Have a Sparkling and Colourful Valentine's. Thanks to Bottega. Gold and Rose Gold!

Have a Sparkling and Colourful Valentine's.

Thanks to Bottega. Gold and Rose Gold!

Bottega “Gold” Prosecco (DOC) Spumante Brut 2019, 11%

This Prosecco in its gold painted bottle has, appropriately enough, a bright gold colour, streams of micro-bubbles constantly rising. Aromas are delicately fruity with floral notes too. A lively acidity comes with the fresh bubbles yet the palate is balanced, the whole experience elegant and refined. One of the better Proseccos that I’ve come across and one that can be Very Highly Recommended.

It is excellent as an aperitif and in cocktails (you may try with the Negroni below).  It also goes particularly well with starters, light first courses (seafood and non- aromatic herb pasta and risotto), steamed or raw fish dishes, grilled white meats, stewed or fresh vegetable dishes. Serve at 5 or 6 degrees.

They say: Bottega Gold is a Prosecco DOC, obtained by the vinification of Glera grapes. The elegance, freshness and liveliness of its bubbles stem from the beauty and tradition of its territory, where unmistakable panoramas are shaped by vineyards.

The bottle may look on the bling side but they do not use chemical-based products for their metallized bottles; this means the solvent for the varnish is water-based, instead of being oil or alcohol-based like more traditional varnishes.The company is particularly centred on saving water, reducing CO2 emissions and chemicals, and recycling waste materials.

Bottega wines are imported by Bibendum Ireland 

NEGRONI GOLD

Not too sure the Prosecco shines through in the mix especially with Campari and the amazing Vermouth from Robles. But I certainly enjoyed the cocktail and one of the benefits of using the Bottega is the 11% abv instead of the much higher input from the usual gin. Cheers!

Ingredients:
30 ml Bottega Gold Prosecco DOC
30 ml Bottega Vermouth Rosso (Bodegas Robles Vermouth VRMT used)
30 ml Accademia Bitter (Campari used)
1 large ice cube
Lemon peel
Alexander Grappa Spray (not available).

Preparation:
Pour Vermouth and Bitter into a mixing glass and stir well. Strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass filled with the ice cube. Add Bottega Gold Prosecco DOC. Garnish with a lemon peel and Alexander Grappa Spray.

Bottega Rose Gold Pinot Nero Spumante Brut Rosé NV, 11.5%.

Bottega Rose Gold is a Brut rosé sparkling wine obtained through vinification of Pinot Nero grapes. As you’d expect, the colour is pink, bubbles are many and fine. The bouquet is quite intense, floral and fruity, strawberries in there for sure. And that fresh and delicate combination is also on the palate, soft and fruity and very pleasant, right through the persistent finish. Another colour and another gem from Bottega. Very Highly Recommended.

They say: Excellent as an aperitif, it accompanies any meal. It goes particularly well with vegetarian and fish dishes (sushi, shellfish, crudités), white meats and cheeses. It is a pleasant after-dinner. Serving temperature 4-5 degrees.

Go all out! Hamper from Dublin's Little Italy.

Festival Food & Drink Favourites #2. Eight Degrees "Devil’s Ladder" Belgian Tripel

 Eight Degrees Devil’s Ladder Belgian Tripel 11.5%

Of all these high ABV specials, of this and years past, some have promised much.  And now, at the end of this annus horribilis of 2020, I’ve found it, the nectar. Not perhaps the nectar of the gods - such a rambunctious bunch and not at all suited to social distancing - but the sweet nectar of the sweet angels. Ironically, it is called Devil’s Ladder. Luckily this ladder goes up.

It is a very special beer from Eight Degrees, a special that transcends the boundaries of the humble drink, because of the ingredients and the skill with which they are managed. This is one of best drinks, of any kind (wine, beer or spirit), that I’ve come across and one that could, in moderation of course, turn 2021 into an annus mirabilis.

They say: The beer is pale gold with a gentle Belgian yeast profile. Think soft banana esters, cloves and spice. We finish it in sherry oak butts, which add sweet vanilla, dried fruit and Christmas cake notes to this beautiful beast of a beer.

With Eight Degrees, there are, unfailingly, food pairing suggestions and we took serious notice on the big day and the Belgian Tripel straddled both sides of the Christmas meal. We began with a small serving in Sherry glasses with a selection of nibbles, most notably beautiful buttery low-sodium olives Snocciolate by Ponti and succulent dried tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil by Frantoio Bianco (both imported by Little Italy in Dublin). 

Good then but the beer, in slightly bigger but still small glasses, really came into its full glory with the Barnabrow House pudding. An absolutely amazing pairing. I could hear those angels humming as I sipped the exquisite liquid. Euphoria. Until someone stood on the dog's paw!

Festival Food & Drink Favourites #1: 

Fabulous Festive Feast from The Glass Curtain. "Deck The Halls" A Christmas Highlight