Synonymous with celebrations and a must at every wedding, everyone enjoys a glass of bubbly on the odd occasion. Feminine, sophisticated and classy, Prosecco is popular not only in South Africa where sales are up 24%. Globally 325 million bottles of this premium Italian sparkling wine are sold per year: that’s a lot more than the ‘odd occasion’. So why is Prosecco so popular? And where does Sparkling Wine fit in?
Here are some pointers from Rowan Leibbrandt, founding owner of Cape Town-based premium drinks company, Truman & Orange:
- Prosecco is crisper, slightly sweeter and more delicate than Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) and both have a subtler fizz and softer bubble than sparkling wine.
- While MCC, Champagne and Prosecco are all double-fermented to produce their unique fizziness, Prosecco’s second fermentation is according to the “Italian Charmant” method and involves fermenting in tanks, resulting in a crisp taste.
- Prosecco is made to be drunk fresh and derives its delicate floral and lively fruity notes from the Glera grapes used to produce it, characteristic of the rolling hills they’re grown on in Northern Italy, in a relatively small area protected by the surrounding Alps, called Prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata).
Recommendation: Try Mionetto Prosecco – as the world’s best-selling international Prosecco, its R200 a bottle price tag answers the call for a premium, exceptionally-made, genuine Italian Prosecco fit for any occasion. Its affordability makes it possible to enjoy an imported glass of bubbly as an everyday luxury and is certainly a great option for a wedding celebration.
- Sparkling wine is created by carbonating wine, resulting in a large, even bubble and a distinctly different – and perhaps even more celebratory – drinking experience. While MCC and Prosecco offer more refined effervescence, many people enjoy the more exciting fizz of sparkling wines and the sweetness created when bubbles pop on the palate.
Recommendation: Using grapes chosen for their balance of sweetness and acidity and harvested at night to maintain their freshness, Grace du Roi sparkling wines offer a lively bubble, and a refreshing green apple and pear character, while the Rose variants offer a hint of raspberry and cream. Naturally cold-fermented, the clean, delicate character of the Grace du Roi sparkling wines is gently fruity as a result of their Chenin Blanc base and the use of the cuvee (first press) of the grapes. The wines in the blend are kept separate to allow flavour to develop first before marrying achieving a ‘state of Grace’: lighter, more delicate flavours. Retailing at only R95 a bottle, we’d recommend having each of the 3 variants – White Gold, Rose Gold and White Sapphire – on offer at your wedding. That way you have something to suit every palate!
Still battling to decide which to choose? This might help: a glass of Prosecco contains only about 80 calories, while a glass of MCC or Champagne contains around 130 calories and a glass of sparkling wine can contain up to 200 calories!
Feature image: supplied
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Synonymous with class and sophistication, who doesn’t love a good glass of bubbly? This popular drink is a necessary addition to any celebration.
We can think of nothing better than popping open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the end of lockdown. We are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a bottle 6 bottles of bubbly plus 6 champagne flutes worth R1 300 in total! These bottles include one of each of the three variants of Grace Sparkling Wine (Rose Gold, White Gold and White Sapphire) and a bottle of each of the three variants of Mionetto Prosecco (Brut, Treviso Extra Dry and Superiore DOCG Extra Dry).
Grace Sparkling Wines offer a taste for every palate. Their three variants, White Gold, Rose Gold and White Sapphire, are kept separate to allow flavour to develop first before marrying achieving a ‘state of Grace’: lighter, more delicate flavours. Having all three is a must.
Mionetto Prosecco is the world’s best-selling international Prosecco. Priced at R200 a bottle, the price tag answers the call for a premium, exceptionally-made, genuine Italian Prosecco fit for any occasion. Its affordability makes it possible to enjoy an imported glass of bubbly as an everyday luxury and certainly a great option for a wedding celebration.
Prize details: one lucky reader will win 6 bottles of bubbly (Three Grace Sparkling wine variants, three Mionetto Prosecco variants) and 6 champagne flutes.
How to enter: Fill in the form below.
Competition ends: April 24, 2020
Competition Ts & Cs:
– The winners will be announced on April 24, 2020 at 3pm
– The winners will be announced on April 24, 2020 at 3pm
– Comment on the Facebook post promoting this competition letting us know who you would share the bubbly with and don’t forget to tag @Gracefinewine and @mionettosa
– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
– Winners who do not respond to Wedding Etc within 7 days will forfeit the prize
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
– Winners who do not respond to Wedding Etc within 7 days will forfeit the prize
Feature image: Unsplash
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With the lockdown in full effect, it seems like everyone is dreaming of the day we may once again step outside and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.
Why spend another second inside when you don’t have to? Once things have returned to normal in the world, we predict outdoor weddings will see a big boom as couples and guests revel in the freedom of their movement.
While you’re stuck at home, there is no better time to plan your perfect day. Here are some tips to make your outdoor wedding a day to remember.
Location, location, location:
South Africans are blessed with beautiful scenery around every corner. It is especially important, now more than ever, to support local and choose a wedding venue in the country.
Our top pick is Monate Game Lodge. Located in Modimolle in the Waterberg district of Limpopo, Monate is a 4-star luxury bushveld accommodation and wedding venue where you can truly live out your African dream. Whether your wedding is big or small, the team at this 3000 hectare private game reserve will strive to add that personal touch and tailor each event to every unique pair.
Bridal couples can take their pick from the famous Rock Fig, a majestic Marula tree in a natural cave, the unique bush boma or the traditional Chapel to say ‘I do.’
Experience your dream come true in the gem of the bushveld. Monate Game Lodge is a venue where love falls in love again! For more info contact 014 718 7000 or [email protected]
Light ‘em up:
Both functional and fashionable, good lighting is a major key for your big day. Since you’ll be outdoors, you’ll have natural light to brighten the day. However, as the sun sets you’ll need a few additions. Use varying candle sizes, hanging lamps and tons of fairy lights to create a romantic atmosphere that is perfectly suited for a wedding day.
Remember to take advantage of your space so that your décor complements instead of detracts from what you already have. String fairy lights around tree stumps, line steps with outdoor candles or create a sky full of stars by hanging glass orbs filled with tea lights from the ceiling.
Get comfy:
If you’re planning a summer wedding, don’t forget to take the weather into account. There are tons of small ways to make the summer days a little more manageable. Let your guests stay calm, cool and collected with an ice-cream station or fabulous fan favours. If it gets a little chilly once the evening hits, have some blankets or shawls on hand to pass around.
If your wedding venue space allows, consider setting up a shaded cool-down lounge area for your guests to sit back, relax and take in the views. Conveniently place the bar nearby and the spot will be a hit, especially as the sun goes down.
Let’s play a game:
After being cooped up in the house for so long, your guests will be dying to have a little fun in the sun. Entertain them with some games designed to bring out their inner child. Think giant Jenga, ring toss, limbo or noughts and crosses.
Another bonus? Many of the items you’ll need for these games are easy DIY projects. You can get creative, fill up your time while in quarantine AND save money because you won’t have to outsource another service. Winner, winner.
Feature image: supplied
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If you were planning on getting married in the next few months, you’ve most likely decided to postpone your wedding on account of the coronavirus pandemic. This can be an overwhelming task, and it’s easy to forget simple things like asking your vendors the correct questions.
If you’re not sure where to start with the postponing process, then we suggest you start with your vendors. Make enquiries with them to find out everything you need to know. From there, it’ll be a much simpler task.
Additionally, starting with your vendors could lead to some refunds if you’re lucky. Not all of them offer refunds, it often depends on individual circumstances. However, it is commonly said that the earlier you cancel, the better your chances of getting a refund.
Here are some questions you should ask your vendors:
– Wedding Planner
What are our options if we decide to postpone?
Are you able to coordinate with our other vendors on our decision?
If we reschedule, will you be available in the coming months?
– Florist
What happens if we cancel or postpone our wedding?
Is it possible to use the deposit for a new wedding date?
Will there be an issue with sourcing the chosen flowers and if so will you be available to assist with choosing new ones?
– Caterer
Are there any cancellation fees, and are they applicable for postponing too?
Will postponing mean we have to redo the menu?
If the number of guests decreases, will we pay the original amount or an adjusted amount?
Will you handle food and serving of food differently as a result of coronavirus?
– Photographer
Are there fees related to cancelling or rescheduling?
Are we able to apply the deposit to the new date?
Are you available in coming months if we do postpone?
If you’re having a destination wedding, enquire whether vendors such as the photographer are still comfortable to travel.
Image: Unsplash