Sparkling Wines Unspecified Valdo - Marca Oro - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Valdo Cuvée Marca Oro Brut 2023 is a sparkling white wine crafted exclusively from white grape varieties, following the "blanc de blancs" tradition. The precise blend is a closely guarded secret of the house, but Glera, the heart of Prosecco, contributes a fresh, expressive style. Vinification adopts the Charmat (tank) method, where secondary fermentation in sealed tanks preserves the delicacy and vibrancy of the wine’s fruit. The 2023 vintage stands out for its youthful character: lively mousse, pale straw colour, with nuances of pear, green apple, and acacia, and a persistent, fine perlage. Aromatically, expect fragrant white flowers and citrus zest, with a palate that is crisp, harmonious, and beautifully dry, reflecting the Brut designation.

Valdo, a respected family-run house, sits at the heart of Veneto, one of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine regions. The region benefits from a temperate climate, influenced by proximity to the Adriatic Sea and protective Alpine foothills. The soils—ranging from morainic to alluvial—provide ideal drainage and mineral complexity. Veneto’s winemaking history stretches back centuries, with Prosecco DOC wines earning global fame for their accessibility, freshness, and consistent quality.

This sparkling wine is wonderfully versatile at the table. Its vivid acidity and gentle bubbles make it an impeccable pairing with light appetisers such as marinated anchovies, prawn cocktail, or fresh goat’s cheese. It’s particularly delightful with classic Venetian cicchetti—think baccalà mantecato or vegetable tempura. The Marca Oro’s crisp profile also provides a refreshing counterpoint to sushi, summer salads, or risotto primavera.

For optimum enjoyment, serve well-chilled at 6-8°C in tulip-shaped sparkling wine glasses to concentrate the aromatics. Open just prior to serving to preserve the finesse of the mousse. This wine’s vitality is best appreciated young, within a year or two of harvest, making the 2023 vintage a perfect choice for immediate enjoyment.