Prosecco, Elevated
The makers, vineyards and wines of Conegliano Valdobbiadene are going from strength to strength. The remarkable cooperation between thousands of stakeholders across fifteen hamlets is bringing about empowering legacies. An integrated viticultural protocol ensures sustainable methods are being used across the vineyards of the denomination. Last month, the entire zone introduced a ban on the use of the herbicide glyphosate. And on the 7th July, the Prosecco Superiore made here was in the news, as UNESCO awarded World Heritage Site recognition (and protection) for the “Prosecco Hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene”.
The Prosecco Superiore DOCG from these hills shares part of its name – and in many cases, makers – with its younger, much bigger relative, Prosecco DOC. Many producers have vineyards in both zones, and especially in the Prosecco Treviso DOC, whose softer, shallower slopes meet the bottom of Conegliano Valdobbiadene’s higher, spiky hills.
But Conegliano Valdobbiadene is unarguably the premium side of Prosecco. Vines are lavished with hands-on attention (there is no other way), and the lower yields, stony soils and nervy, high-altitude, conditions give wines of more depth, concentration, refinement and perfumed nuance.
UK importers turn to Prosecco Superiore
Increasing numbers of specialist UK wine importers are realising the trade-up potential of premium Prosecco. Prosecco Superiore brings depth of flavour, nuance and personality to the famously lively, light-hearted Prosecco appeal. Importers, wholesalers and indies are now supported by a dedicated UK communications and events campaign, run by Swirl, which is championing the nuance, appeal and quality of Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG.
#SuperioreAfternoon – beyond the bottomless brunch to Afternoon Tea
One aspect of the campaign is to highlight the remarkable versatility of Prosecco Superiore with food, and in particular with Afternoon Tea. These elegantly fruity, delicately stony, gently tropical wines are a better natural partner to the diverse but gentle flavours of Afternoon Tea than the more commonly offered Champagne. And the artisan origin and beautiful packaging grace any table.
Working with a range of producers, we are offering venues noted for their Afternoon Tea free samples of a range of Conegliano Valdobbiadene wines. We have assembled the finest, most nuanced selection of artisan, premium Prosecco Superiore ever to be available in the UK.
Explore the top wines of Prosecco Superiore with ease
The sampling is backed up by liaison with the importers supplying the wines – all of whom offer incentives to list by the glass – and also by a small but beautiful range of free point of sale. The objective is to build on the success of masterclasses and press sampling conducted last year by introducing on-trade professionals to the innate high quality and refined commercial potential of the emerging category of premium Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
The producers whose wines are featured include many of the most acclaimed estates of the denomination. Many will probably be new discoveries to UK buyers – the majority of Prosecco Superiore is sold to Italy’s premium hotels and restaurants, and it is our most dynamic and creative importers who are seeking them out.
A list of the producers and their UK importers follows below.
How do you get involved?
Sommeliers, F&B managers, buyers and assistant buyers
Contact Lizzie Shaw (Lizzie@swirlwinegroup.com) and we’ll send some wines for you to sample.
We can take into account
- your current suppliers
- desired style (from Brut Zero to Dry)
- price bracket
- special categories (such as organic, biodynamic, Col Fondo, bottle-fermented, and other specialities)
We include all the information you need to get the most out of the sampling, including
- background on the wines and producer
- current suppliers
- point of sale available
And the Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene will be highlighting listings of Prosecco Superiore with Afternoon Tea through posts on their highly popular and stylish social media channels @ProseccoCV – so venues can benefit from that extra reach and visibility.
And although we are making a special focus of Prosecco Superiore with the Afternoon Tea experience, we welcome interest from others categories of the premium on and off-trade.
“The samples on my doorstep, however, contained huge diversity: organic and biodynamic wines, bottle-fermented wines, bottle fermented and left on lees, regional and vintage wines, varying degrees of dryness and alternative grape varieties…they challenged my idea of what the wine is, and explored the possibilities of where it could go… But the opportunity is there to add depth and broaden one of the best-selling, but often least thought about, sections of the wine list.” Hamish Anderson, Writing in Imbibe Magazine: “Prosecco needs diversity”.
List of participating Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
- Adami (imported by Astrum Wine Cellars)
- Andreola (imported by The Prosecco House)
- Astoria (imported by Gerard Seel)
- Bellenda (imported by Les Caves de Pyrene)
- Biancavigna (imported by Armit Wines)
- Bisol (imported by Bibendum)
- Borgoluce (imported by Flint Wines)
- Bortolin Angelo (imported by Jeroboams/Laytons)
- Bortolomiol (imported by Continental Wines)
- Bortolotti (imported by Ellis Wines)
- Bottega (imported by Matthew Clark)
- Canevel (imported by Berkmann Wine Cellars)
- Carpenè Malvolti (imported by Hallgarten Wines)
- Collalto (imported by Thorman Hunt)
- Colsandago/Casa Bianche (imported by Bat and Bottle)
- Drusian (imported by Stone, Vine and Sun)
- Frassinelli (imported by Thorman Hunt)
- Furlan (imported by Just Perfect Wines)
- Il Colle (imported Barwell and Jones)
- La Farra (imported by H2Vin)
- La Tordera (imported by The Vintner)
- Le Colture (imported by Corney and Barrow)
- Malibràn (imported by Passione Vino)
- Masottina (imported by Fields, Morris and Verdin)
- Perlage (imported by Vinceremos)
- Santa Margherita (imported by Alivini)
- Spagnol – Col Del Sas (imported by Hay Wines)
- Val D’Oca (imported by Amathus Drinks)
- Villa Sandi (imported by North South Wines)
Unsigned talent – Importer sampling
Additionally, we have a selection of wines from artisan wineries in Conegliano Valdobbiadene who are looking for a UK importing partner. Please contact Lizzie Shaw (Lizzie@swirlwinegroup.com) for more information.
