Merotto Graziano Prosecco del Fondatore Superiore

Merotto Graziano Prosecco del Fondatore Superiore is a Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG sparkling wine made from 100% Glera at 11.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. A repeated Tre Bicchieri winner in the Gambero Rosso guide — including the 2025 and 2026 editions — this single-parcel expression from Rive di Col San Martino ranks among the most acclaimed Prosecco bottlings produced today.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11.5%  |  Origin: Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy  |  DOCG Prosecco Superiore  |  Producer: Cantina Merotto

Production & Heritage

Cantina Merotto is based in Col San Martino within the steep hills of the Valdobbiadene zone, where the family has owned vineyards since 1973. The Fondatore Superiore draws its fruit from a single steep parcel — Parcel 86 at roughly 230 meters above sea level — in the Rive di Col San Martino subzone. After harvest, the Glera grapes undergo skin maceration and soft pressing before controlled-temperature tank fermentation at 12°C for approximately 60 days, followed by an extended 120-day aging period on the lees — a step far longer than most Prosecco producers employ, contributing the wine's distinctive textural depth and complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with hawthorn and citrus blossom before giving way to ripe orchard fruit and a fresh mineral quality. White-fleshed stone fruit and subtle floral tones round out an inviting, layered bouquet.

Taste: The entry is dry and agile, with nectarine zest and crushed herbs framing a core of yellow apple and Bartlett pear. Mid-palate, vibrant acidity and a pronounced saline edge give the wine a snappy, energetic profile. A creamy mousse from the extended lees aging adds finesse without weight.

Finish: The finish is clean and persistent, carrying floral and fruity impressions alongside a savory mineral note. Fine, uniform perlage sustains the wine's elegance through the close.

How to Drink Fondatore Superiore

Serve well chilled at 6–8°C in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromatics; this is a Prosecco built for attentive sipping, not just casual toasting. Three cocktails where it excels: a Spritz, where its dry, saline backbone holds up against Aperol's sweetness; a Bellini, where the natural orchard-fruit notes amplify fresh white peach purée; and a French 75 variation substituting the Fondatore for Champagne, where its creamy mousse and citrus character complement the gin and lemon beautifully.

Best For

• Impressing a wine enthusiast who thinks they know Prosecco
• Pairing with a multi-course seafood dinner
• Gifting to celebrate a milestone — the "Fondatore" (founder) name adds gravitas
• Serving as the aperitivo at an Italian-themed dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Fondatore Superiore taste like? It delivers dry, vibrant flavors of yellow apple, Bartlett pear, and nectarine zest, accented by crushed herbs and a saline mineral streak. A fine, creamy mousse ties the profile together with notable elegance for a Prosecco.

How does Fondatore Superiore compare to Adami Col Credas? Both are Tre Bicchieri–winning, single-vineyard Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore bottlings from steep hillside parcels, making them natural peers. The Merotto tends toward a creamier texture from its 120-day lees aging, while the Adami Col Credas — an Extra Brut from Rive di Farra di Soligo — typically leans drier and more austere.

Is Fondatore Superiore good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the extended lees contact gives it a textural complexity that rewards focused attention on its own. It transcends casual sparkling wine territory and stands up to careful, deliberate tasting.

Where is Fondatore Superiore made? It is produced by Cantina Merotto in Col San Martino, situated in the heart of the Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG zone in Veneto, Italy. The grapes come specifically from the Rive di Col San Martino subzone, Parcel 86, at approximately 230 meters elevation.

What foods pair well with Fondatore Superiore? Raw oysters and crudo benefit from its bright acidity and saline finish. Prosciutto di San Daniele echoes the wine's orchard-fruit sweetness. Risotto with spring vegetables mirrors its herbal and floral notes. Light, fried seafood like fritto misto contrasts with its creamy mousse, and aged Asiago cheese complements its savory mineral undertone.

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

Is Fondatore Superiore worth the price? It positions as a premium expression within the Valdobbiadene DOCG tier — well above entry-level Prosecco DOC but reflective of its single-vineyard sourcing, extended lees aging, and consistent Tre Bicchieri recognition. For drinkers who want to experience the ceiling of what Prosecco can achieve, it delivers strong value relative to its critical standing.

Why Fondatore Superiore?

Repeated Tre Bicchieri recognition from Gambero Rosso — Italy's most influential wine guide — places this among a small handful of Prosecco bottlings that consistently earn the country's highest wine honor. The 120-day lees aging regimen is unusually long for the category and directly responsible for the creamy mousse and textural depth that distinguish it from standard Prosecco. Single-parcel sourcing from a steep, family-owned vineyard held since 1973 ensures a level of site specificity rarely associated with sparkling wines from this region. For anyone who has dismissed Prosecco as simple or one-dimensional, the Fondatore Superiore is a compelling counter-argument.