Today’s modern world is a constant rush. A whiplash of worry, juggling careers and family, pushing ourselves at work only to come home and mentally sort a list of chores that can be accomplished that evening until our heads finally collapse on the pillow. We are habitually forgetting that reset moment that we all so desperately need to breathe and recharge as we transition between work and home life. Of course, we know the benefits of slowing down, but practicing what we preach can seem like another task all together.
This is where the art of the Italian aperitivo hour comes in. Practicing an age-old tradition that allows us to dissolve stress, connect with our food, our wine, and each other is exactly what the world needs right now. In Italy, aperitivo, meaning “to open” is practiced almost religiously as a way to increase an appetite, spark conversation, and transition gently into the evening…and it often begins with the thoughtful pouring of a glass of sparkling wine.
Aperitivo hour and Masottina go hand in hand
An estate like Masottina, that crafts premium Prosecco in the UNESCO-heritage hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene has been poured to begin the ritual of Italian aperitivo hours for several decades. In fact, since 1946, when the Dal Bianco family took over 5 hectares of vineyards and an old farmhouse that read Masottina on the side of the building that began the current 80 vintage journey of this historical winery.
Italian wine and aperitivo hour go hand in hand. Whether you’re seeking a moment of quiet solitude, creating a date night, or hosting a weekend gathering, here are three distinct ways to bring the art of aperitivo hour to life with Masottina.
A Main Character Moment…
The Mood: All in on comfort. Start your aperitivo hour with cozy clothes and girl dinner. Grab a book and a blanket, pour a glass and relax in peace.
The Food: Choose your favourite snacks. Anything goes here that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Popcorn, chips, a bowl of noodles.
The Pour: Masottina ContradaGranda Extra Dry CV Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
Why it works: This Prosecco Superiore brings a versatility that lends itself to whatever you choose to munch on. Its crisp notes and refreshing finish are mesmerizing enough to be enjoyed on its own if you decide to forgo the snacks and just savour the bubbly.
Aperitivo for Two…
The Mood: You’re both done work for the day and unwinding is the first thing that should be on your list before you jump in to cooking dinner. Grab two glasses, two seats on the deck, and turn on a chill, moody mix playlist.
The Food: Think simple, but savoury: Cheese, candied peanuts, olives.
The Pour: Masottina Collezione 96 Prosecco Brut.
Why it works: This depth of this wine will quickly call for pause forcing you to really sink into the moment. Its warm, bready flavours make it a perfect match for these umami forward foods.
The Social Hour
The Mood: Every moment spent with friends should be an occasion. Gather around a table and create your own razzle dazzle for a meaningful evening together. Get the glasses, get the games, and put on an upbeat playlist.
The Food: A baguette and charcuterie will go well here before the main meal.
The Pour: Masottina Collezione 96 Prosecco Brut and Masottina ContradaGranda Extra Dry CV Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
Why it works: Opening both bottles makes for a fun tasting and conversation starter with your crowd. It also lets everyone find their personal favourite.
Masottina Wine Reviews:
Masottina ContradaGranda Extra Dry Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
This is an off-dry, sustainable and vegan friendly wine from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene hills of Veneto, Italy. Notes of roasted almond, brioche, pear and cooked mushroom on a bed of fine bubbles. It’s well-balanced, umami-filled profile makes this Prosecco Superiore completely indulgent yet still so refreshing.
Masottina Collezione 96 Prosecco Brut
This Masottina Collezione 96 Brut Prosecco D.O.C. displays notes of freshly baked bread, biscuit, baked apple and golden raisin. Creamy, autolytic profile with a soft bubble and appetizing leesy, creamy texture. Exceptionally complex and balanced.
You don’t need an excuse to slow down, but making it a point to with one of these three aperitivo hour evenings will certainly be rewarding, especially when disconnecting from screens and reconnecting to life is as easy as laying out some savoury olives and cheese and pouring a nicely chilled glass of Masottina.
