08 Apr Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Bellenda Fratelli Cosmo Prosecco DOC Rosé

At a recent lunch with Umberto Cosmo and the wines of Bellenda, I found myself with a pleasant dilemma; I liked every wine. The fresh non-filtered pet-nat Con Alti, the classic Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore San Fermo, the distinctive Metodo Classico Sei Uno, and the special non-dosage Metodo Classico S.C 1931 each had their own appeal. Paired with dishes prepared by Chef Sal Marino of Marino Restaurant, each wine was elevated even more. But one pairing stood out above the rest, a beautiful pairing harmonizing the wine and food. And that is why the Bellenda Fratelli Cosmo Prosecco DOC Rosé, paired with Chef Sal’s passion fruit and tuna, is the Please The Palate wine of the week.

About Bellenda

Bellenda is a family-run winery founded by the Cosmo brothers in the heart of the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene region of Veneto. The estate is deeply rooted in its vineyards, with each wine crafted to reflect the personality of the specific place where the grapes are grown.

Bellenda is known for its commitment to research and experimentation, balanced by a respect for tradition and natural elegance. Bellenda’s approach emphasizes texture and personality, utilizing longer lees aging and no filtering. Rather than focusing solely on one production method, the winery explores multiple expressions of sparkling wine, from Charmat (Martinotti) to Metodo Classico, believing that each approach reveals a different side of the grape and the terroir. Their philosophy is simple: wine should express personality, not perfection. The results are wines that highlight quality, character, and a sense of place. An exception to the idea of each wine representing a sense of place is the Fratelli Cosmo label. In contrast, these wines are easier to understand as grapes are sourced from different areas to build a profile or style.

Tasting Notes

The Fratelli Cosmo Prosecco DOC Rosé is made primarily from Glera, the signature grape of Prosecco, and blended with 10% Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir is first vinified separately as a still rosé wine, then blended with Glera and refermented to create the finished sparkling wine.

The Fratelli Cosmo Prosecco DOC Rosé is an Extra Dry style, meaning it contains approximately 13 grams per liter of residual sugar, giving the wine a richer mid-palate while maintaining acidity. The result is a Prosecco that feels generous and expressive, yet still fresh and balanced. A dainty light pink color, the wine offers delicate aromas of red berries and citrus and subtle spice notes that linger on the finish. The gentle richness from the residual sugar is balanced by crisp acidity that keeps the finish clean and energetic.

Food Pairing

Residual sugar in wine does not necessarily mean sweetness. It can also be a tool for balance, especially when paired thoughtfully as in the case with Chef Sal Marino. The combination of fresh, raw tuna and passion fruit might seem an odd combination but the dish paired with the wine demonstrated that the balance between food and wine can elevate both. The wine’s slight sweetness added richness to the palate while the dish’s tart acidity cut through the sweetness, leaving the wine tasting bright and lively. The result was a dynamic and harmonious interaction between food and wine and this is what makes a wine all the more memorable. It is not just how it tastes on its own, but how beautifully it pairs with food.

Where To Purchase

The Bellenda Fratelli Cosmo Prosecco DOC Rosé retails for approximately $15-$20. To find a retailer who sells the wine, check out Wine Searcher.

Learn more About Bellenda and Umberto Cosmo

Bellenda: Prosecco, Reimagined