Robert Parker, Jr.-The Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "The NV Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rustico is a rather exuberant yet steely, powerful Prosecco. White peaches, crushed rocks, smoke and flowers are some of the nuances that flow from this large-scaled, important Prosecco. A rich, textured finish rounds things out nicely. The Rustico is far from an easy-going cocktail wine, and is sure to be better at the table than on its own.  Anticipated maturity: 2011-2013.
Nino Franco is one of the top names in serious Prosecco. At their best, these wines will make readers reconsider the conventional wisdom that Prosecco is a simple, straightforward aperitif wine." Feb 2011

Winery:  "'Rustico' opens with firm bubbles and crisp acidity. Light aromas of banana on the nose lead to fresh pear on the palate. Creamy, refreshing and balanced with a very slightly sweet finish.  It works well as an aperitif or matches with lighter hors-d’ouevres, salads, and light seafoods. Rustico is for everyday consumption and Primo encourages traditional Italian service in a wine glass (no flute) to get the most out of his wines."
The Nino Franco winery is located in Valdobbiadene, a zone in the upper reaches of the Veneto known for producing Italy's finest Prosecco. Third generation and current owner/winemaker Primo Franco is a consummate craftsman, and produces a line of Prosecco that is second to none.  "Never approach Prosecco in the way you would Champagne. Other than bubbles, they are completely different. They are for everyday and best from a white glass (no flute). They are fruity, fresh, fun and will elevate your everyday!  Don't over think them... Just enjoy them!"  The range varies in style but each one has the characteristically fruity back bone one expects from a good Prosecco. The best selling "Rustico" continues to be the bench mark of the category.

Wired For Wine:  Any time there's Prosecco around, it makes our hearts beat just a little faster, but when it's the Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico, at this price, the pitter-pat becomes more of a hammering... Primo says you should have it in a white wine glass, so perhaps top one off to set the stage for food. A bowl of roasted nuts will call out the toasty notes of this delectable Rustico beautifully. Paper-thin prosciutto wrapped around slender, crunchy grissini will delight as well. Beh ciao dilettevole! As for the next step, the lively personality, fresh white fruit, toast and oak whispers, minerality and crisp acidity of this rich, textured Valdobiaddene vixen will marry gorgeously with appetizers, seafood, smoked salmon, charcuterie, salads and a lot more. Trust us, winelovers, this Nino Franco is no one-trick pony when it comes to food... Sometimes instead of dinner, we like to have an assortment of appetizers and graze. The mineral notes and crisp acidity of this wine are particularly suited to retro style deviled eggs. Put them next to smoked salmon wraps with sour cream, chives and capers, bite-sized pieces of garlicky pizza topped with fresh clams, and mushrooms stuffed your favorite way and you will have quite the smorgasbord. Assolutamente, incontrovertibile, stupendo. If you're craving just dinner, then we say make it Dungeoness crab legs with a stone ground mustard aioli, with a fresh green salad on the side. If it's takeout night, this Nino Franco is fabulous with vegetable,chicken and seafood Chinese dishes. Don't be afraid to order ones with a little fire. The floral and fruit notes, and oh-so-subtle sweetness on the finish of this perfect Prosecco will temper it with just the right hand. Open another chilled bottle and keep the happy flowing as you serve it with the semi-sharp blue cheese of your choice drizzled with a fragrant orange blossom honey. That happy is going to flow so hard you might need to pull on your snow boots winelovers!

Bottle:  750ml, cork
Varietal:  100% Prosecco
Alcohol:  12.5%
Region:  Valdobiaddene, Veneto, Italy