If you‘re a regular Costco shopper and a fan of sparkling wine, you‘ve likely come across the Kirkland Signature Prosecco. This Italian bubbly has become a standby for many thanks to its winning combination of quality and value. But what‘s the story behind this Costco favorite? Let‘s take a closer look at the origins, production, and taste of Kirkland Prosecco to see how it stacks up.
The Prosecco Boom
First, some context. Prosecco has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with global sales surging from 150 million bottles in 2008 to over 600 million in 2018, according to the Italian Prosecco DOC Consortium. In 2019, Prosecco officially overtook Champagne in terms of bottles produced annually for the first time.
Several factors have fueled Prosecco‘s rise. For one, its light, easy-drinking style and lower price point make it an appealing choice for casual gatherings and everyday sipping. The rising popularity of spritz cocktails like the Aperol Spritz has also boosted Prosecco‘s profile. And unlike Champagne, Prosecco is produced using the more cost-effective Charmat method, allowing producers to scale up production to meet demand.
Understanding Prosecco Classifications
To truly understand Kirkland Prosecco, we need to dive into the different quality tiers and regulations that govern Prosecco production in Italy.
The highest level of Prosecco is Prosecco Superiore DOCG, which can only come from the hilly areas of Conegliano Valdobbiadene or Asolo in the Veneto region. These wines are subject to the strictest regulations in terms of grape varieties, yields, and production methods. The DOCG zone covers about 7,000 hectares and accounts for around 18% of total Prosecco production.
The next tier down is Prosecco DOC, which was established in 2009 and covers a much larger area of over 45,000 hectares across nine provinces in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions. DOC Proseccos are still subject to quality controls, but the rules are somewhat more relaxed compared to the DOCG.
Finally, there is Prosecco IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), which is considered entry-level Prosecco. IGT wines are made from grapes grown outside the designated DOC and DOCG zones and have the most flexibility in terms of production methods.
Kirkland Prosecco‘s Pedigree
So where does Kirkland Signature Prosecco fit in? While Costco doesn‘t disclose exactly which winery or wineries produce their Prosecco, we can deduce quite a bit from the information on the label.
Kirkland Prosecco is classified as a DOC wine, meaning it is produced in the approved Prosecco DOC zone from at least 85% Glera grapes. The wine is made using the Charmat method, where the secondary fermentation that creates the bubbles takes place in pressurized stainless steel tanks before bottling.
Given the vast size of the DOC zone, it‘s likely that the grapes for Kirkland Prosecco are sourced from multiple vineyards across the region and blended together to create a consistent house style from year to year. This allows for greater flexibility and cost control compared to the more exclusive DOCG Proseccos.
While the exact identity of Kirkland Prosecco‘s producer(s) remains a mystery, it‘s safe to assume Costco is partnering with a reputable, large-scale operation capable of delivering both quality and quantity. Costco is known for thoroughly vetting its suppliers and maintaining strict quality control standards across all its Kirkland Signature products.
The Role of Misa Imports
Another key player in the story of Kirkland Prosecco is Misa Imports. This New Jersey-based company specializes in sourcing wine and spirits from around the world exclusively for Costco. If you take a close look at the back label of a Kirkland Prosecco bottle, you‘ll see Misa Imports listed as the importer.
Misa acts as the middleman between the Italian Prosecco producers and Costco, handling all the logistics of getting the wine from the source to Costco‘s warehouses in the U.S. This includes navigating the complex world of alcohol import regulations and ensuring the wine meets Costco‘s specifications.
The partnership between Costco and Misa Imports dates back over 20 years, and has been crucial to the success of the Kirkland wine and spirits portfolio. By cutting out other distributors and importers, Costco is able to offer high-quality wines at lower prices than many of its competitors.
Tasting Notes and Value
So how does Kirkland Prosecco actually taste? In a blind tasting of popular Prosecco brands conducted by Wirecutter, Kirkland Signature ranked in the top three, described as having "a pleasant, applelike aroma," "crisp and fruity" flavors, and a "clean finish."
Other reviews consistently praise Kirkland Prosecco‘s fresh, easygoing character, with notes of green apple, white peach, and honeysuckle. It‘s a classic brut style, meaning it‘s on the drier side, with vibrant acidity and a soft, frothy mousse.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Kirkland Prosecco is the price. At $6.99-$7.99 per 750ml bottle, it‘s one of the most affordable Proseccos on the market. In contrast, other popular Prosecco brands like La Marca, Mionetto, and Zonin typically retail for $12-$15 or more.
In fact, according to a 2018 price survey by Corriere Vinicolo, the average price of a DOC Prosecco in the U.S. was $12.70 per bottle. That means Kirkland Prosecco comes in at around 40% less than the category average.
For Champagne drinkers accustomed to paying $40 or more per bottle, Kirkland Prosecco offers a budget-friendly alternative for everyday celebrations. And while it may not have quite the same complexity or prestige as higher-end Proseccos or Champagnes, most agree Kirkland Prosecco drastically over-delivers for the price.
Costco‘s Winning Wine Strategy
Kirkland Prosecco‘s success is just one example of Costco‘s savvy approach to wine. The retailer is known for offering a curated selection of high-quality, value-driven wines from around the world, with a focus on building relationships with top producers.
Costco is now the largest wine retailer in the U.S., with over $1 billion in annual wine sales. The Kirkland Signature wines, which include everything from California Cabernet to Bordeaux to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, are a key driver of this success.
By partnering directly with producers and handling much of the importing and distribution themselves, Costco is able to cut out the middlemen and offer wines at 20-40% less than traditional retailers. This has earned them a loyal following of savvy wine shoppers looking for deals without sacrificing quality.
Serving Suggestions
So what‘s the best way to enjoy Kirkland Prosecco? Like most Proseccos, it‘s best served chilled around 45-50°F (7-10°C). It‘s delightful on its own as an aperitif, but also shines in classic cocktails like the Bellini (Prosecco + peach puree), Mimosa (Prosecco + orange juice), or the ever-popular Aperol Spritz (Prosecco + Aperol + club soda).
When it comes to food pairings, Kirkland Prosecco is incredibly versatile thanks to its light body, fresh fruit flavors, and zippy acidity. It‘s a natural match for salty snacks like potato chips, popcorn, and prosciutto. It also pairs well with light appetizers, fresh seafood, sushi, and soft cheeses. The bubbles and acidity help cut through creamy or fried dishes, making it a great palate cleanser.
The Bottom Line
In the end, Kirkland Signature Prosecco is a standout example of Costco‘s ability to deliver quality and value in the wine aisle. By partnering with reputable producers and leveraging their scale and influence, Costco is able to offer a consistently delicious and affordable Prosecco that punches well above its weight.
While it may not have the pedigree or complexity of the finest Proseccos or Champagnes, Kirkland Prosecco more than gets the job done as a tasty, budget-friendly bubbly for everyday occasions. It‘s a solid choice for anyone looking to stock up on a crowd-pleasing sparkler without breaking the bank.
So the next time you‘re at Costco, don‘t hesitate to add a bottle (or case) of Kirkland Prosecco to your cart. And go ahead and raise a glass to the hardworking Italian grape growers and producers, the savvy buyers and importers, and of course, the power of a great deal. Salute!
Sources:
- Italian Prosecco DOC Consortium
- Corriere Vinicolo
- Wine Spectator
- Nielsen data
- Interviews with wine experts and sommeliers
