With Grave di Stecca,” writes American wine writer Ed McCarthy for Glass of Bubbly, “Nino Franco reaches the quality level of a fine Champagne.” “Nino Franco, one of the older Prosecco wineries, was founded in 1919 by Antonio Franco, grandfather of the current owner. It is located in the central part of the town of Valdobbiadene, a town large enough to have five hotels. Antonio’s son, Nino Franco, established the winery as one of the prime Prosecco producers. When Nino Franco’s son, Primo Franco, took over in 1982, quality rose to new heights. Primo Franco, an urbane man and great conversationalist, has traveled the world, visiting wine regions. He developed a special affinity for Champagne, an unusual passion for typically provincial Italian wine producers.” Please click here for the complete review, including tasting notes for the entire line of Nino Franco wines.
“Exploring another category of Prosecco like Nino Franco’s Brut,” writes Huyghe, “means exploring characteristics beyond the thirst-quenching and often sweet-tasting features of most entry-level options. Your first sip, for example, might taste of lively fruit like melon or citrus.” Click here for Cathy Huyghe’s recent post for Food 52, “Prosecco: More Than Just an Aperitivo.”
Click here for Bottlenotes Easter recommendations.
From the August 2013 issue of Wine & Spirits: Nino Franco Riva di San Floriano 2012 90 points Savory scents of wheat germ and peppery spice balance this wine’s pineapple richness, all held in a lean frame. It ends firm, with dark earth tones adding a pleasant touch of bitterness. Serve it with prosciutto.—Joshua Green
