Nothing says summer celebrations like Prosecco

I was recently tasked with reviewing Brown Brothers Prosecco NV and Prosecco Rosé, which, of course, required a sunny day, a selection of delicious nibbles and a girlfriend to share the tasting experience!

I’m not a huge fizz-lover, but I know as the most famous Italian sparkling wine, prosecco is extremely popular. I also know that Brown Brothers is the number one Australian Prosecco in the NZ market, so I’m expecting/hoping to be won over.

At first sip, the rosé is a tad sweet, and very zingy, but as I settle into it, there is so much more. It’s refreshing, and I can definitely taste a hint of berries. It goes very well with our platter of cheeses, fruit, crackers and salmon, but it is also surprisingly good with the spicy meatballs and chicken skewers. I’m impressed.

I love a picnic, and I rate this a very versatile wine to enjoy with brunch, afternoon tea or a summer picnic!

Next, I pop the top on the Brown Brothers Prosecco NV – which initially tastes of citrus and nectarine but leaves me with an unexpected hint of a savoury aftertaste. This is more my style. It's drier than the rosé but very smooth and fruity at the same time. It’s still quite light and delicate but feels like it could go well with almost any food. Definitely a lovely drink and one I’ll stock up and continue to enjoy for the remainder of summer.

My conclusion: Whether you like your bubbly pink or a delicate shade of cream, Brown Brothers Prosecco NV and Prosecco Rosé are both very quaffable. Either way, you’re on to a winner!

Brown Brothers Prosecco NV and Brown Brothers Prosecco Rosé are available nationwide and are competitively priced at $19.99 NZD.

Brown Brothers’ take on the classic Hugo, with a zesty Prosecco twist.

Ingredients

The Wine

1 bottle (750 ml)

Brown Brothers Prosecco

The Rest

A glass (or two!) half-filled with ice

Good splash of elderflower cordial

Several mint leaves

Lime wedge

Soda water

Method

1. Pluck several mint leaves into a glass, squeeze over a lime wedge and drop it in.

2. Add a generous teaspoon of elderflower cordial, before topping up the glass with Prosecco and a splash of soda water.

3. Throw in some ice cubes, mix well and enjoy!

Recipe by Iron Chef Shellie.

Ingredients

4 cups self-raising flour, sifted

300mL cream

300mL Brown Brothers Prosecco

Brown Brothers Prosecco Jam, to spread

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

2. Sift flour into a large bowl, add cream and Brown Brothers Prosecco.

3. Mix together with a fork, until combined.

4. Pat onto a well-floured board, cut with floured scone cutter and place on baking tray.

5. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

6. Cool on trays, and serve with your choice of strawberry or raspberry jam.

7. Add a dash of whipped cream, and a glass of Prosecco.