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The Belletti DOC Prosecco is a $9.99 Non-Vintage Sparkling wine from Aldi. The Belletti is a brand name owned by Aldi the actual producer is Mack & Schuhle, a German wine company that imports, distributes, and produces wine. Germany is one of the largest consumers of Sparkling wine.
The Belletti DOC Prosecco is an Extra Dry Bubbly, indicating it is slightly sweet. In Italy, the majority of Prosecco wines are Extra Dry. In the US we are more in tune with Champagne which is typically Brut (Dry) or even less sweet. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay used in Champagne do well as a loss sweet wine.
The Glera grape, which is the grape used in Prosecco (except for Rosé Prosecco) can use a little sugar content to round off the flavors. The natural acidity in Prosecco balances the sugar and the result is more nectar sweet than sugar sweet.
The Prosecco region is in Northern Italy in Veneto, the nearest big city is Venice.
The Glera grape is harvested and fermented to the winery’s specifications as a refresher. After an aging period, the juice is transferred to huge pressurized tanks. A measured amount of sugar and yeast is added and the pressure is set to the desired setting.
While the second fermentation in Traditional Method Bubbly can last 12 months and much more, in Champagne the minimum length is 18 months and the high-end bubble can last for years.
For Prosecco, the 2nd fermentation lasts weeks or a few months. The pressure does a good job of incorporating the bubbles into the wine. The alcohol content is a mild 11%.
The Belletti DOC Prosecco Tasting Notes
The color is silver with a touch of gold. The nose is subtle, there is grapefruit, apple, soft spice, a hint of cream (did they stir the lees during first fermentation), dried pear, and a light floral edge. The Belletti DOC Prosecco is well-balanced and very tasty.
This Prosecco tasted like unsweetened pineapple, pear, apple, peach, spice, and lemon. The mid-palate offers faint coconut milk, light tropical fruit, and lightly sweet guava.
The acidity does its job well and allows all the flavors to hold their place.
The Summary
- The Belletti DOC Prosecco is a very good ten-buck Bubblly and does not like good cheap Bubbly.
- This is a sipping Sparkling wine, it can be paired with light fare, but it sips well.
