POST UPDATE:
Beth Moreno is coming to visit! As you can read in the interview excerpt below, she is owner and winemaker at Venetian Hills Casa Vinicola, a top Prosecco producer in the D.O.C.G. region. Join us on Saturday, March 2, 2024 to hear Beth speak about the enchanting world of Venetian wines and indulge in their rich flavors. Samples of 6 wines will be paired with light bites to enhance your tasting experience at Stroll Café & Wine Bar in Portsmouth, NH.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the Land of Venice through its exceptional wines. Book your spot now!
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Several years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting and later interviewing Beth Moreno, vinitrice of Casa Vinicola Venetian Hills in the region of Asola in Italy. I also had the opportunity to try some of her outstanding Asolo Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. and was transported to another level of taste and quality than what we associate with Prosecco.
All Proseccos are not alike. The ordinary Prosecco we find at the liquor store or wine shop is a higher volume, more mass produced, lighter in style and flavors that is often inexpensive. The high-quality bubbles from better regions like Asola D.O.C.G. have rich fruit flavors, concentration, complexity and elegance. These are definitely not meant to mix with orange juice to create a Mimosa!
I asked Beth Moreno to share her winery’s story, her commitment to sustainability, and what makes Asolo Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. so special. Here is what she told me, in her own words…
Effervescenza gioiosa! – Joyful effervescence! If there is a phrase that captures the essence of our land, people, food, and wine- it would be this one. For the effervescent enthusiasts out there, begin your journey through the beautiful vineyards of Asolo, located in Italy’s northeastern region, where we’ll explore the famous Asolo Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. from the family-owned Azienda Agricola Venetian Hills. This isn’t just a regular sparkling wine; it’s top quality and boasts centuries-old winemaking traditions. What’s more, this wine is a beautiful representation of its lovely home region, Asolo.
The creation of this enchanting beverage is steeped in intriguing tales! Pùxinum, an ancient grape believed to be the ancestor of Prosecco has been cultivated here since ancient times. Pliny the Elder who visited Asolo when it was a Roman municipality described this grape and Livia, the wife of Emperor Augustus was known to have a glass of wine every day, suggesting it would prolong her life (she lived until the ripe age of 86).
However, it was the Venetians who cultivated the vines and transported the wine produced here, shipping it all over the Adriatic Sea. The Venetians made Asolo and the surrounding hills their summer home due to the appealing landscape and nature. Venetian Villas that still stand to this day are a testament to Venetian history. That’s why we named our winery Venetian Hills – our history and wine are intertwined with Venice.
Our family has thrived in this area for generations through wars, invasions, and times of abundance. Our commitment to heritage saw us become sustainably-certified by the SNQPI, the national Italian certification since 2017. We were one of the first vineyards in Italy to achieve this, as we firmly believe that we must conserve our planet, our land, and our community for the future.
SNQPI certification is a yearly process, involving surprise samples from our vineyard and the non-application of harmful chemicals, for the betterment of the grapes and the wildlife that inhabits our lands.
Our native grapes of glera, bianchetta trevigiana, and perera are grown in perfect conditions provided by the sun, soft breezes from the Laguna of Venice and the majestic Mont Grappa. The surrounding fruit trees and olive trees add to the biodiversity found here, while the rich soil contributes to a unique sensory experience in our wines. A burst of fresh fruit flavors, light and delicate floral notes, and a bubbly texture dances on your tongue – all combined in a single glass of our sparkling wines. Savoring Asolo Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. is truly an adventure in tastes and aromas.
Whether you’re uncorking a sparkling bottle for a cozy dinner or a grand soiree, our wines pair perfectly with a wide variety of foods from cheese platters to seafood extravaganzas.
Our sparkling wines are made following the long Martinotti-Charmat method, which best expresses and conserved the amazing fruit flavors and perfume of the grapes.
Our sparkling wines aren’t just a beverage, it’s a cultural expression of joy and handcrafted love waiting for you to discover in every glass.
For more information about Beth Moreno and Venetian Hills, please visit Venetian Hills Casa Vinicola.
Do you love Italian wine? Interested in learning more about Prosecco and other sparkling wines?
See our Wine Tasting Themes page to read about our most popular wine tastings. We also offer customizable, private Wine Tasting events. Reach out today to begin planning your next event!
