Merotto Primavera di Barbara Prosecco is a Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore from Veneto, Italy, bottled at 11.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. A millesimato expression — meaning it is produced exclusively from a single harvest year — this wine earned 91 points from Falstaff (2022 vintage, rated by Othmar Kiem and Simon Staffler) and 88 points from Wine Enthusiast (2018 vintage). Its unusual inclusion of 10% Perera, a rare indigenous grape, distinguishes it from the vast majority of Prosecco on the market.Quick Facts: ABV: 11.5% | Origin: Col San Martino, Valdobbiadene DOCG, Veneto, Italy | Millesimato (Single Vintage) | Producer: MerottoProduction & HeritageMerotto is a family-operated sparkling wine producer based in Col San Martino, in the heart of the Valdobbiadene DOCG zone — one of Prosecco's most prized hillside sub-regions. The Primavera di Barbara is made from a blend of 90% Glera and 10% Perera, an old local variety that adds aromatic complexity rarely found in conventional Prosecco. Secondary fermentation follows the Charmat method in autoclaves at a controlled 12–13°C for approximately 60 days, a notably extended period that encourages finer, more persistent bubbles and greater aromatic integration. As a millesimato, this wine is only produced with carefully selected grapes from the best harvest years, setting it apart from non-vintage Prosecco blends.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with intense fruity notes of ripe pear and yellow apple before moving into softer stone-fruit tones of apricot and white peach. A second wave delivers intricate floral sensations — wisteria, honeysuckle, and rose — with a subtle marzipan-like undertone that hints at the Perera grape's contribution.Taste: The entry is silky and lightly creamy, with yellow apple and white peach front and center. The mid-palate broadens into a slightly savory character balanced by gentle sweetness, and notes of citrus fruit emerge alongside a delicate confectionery quality. Red berry nuances add unexpected depth as the wine develops across the palate.Finish: The finish is round and polished, with moderate length and a fine mousse that lingers gracefully. A hint of glazed hazelnut signals the close, leaving behind a clean, balanced impression.How to Drink Primavera di BarbaraServed well-chilled at 6–8°C, this Prosecco is excellent on its own as an aperitivo, where the extended Charmat fermentation and floral aromatics come through cleanly. It also works in several classic sparkling cocktails: Bellini: The natural peach and apricot notes mirror the white peach purée, creating a seamless, harmonious drink. Spritz Veneziano: Its slight savory edge and crisp acidity stand up well to Aperol or Select without being overwhelmed. Sbagliato: The creamy mouthfeel and floral character bring nuance to this Negroni variation, complementing sweet vermouth beautifully. Best For Hosting an Italian-themed dinner party as a welcome pour Gifting to a wine lover who appreciates rare indigenous grape varieties Celebrating milestones where a step above standard Prosecco is warranted Pairing with a spring or summer brunch spread Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Primavera di Barbara taste like? It delivers ripe pear and yellow apple alongside white peach, with a silky, lightly creamy texture and subtle floral and confectionery notes. A savory undercurrent keeps the sweetness in check, finishing round with a hint of glazed hazelnut.How does Primavera di Barbara compare to Mionetto Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG? Both are Valdobbiadene DOCG expressions from established producers, but Merotto's inclusion of 10% Perera — a rare local grape — and its extended 60-day Charmat fermentation lend greater aromatic complexity. Mionetto's Valdobbiadene bottling is typically a 100% Glera wine with a more straightforward fruit-forward profile.Is Primavera di Barbara good for sipping on its own? Yes, its layered aromatics, balanced sweetness, and polished finish make it a rewarding standalone pour, particularly when served well-chilled as an aperitivo.Where is Primavera di Barbara made? It is produced by the Merotto family estate in Col San Martino, a commune within the Valdobbiadene DOCG zone in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. This hillside appellation is considered among the finest areas for Prosecco Superiore production.What foods pair well with Primavera di Barbara? Its floral and stone-fruit character pairs naturally with prosciutto e melone, where the wine's acidity cuts through the salt and fat. Fresh burrata with heirloom tomatoes works well against its creamy texture. Lightly battered fritto misto complements the crisp mousse, while almond biscotti or panna cotta echo the marzipan and hazelnut undertones on the finish. Delicate seafood dishes like crudo or shrimp scampi also pair beautifully.What sizes does Primavera di Barbara come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.Is Primavera di Barbara worth the price? It positions as a premium Prosecco within the Valdobbiadene DOCG tier, a clear step above generic Prosecco DOC. The millesimato status, rare Perera grape inclusion, and Falstaff score of 91 points suggest strong value relative to other single-vintage DOCG Proseccos.Why Primavera di Barbara?What sets this wine apart starts with the Perera grape — a nearly forgotten Veneto variety that only a handful of producers still cultivate — which adds a layer of aromatic depth that 100% Glera bottlings simply cannot replicate. The extended 60-day autoclaved fermentation at low temperature further refines the mousse and integrates those aromatics more thoroughly than the shorter cycles used by many competitors. Its millesimato designation means Merotto only releases it from vintages they consider worthy, an additional quality filter. With a 91-point Falstaff rating on its most recent evaluated vintage, Primavera di Barbara delivers a level of complexity that justifies serious attention from anyone exploring what Prosecco Superiore can truly achieve.
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