Foss Marai: Pedigreed Prosecco from Valdobbiadene
When we think about Prosecco few names carry as much pedigree as Foss Marai. Unlike the industrially produced bottles that have flooded the global marketplace, Foss Marai has built its reputation via a continuing pursuit of excellent terroir-driven wines that truly express their place of origin: Valdobbiadene DOCG, Italy’s most prestigious appellation for Prosecco.
Founded in 1986 by Carlo and Adriana Biasiotto, the winery is still run by the original family, which is rare nowadays in Prosecco. I found on their website their motto and I love it: “Leniter in itinere”—which means “slowly on the road”—a motto that reflects the vinification practice of this family, who are known to carbonate their wine slowly to create a mousse that really only few Prosecco out there can achieve.
Unlike many Prosecco producers that concentrate on large-scale distribution, Foss Marai has chosen exclusivity. This wine is generally only sold on-premise at bars and restaurants. In fact, you can find this wine in most of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy. We’re thrilled to be able to sell this to you directly.
Valdobbiadene DOCG: The Heart of Prosecco Superiore
Prosecco doesn’t get the credit it deserves for being one of the most beautiful wine regions in the worlds, but it really is. It is in fact one of the only wine regions recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Valdobbiadene-Conegliano area is the ancient and most prestigious place for Prosecco production, earning the DOCG designation in 2009.
It is characterized by:
• Steep, hand-harvested vineyards, where the vines hang to rugged hillsides at elevations of 300 to 500 meters.
• Complex soils, rich in carbonates, iron, and manganese, adding depth, minerality, and shape to the wines.
• A cool Alpine-Mediterranean weather, where warm days and cool nights enhance aromatic intensity and colorful acidity.
• Distinct native grape types like Bianchetta, Perera, and Verdiso, which traditionally complemented Glera and contributed to the
complexity of traditional Prosecco.
Within Valdobbiadene, the most famous vineyard is Cartizze, a tiny 106-hectare "Grand Cru" area where the terroir reaches its maximum expression. Foss Marai’s Superiore di Cartizze is one of the best examples of this elite classification.
The Foss Marai Difference: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Foss Marai is highly skilled in balancing regional traditions and modern equipment. From hand harvesting to extended Charmat-method fermentation, each stage of their winemaking is carefully controlled to increase purity and complexity in the final wine. They focus on low, high-quality yields, opting for only the best fruit harvests and producing limited batches that showcase intensity and character. Foss Marai expands secondary fermentation and lees aging, resulting in finer bubbles, richer textures, and more aromatics. And by using only their own carefully selected native yeast, the Foss Marai achieves a more expressive, distinctive profile. This in-depth approach has made Foss Marai a benchmark for the artisanal Prosecco genre. They are easily one of the most respected sparkling wine producers in Italy.
Each Foss Marai Prosecco represents the purest expression of its vineyard site. Explore our single-vineyard lineup:
Foss Marai "Strada di Guia" Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry $18.99 Named after the historical road in Guia, the heart of Valdobbiadene, this Extra Dry Prosecco perfectly balances freshness and softness. Notes of white flowers, green apple, and ripe pear shine, supported by a creamy, persistent mousse.
Foss Marai "Guia" Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Millesimato Brut $21.99 A single-vintage (Millesimato) Prosecco that highlights the precision and purity of Glera from a standout harvest year. This Brut is drier and more mineral-driven, with crisp acidity and layers of citrus, acacia blossom, and stone fruit. An exquisitely delicate Prosecco that pairs superbly with seafood and lighter dishes.
Foss Marai "Cartizze" Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Dry $29.99 The crown jewel of Prosecco, this Superiore di Cartizze Dry comes from the most prestigious vineyard in Valdobbiadene DOCG. With a generous, velvety texture and layers of golden apple, ripe peach, honeysuckle, and toasted almond, this is the ultimate luxurious Prosecco, best for special occasion and fine dining.
Foss Marai is not just another Prosecco producer; it is a reference point for what Prosecco can be. It is a truly classic house, and I am sure you will not be disappointed in these wines.