Wine Wits (#012): New Wave Prosecco, A Game of Thrones and Season Changes
The latest from grape juice drinker Aleksandar Draganic
Hi friend!
We are back to another Wine Wits on one of the sunniest Sunday afternoons I remember in recent memory. This week I started watching a show called Constellation on Apple TV. Even though I still have no fucking clue what’s happening 5 episodes in, Reddit tells me that the show is focused on red, blue and yellow universes (supposedly, the directors made it quite clear as they were shooting it). Another confusing multi-verse theme that could’ve lived up to something, but instead came out with bad writing and a boring-ass storyline. Onto the wine, shall we?
WINE I’M DRINKING
Silvano Follador Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Brut NV (The Wine Shop, 80 SGD)
Another week, another Italian wine. We’re on a roll here, people! This was one of the wines that was featured on TSWF: Crackle & Pop last Sunday and was quite the talk of the town. Silvano Follador aims to showcase the exceptional quality and unique character of Prosecco in Valdobbiadene. The approach centres on a deep respect for nature, ensuring the soil remains rich and vibrant without the use of fertilisers or weeding, and allowing grass to flourish naturally. Their annual production is limited to just 15,000 bottles. Not your grandma’s Prosecco, that’s for sure.
This little number is the creme de la creme of Silvano Follador. Very aromatic with a lot of things going on - from fruit (green apple, lime, peaches) to creamy brioche/butter notes and hints of bottle aging. Very delicate. At first fruit-driven on the palate, but opens up more to notes of caramel, toast and honey. Great, long finish with every single element integrated until the very end. When tasting this prosecco, you can really see that it's small, boutique production compared to those wineries that produce millions of bottles a year. Would’ve just liked to see a better price point tbh.
BOOK I’M READING
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
I’ve never been a huge fan of fantasy, but after reading the most hyped up book-made-into-the-most-hyped-up-show my thinking has been altered drastically. Mind you, I never watched the show. Not trying to be an anti-mainstream hippie here, I just never got around to watching it in the sea of TV shows that caught my attention more. Nerds, I am one of you now. I finally gave in, and man, am I hooked now or what? Martin's genius at giving each character and their backstory so much depth really got me. It's wild how he makes you sort of root for these characters, even though they're all playing dirty and have some pretty sketchy morals. But getting the lowdown on why they're so messed up, their whole backstory with all the pain and anger, kinda makes you see them in a new light.
There have been mentions that the A Song of Ice and Fire series will remain unfinished and even though this is an open possibility, let’s be real - it doesn’t drag you away from concluding that this is still top-tier fantasy. The world-building is insane in this book. The characters aren't just original; you feel like they've actually lived. And the whole morally grey vibe? It's like it’s reflecting real life, where everyone's a mix of good, bad, and everything in between, shaped by their past, what they want, and where they're trying to go. I'm all in for how Martin crafted this completely new, rich world, loaded with history and political drama that ties everyone and everything together. You can’t ignore the massive, beautifully built world and storytelling. There's so much to get into and appreciate. Finding something this original and deep in literature feels like striking gold.
RANDOM THOUGHT
If seasons never changed, which would you most like to live in eternally? A question that often crosses my mind when Singapore’s heatwaves arrive full blast.
As always, thanks for reading - stay thirsty, stay curious.
See ya in a week!
Aleksandar