The Ultimate Guide to Prosecco
Prosecco is a sparkling wine (AKA bubbles or fizz) from Italy. The region? Veneto in North-East Italy, see the map below:
Where does the name come from?
Prosecco DOC is a geographical name that covers a wide area of the Veneto and Friuli regions. What is DOC you may ask? Denominazione di Origine Controllata (in Italian), which translates to "Designation of Controlled Origin".
A World Heritage Site: Colline del Prosecco di Valdobbiadene e Conegliano
The Grape Varieties
The main grape variety grown in the area is Glera (it used to be called Prosecco). There must be at least 85% of Glera in Prosecco, other grapes permitted are local Italian grape varieties Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, plus international varieties Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For Prosecco rosé production Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero as they call it in Italian) is the main variety used.
The cool hills of Treviso with a crisp glass of Prosecco Superiore
How to choose Prosecco in a shop
Search for DOC and DOCG letters on the label. DOC as explained above stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata. DOCG - Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (English - Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin). DOCG (with a letter G) Prosecco produces better quality wines (stricter regulations and higher quality standards).
Is Prosecco dry or sweet?
It is actually a myth that Prosecco is sweet. In fact the Glera grape has a lower sugar content and therefore lower alcohol and it can be Extra-Brut (very dry), Brut (dry), Extra Dry (off-dry) or Dry (sweeter) but yes these terms are very confusing to the average consumer - we agree!
Premium Prosecco
In 2019 The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene were inscribed on the World Heritage List and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. This unique cultural landscape is the result of the positive work of winemakers and vine growers over generations, creating a spectacular scenery that also preserves and sustains the local ecological system.
If you spot the words Conegliano, Valdobbiadene and Superiore on the label - this is premium quality Prosecco. Looking for the absolute best Prosecco? Search for Cartizze on the label. This wine is often referred to as a "grand cru" of Prosecco.
Images from our team member Penny who recently explored the UNESCO hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Penny looking across the beautiful Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene
Check out our range of Premium Prosecco here.
Here are a few of our favourite premium Prosecco producers:
Althea Conegliano Valdobbiadene
Cheers!
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