Bortolomiol Ius Naturae Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut Millesimato 2022

This is a Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, which represents the pinnacle of Prosecco quality from Italy's most prestigious growing region. Unlike mass-produced Prosecco DOC, DOCG wines must meet stricter regulations including hand-harvesting and lower yields, resulting in more concentrated flavours. The Bortolomiol family's sustainable approach and organic certification further elevate this wine above commercial alternatives, creating the complex apple and citrus notes that impressed Australia's leading sparkling wine critic Tyson Stelzer.

Organic viticulture is particularly crucial for sparkling wines because the base grapes must be exceptionally clean and pure to create quality bubbles through secondary fermentation. Chemical residues can interfere with the delicate yeast processes that create the wine's effervescence and fine mousse. The 'Ius Naturae' (meaning 'natural law') represents Bortolomiol's commitment to letting the Valdobbiadene terroir express itself without synthetic intervention, resulting in the wine's distinctive red gala apple intensity and grassy tang.

Millesimato indicates this is a vintage-dated Prosecco made entirely from grapes harvested in 2022, rather than a blend of multiple years. This is relatively rare in Prosecco production, as most producers blend vintages for consistency. By declaring a specific vintage, Bortolomiol is showcasing the unique characteristics of that particular growing season in Valdobbiadene's steep hillside vineyards. The 2022 vintage expression allows you to taste how weather conditions and seasonal variations influenced the wine's final character.

Serve well-chilled at 6-8°C in tulip-shaped glasses rather than wide coupes to concentrate the delicate apple and citrus aromatics. The wine's medium body and rich complexity make it perfect for food pairing beyond simple aperitifs - try it with aged cheeses, seafood risotto, or even light poultry dishes. The organic farming and careful winemaking create enough structure to complement substantial flavours while the natural acidity cleanses the palate between bites.

The Bortolomiol winery represents a remarkable example of female leadership in Italian wine, with Ottavia and her four daughters running operations in the traditionally male-dominated Prosecco industry. This family dynamic brings a collaborative approach to winemaking that emphasises sustainability and quality over quantity. Their success has earned recognition from international critics and inclusion in prestigious tastings, proving that their feminine perspective on Prosecco production is creating wines that challenge preconceptions about what this category can achieve.