While champagne may be made using the méthode champenoise (aka, the champagne method, a quick primer can be found here), Prosecco and Asti Spumante are made using the Charmat process.  Unlike in the méthode champenoise, the carbonation in Charmat doesn’t come from a secondary fermentation in the bottle, but rather, is introduced into the comes from the giant pressurized tanks that are used to make the wine.  This process causes the naturally occurring bubbles to become trapped in the wine.  At its best, Prosecco is typically dry, fully sparkling with easy going, fruit flavors, and a slightly bitter edge.  How does V8+ Prosecco stack up?

Sight:  Moderate gold with lots of small bubbles

Smell:  Peach and fresh orange blossoms are hidden under notes of apple and pear.  Yeast notes hide around the edges, giving touches of flaky pastry.

Sip:  Plentiful small bubbles lead off, and are followed by deep golden apple and pear notes.  The mouthfeel is moderate to heavy, and apple and pear flavors are complimented with hints of yeast with a touches of bitterness.  Little notes of peach and flowers pop in and out.

Savor:  The finish is clean and vanishes almost instantly

V8+ Prosecco is a suitable sparkler that does what it does well, without being over the top.  That said, it doesn’t have the personality that a champagne would, but as a toast, it has some great pear and apple flavors.  The touches of yeast and peach are pleasant if understated. V8+ Prosecco is a great way to ring in your holiday if you’re looking for something pleasant and unobtrusive.

Verdict:  Apple, Pear, Bready, Heavy
Price: $10
Veneto, Italy

Sadly,  Wine Library has stopped offering on it’s own, but you can get it as part of this taste along pack