Prosecco
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine primarily produced in the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. It is made chiefly from the Glera grape, which until 2009 was also commonly referred to as Prosecco.[1] Known for its light, fresh and approachable style, Prosecco has become one of the most widely consumed sparkling wines worldwide.
Background
The origins of Prosecco are rooted in north-eastern Italy, where references to a wine from the village of Prosecco near Trieste date back to the 16th century.[2] Historically, the term Prosecco referred both to the grape and the wine, but in 2009 the European Union officially protected the name, reserving “Prosecco” for wines from specific geographical areas, and renaming the grape variety Glera.[3]
Characteristics
Prosecco is typically made using the Charmat method, in which the secondary fermentation takes place in pressurised stainless steel tanks rather than in bottle.[4] This technique preserves the grape’s aromatic profile, producing wines that are lightly sparkling (frizzante) or fully sparkling (spumante). The style is generally characterised by crisp acidity, low to moderate alcohol, and flavours of green apple, pear, white flowers and citrus.
Production and Regions
The Prosecco DOC zone spans nine provinces across Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, with the heartland situated in the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.[5] Within this area, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG and the smaller Asolo Prosecco DOCG represent higher-quality tiers, distinguished by stricter regulations and hillside vineyards. Production rules specify minimum proportions of Glera, permitted blending varieties, maximum yields, and alcohol levels.[6]
Cultural and Commercial Significance
Prosecco has become a global phenomenon, its approachable style and affordability fuelling strong growth in exports, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany.[7] Beyond being consumed on its own, it features prominently in cocktails such as the Bellini and the Venetian Spritz. Its popularity has positioned Prosecco as a rival to Champagne (wine) and other sparkling wines in international markets, though its identity remains rooted in Italian tradition and regional culture.[8]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco, “Prosecco DOC”, prosecco.wine.
- ↑ Stevenson, The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, 5th ed., DK, 2011, ISBN 978-0756686840.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco, “Prosecco DOC”, prosecco.wine.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Baldini, Prosecco Made Me Do It: 60 Seriously Sparkling Cocktails, Andrews McMeel, 2019, ISBN 978-1524851844.