What is Prosecco?
Until the end of 2009, the term Prosecco designated a white grape variety which is now known under the name Glera. Instead of naming the sparkling wine which we know as Prosecco after the grape variety that is used, Proseccos are defined by their origin and their production today.
An interesting fact which is known to only few Prosecco fans, is that the name Prosecco not only applies to sparkling and brisk wines but also to still wines.
How is Prosecco produced?
To make Prosecco, the Glera grapes must come from the provinces of Belluna, Padova, Treviso, Pordenone, Gorizia, Udine, Triest, Vicenza or Venetia. This is also where the processing of the grapes and the bottling has to take place. This is another new regulation that was implemented, as before 2010, many producers used to transport their Prosecco to Germany where the bottling often happened in mass production. Thanks to the new regulations, Prosecco has achieved a new level of quality.
How does Prosecco differ from Champagne?
Prosecco differs from Champagne not only in its origin or in the grape varieties (Champagne is usually made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) but also in the type of fermentation. While Champagne is produced with bottle fermentation, Prosecco typically receives its carbon dioxide through tank fermentation. This also has an effect on the carbon dioxide content: Often, Proseccos are noticeably more vivid than comparable Champagnes.
What types of Prosecco are there?
In general, one has to distinguish between Prosecco Spumante and Prosecco Frizzante. While Spumante declares a Prosecco as sparkling wine, a Frizzante is a brisk wine. To create a brisk wine, a low amount of carbon dioxide is added to a still wine, while a sparkling wine receives its effervescence through bottle or tank fermentation.
There are two other designations that are helpful to know when it comes to Prosecco:
• DOC: To carry the title DOC (Denominazione di origine controllata), the Prosecco has to come from one of nine specific provinces that are located between Venetia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
• DOCG: Only two Proseccos may carry the title DOCG: The Conegliano Valdobbiadene that comes from the wine-growing areas Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, as well as the Colli Asolani DOCG, which comes from the region around the town Asolo.
Both terms indicate that the Prosecco originates from a traditional wine-growing area, which serves as a guarantee for a high-quality product.
Like other sparkling wines, Prosecco is also tagged with a term that describes the sweetness of the bottling. Brut Nature, Extra Brut and Brut refer to especially dry wines, Extra Dry/Extra Sec as well as Dry/Sec contain a medium level of sugar and Demi-Sec and Doux/Sweet are sweeter wines.
What special Prosecco brands are there?
The best and most popular Prosecco brands on the market include Villa Sandi, Cinzano, Canella, Valdo, Bottega and Ruffino.
Prosecco at Gustero
At Gustero, we offer a carefully selected assortment of the best Proseccos on the market. That’s why we keep many DOCG and DOC Proseccos from the best regions in Italy. Take a look at our exquisite selection now and discover the world of Prosecco for yourself!
