Foss Marai Brut Guia Prosecco

Foss Marai Brut Guia Prosecco is a Valdobbiadene DOCG sparkling wine made from 100% Glera grapes, bottled at 11% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Named after the hillside village of Guia in the heart of Italy's most prestigious Prosecco zone, this expression has earned a Gold medal (Or) at the Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada and a Silver at the Japan Wine Challenge.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11%  |  Origin: Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy  |  DOCG Prosecco Superiore  |  Producer: Foss Marai

Production & Heritage

Foss Marai is a family-run estate situated in the steep hills of Valdobbiadene, the epicenter of premium Prosecco production in northeastern Italy's Veneto region. The Brut Guia is produced via an extended Charmat method: primary fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by a longer-than-standard secondary fermentation on the lees using carefully selected native yeast strains. This prolonged contact yields finer, more persistent bubbles and a richer texture than typical Charmat-method Prosecco. The Millesimato designation on certain vintages signals that the wine is sourced entirely from a single harvest year, reflecting the estate's confidence in that year's fruit quality.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with crisp green apple and ripe pear before shifting into white peach and delicate acacia blossom. Subtle citrus zest and a wisp of wisteria add complexity without overwhelming the primary fruit character.

Taste: The palate entry is bright and zesty, driven by lively acidity and a fine, persistent mousse. Mid-palate, orchard fruit flavors — green apple skins and pear — mingle with lemon and acacia flower notes. A subtle mineral undertone emerges toward the peak, giving the wine a sense of place that lifts it above simple fruit-forward sparkling wines.

Finish: Clean and refreshing, with lingering citrus and a faint mineral echo. The finish is moderate in length but precise, leaving the palate dry and ready for the next sip or bite.

How to Drink Brut Guia

Serve well chilled at 6–8°C in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromatics while letting the mousse breathe. It drinks beautifully on its own as an aperitivo. For cocktails, the Brut Guia's crisp acidity and fine bubbles make it an excellent base for a Bellini, where its white peach notes naturally echo the peach purée. It also shines in a Spritz, providing enough structure to stand up to Aperol or Select without losing its fruit character. A French 75 variation — substituting this Prosecco for Champagne — works well thanks to the wine's bright lemon notes and dry finish.

Best For

• Hosting a summer aperitivo spread with cured meats and light antipasti
• Gifting to someone who appreciates Italian sparkling wine beyond entry-level Prosecco
• Toasting at a wedding, anniversary, or milestone celebration
• Pairing at a seafood-focused dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Brut Guia taste like? Foss Marai Brut Guia leads with crisp green apple and pear, accented by white flowers and citrus zest, with a fine persistent mousse and a clean, mineral-tinged dry finish.

How does Brut Guia compare to Nino Franco Rustico? Both are Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore bottlings made from Glera, but Foss Marai's extended lees contact in the Charmat method tends to produce a creamier mousse and more aromatic complexity, while Nino Franco Rustico is widely regarded for its bright, straightforward fruit-driven style at a similar quality tier.

Is Brut Guia good for cocktails? Its dry profile, fine bubbles, and balanced acidity make it a strong cocktail component, particularly in a Bellini or Spritz where structure and fruit character both matter.

Where is Brut Guia made? It is produced by the Foss Marai estate in the village of Guia, within the Valdobbiadene DOCG zone of the Veneto region in northeastern Italy — one of only two communes granted the highest Prosecco classification.

What foods pair well with Brut Guia? Prosciutto di San Daniele works well, as the wine's acidity cuts through the salt and fat. Fresh burrata with heirloom tomatoes complements the floral and orchard fruit notes. Lightly fried calamari benefits from the mousse's palate-cleansing effervescence. Sushi and sashimi pair naturally with the wine's mineral undertone, and a lemon ricotta tart mirrors the citrus zest on the finish.

What sizes does Brut Guia come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Brut Guia worth the price? Brut Guia positions as a mid-premium Prosecco Superiore — a step above mass-market DOC bottlings thanks to its DOCG classification, extended Charmat method, and native yeast fermentation, making it strong value within the Valdobbiadene tier.

Why Brut Guia?

What distinguishes this bottling is the extended secondary fermentation on native yeast — a deliberate choice that adds textural richness and aromatic depth uncommon at this price tier. The Valdobbiadene DOCG designation already narrows the field to the most highly regarded Prosecco vineyards in Italy, and the Guia village source places this wine in particularly steep, well-exposed hillside terrain. International recognition from both the Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada (Gold) and the Japan Wine Challenge (Silver) reinforces its quality beyond regional reputation. For anyone seeking a Prosecco that delivers genuine complexity rather than simple fizz, Brut Guia earns serious consideration.