Let’s admit it. Prosecco is easy to take for granted. I am a Champagne Master and I know that the perception is that nothing can match that French bubbly. But I want to give you some insight into Prosecco, so you’ll understand there’s more to it than easy drinking bubbles that give us a much-needed lift with general feelings of delight.
That’s all fine, but there’s more to know, and more to appreciate. For this, I consulted with my friend Beth Moreno, a Prosecco maker in the medieval town of Asolo, Italy, where she creates some of the finest expressions of this traditional beverage.
Visit Beth’s Prosecco site HERE
“For me Prosecco is such a special wine, part of the Italian culture. There are mnay tings that make it special, for instance, its Ancient Roman roots, its potential connection to a long life, and variety of terroirs that these joyous bollicine are able to offer you. Did you know that 70% of Italians drink it and mostly during the famous apertivo?” Beth explained. “It unites Italy almost as much as a national soccer match!
Few, wines have the power to bring the joy of the dolce vita by sharing a sparkling glass worldwide as Prosecco does.”
What is Prosecco?
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine made in the Tank Method (sometimes called Charmat or Martinotti method) from the Italian white grape Glera. In the Tank Method, the base wine is fermented to dryness, then a second fermentation is started in a sealed tank by adding additional yeast and sugar, as well as nutrients. The second fermentation in a sealed tank traps the carbon dioxide, which is absorbed into the wine to create the bubbles.
Prosecco has become a worldwide sparkling wine phenomenon! Since 2008, sales have grown exponentially as this fun, bubbly, approachable and often very affordable wine has become the most popular sparkling wine in many countries.
Styles of Prosecco
In the Prosecco world there are different types of Prosecco depending on the Italian classification and the area which the grapes are grown as diverse as Italian restaurants.
Here is a quick guide to the unique delicious Prosecco Superior to the simple Proseccos.
Fun and approachable, Prosecco has risen as a shining star in the world of sparkling wine since 2008. Sales have increased exponentially, partly because it is an approachable style of wine and also because it is much more affordable than many other bubbles.
Prosecco ranges from the easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing, relatively simple Prosecco Veneto DOC wines to the more ‘serious’ Prosecco Treviso DOC, and then onto Superiore DOCG wines from Asolo and Valdobbiadene. There is a Prosecco for everyone’s taste and budget.
Entry-level Veneto DOC wines:
These wines combine zippy acidity, often a hint of sweetness with fresh peach, apple, and pear fruit flavors. Most of these wines Extra Dry, with around 12g/l-17g/l residual sugar, which suits the peachy fruit flavor well. These are easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing wines, perfect for a spring day or Sunday brunch.
Soft and easy to drink, many of these delightful wines are available at affordable prices – for less than $15 in a supermarket – and they are incredibly popular both in the US and around the world.
Superiore DOCG wines:
There is a distinctive rise in quality and price with these wines, which come from the caldera and rolling hills in the heart of Treviso around Conegliano-Valdobbiadene and Asolo, Lower yields, better vineyard sites, and longer lees maturation times al influence this increase in quality.
The wines from Asolo DOCG, such as the ones Beth produces at Venetian Hills,tend to show riper fruit, often yellow plum, and ripe peach. Their crisp acidity is balanced by a slightly drier style, Extra Brut, with around 3g/l-5g/l of residual sugar.
Most Valdobbiadene DOCG wines are slightly sweeter, in a Brut style with 8g/l-12g/l of residual sugar. Elegant and refined, they are beautifully balanced gastronomic styles.
At the sweeter end of the scale, deceptively labelled ‘dry’ (17g/l-32g/l), fine Prosecco can handle high levels of sugar, yet stay vibrant and fresh on the palate.
Superior quality, exclusive wines labeled of the Cartizze and Rive (individual vineyard sites) wines are textured, layered, concentrated, balanced. They are considered the highest expression of Prosecco and are well worth trying.
Prosecco Rosé:
Relatively new to the market, ‘Pink’ Prosecco is nearly always labeled ‘rosé’ rather than the traditional Italian name ‘rosato’. Pink Prosecco, often created by adding a small amount of Pinot Nero to the main variety Glera, can be delicious across all price points. Ranging from pale pink to a soft salmon color, these wines show cherry, strawberry or occasionally cranberry flavors from Pinot Nero accenting the rounder apple and peach flavors of Glera. the mousse. They often are at very affordable price points and offer a fun, festive experience of Prosecco.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, make an ordinary day – extra special with a sparkling glass of Prosecco. With its Italian flair and relaxed lifestyle, Prosecco is indeed sunshine in a glass.
Want to learn more about all kinds of bubbly? My next Champagne and Sparkling Wine experience is on May 18th at Stroll Café + Wine Bar from 6-7:30pm CLICK HERE for more information.
Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting Experience Tickets, Thu, May 18, 2023 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
