What's in our glass...

Collalto Prosecco Brut (with a dash of St Germain elderflower liqueur and a slice of cucumber for the perfect summer apperitif)

Welcome summer, finally, I write this latest wine review having enjoyed possibly the hottest day so far in 2010. It's ten past seven on a Sunday evening, the weekend before the second May bank holiday and it's still a balmy twenty odd degrees. Hence I have decided to pop open a bottle of my now favourite Prosecco, furthermore used it to create quite possibly the epitome of early summer in a glass. 

Whilst I make no claim as an expert in wines of the world, I've a pretty educated pallet, especially when is comes to the sparkling arena. Ordinarily I'm a great fan of Prosecco as an alternative to its rather more expensive cousins, and I do believe I have found one that stands its ground next to the likes of champagne and franciacorta. It's produced by a family run vineyard and winery, Collalto, in of course the Veneto region of northern Italy, who according to their website "have not forgotten how important the soil is, the value of caring for the grapevine and making outstanding wines". And this they have done for more than 1000 years!

Well, I can say it really does show in this wine.... with an incredibly fresh aroma, full of citrus notes which carry through to the pallet along with the most elegant mouse I have experienced in a Prosecco. The bubbles are delicate and fine, lasting well until the bottom of the glass. Heavenly. It really is a delight to drink and perfect for a summer's evening.

This evening, I've paired it with a shot of another gem recently discovered - St Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Discovered at the recent 'real food fair' in London's Earls court, I tried it neat over ice and it was a burst of summer in the mouth.... a naughty girl's elderflower cordial. I immediately thought "this would be the perfect thing to mix with Collalto for a summer cocktail" - and damn it I was right!   and the Pièce de résistance - a slice of cucumber and you have near perfection. Well, having nearly finished my first, I'm off to mix my second and I urge you all to get to the following as soon as you can.

Collalto Prosecco Brut: available from The Good Wine Shop in Kew or Richmond. www.thegoodwinehop.co.uk for around £13. 

You can also try a glass at any of the Cubitt House establishments in London: www.cubitthouse.co.uk, which I shall be frequenting, frequently this summer in order to sup my favorite sparkle (outside the champagne arena that is).

St Germain Elderflower liqueur, £14 - available from Waitrose and the like. www.saintgermain.fr

Chrissi