Tag: wine

Prosecco or sparkling wine, what’s the difference? – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

It’s one of the most asked questions online… what is the difference between prosecco or sparkling wine? Let’s clarify our ideas and understand what the difference is between prosecco and sparkling wine, because they are not exactly synonymous but they are not even worlds as distant as we sometimes think!

What is prosecco

From a strictly technical point of view, the Prosecco is a DOC white wine (Designation of origin) or DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin), for those of Montello and the Asolo Hills or the Prosecco of Conegliano Valdobbiadene.

What are we talking about when we say sparkling wine?

Let’s talk about one wine category: those that when the bottle is opened they produce foam, caused by the presence of carbon dioxide produced by fermentation and therefore not added. Sparkling wine can be produced with classic methodalso called champenoise, or with the Martinotti-Charmat method. There are variations of sparkling wines on the market dry, extra dry, brut and extra brut: these terms indicate the sweetness of the sparkling wine.

The difference between prosecco or sparkling wine

The bubbly winebeing a category of wines, it can be produced in any area and with any grape variety. The proseccohowever, which is a DOC or DOCG, can be produced only in some areas of the Veneto he was born in Friuli Venezia Giulia and come on Glera, Verdiso, Pinot bianco, grigio or nero vines and only with Charmat method. Wine, in general, is produced through alcoholic fermentation: the sugars naturally present in the grapes are transformed into alcohol and carbon dioxide. To obtain a sparkling wine, a second fermentation is necessary in order to capture the carbon dioxide inside the bottle, creating the bubbles. The Charmat method requires the second fermentation to take place in stainless steel tanks and not in the bottle. The result is a fresh and aromatic wine, with lower production costs and immediately ready to drink.

Analogies and curiosities

There is no difference between prosecco and sparkling wine as regards the varieties, influenced by the level of sugars present: for both we speak of dry, brut and the various intermediate nuances. Did you know, however, that this is not necessarily the case the prosecco is it a sparkling wine? It can, in fact, be Also sparkling (a version with “less bubbles” so to speak) or stopped (also called quiet). The latter is a perfect white for starters or light first courses, with a straw yellow color and a fresh flavour, also thanks to the fruity notes.

Wine at the restaurant: how to choose it and make a good impression – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

Alberto Piras Sommelier of Il Luogo di Aimo and Nadia of Milan.

How to orient yourself in choosing the wine on the menu?

There are several ways in orienting the wine on the menu, the first is certainly to search something that can pair well with the menu chosen, perhaps following “standard” pairings if you are not very expert or choosing renowned wines passepartout (for example, be on the safe side with classic method bubbles or light reds that can be combined with both meat and fish dishes).

The second way can be that of choose something we already know we like, in the sense that sometimes personal taste prevails over the food-wine pairing; by doing so we will be sure to be satisfied with our choice although in this case the combination could be penalized.

The last way, but only in order of writing, is to rely on a professional who can help us with the choice. Ask advice to the sommelier of the restaurant, without any embarrassment. She will surely be able to recommend the right wine for you.

Is it better to stick to local wines?

Not necessarily, it is good to stick to local wines if you also eat local dishes.

What is the average price of a good bottle?

Prices are always a very complicated and complex issue as each restaurant applies the mark-up it deems appropriate according to its own policies.

the secret of wild boar fillet with red wine and blueberries – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

The wild boar fillet with red wine and blueberries it’s delicious second winter dish. This finds its maximum expression in the colder seasons, when the boar meat it is particularly tasty, thanks to its rich diet during the summer. Preparation requires attention to detail and a mastery of culinary techniques. The fillet, cut with precision to ensure optimal consistency, is immersed in a robust red winewhich not only tenderizes the meat, but also helps give it depth of flavor.

Your choice should be careful, opting for full-bodied and structured varieties, which integrate harmoniously with these flavours. A Barolo or a Chianti Classico may be suitable choices for this purpose. There marination it is also essential to mitigate any gamey notes in the wild boar and ensure uniform cooking. There blueberry sauce, a distinctive element of this preparation, offers a recharge of antioxidants, offering a pleasant combination of sweet and acid, which goes perfectly with the robustness of the other ingredients. Finally, the secret to the success of the entire preparation lies in the presentation. The meat, carefully cooked to perfection, should be carefully arranged on the plate, accompanied by the blueberry sauce, to be distributed sparingly, avoiding excessively covering the distinctive flavor of the wild boar. Decorating with a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme can add a touch of visual freshness. Throw yourself into this gastronomic masterpiece and delight your guests with a refined wild boar fillet in red wine and blueberries.