PROSECCO

With Lambrusco and Moscato d'Asti, Italians are spoilt for choice when it comes to sparkling wines. However, Prosecco is undoubtedly the most famous of these little Italian bubbles. Walking past a restaurant or café terrace without spotting it is almost impossible. However, its popularity does not stop at the Italian borders. In fact, this sparkling wine has also been experiencing a growing success in recent years in other countries such as France and China; even competing with Champagne in some countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, Prosecco indeed has all the makings of a crowd pleaser.

This popularity has been boosted in particular by the incredible success of the Spritz cocktail, of which this sparkling wine is one of the main components. This is further reinforced by a perfectly orchestrated marketing strategy. The producers rely, among other things, on a quality appellation, equivalent to the French AOC, conferring an image of quality wine to Prosecco. For some winegrowers, this is achieved in particular through the highlighting of a unique landscape and an environmentally friendly viticulture. The constant increase in the production of this sparkling wine contributes greatly to its development on the international market.

However, this notoriety is also attributed to the light character of this bubbly nectar, often referred to as "Italian Champagne". A true symbol of conviviality, Prosecco is a wine that is drunk young and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It should be noted that Prosecco is to be consumed quickly, it is not a wine for ageing. Crunchy like a fruit, it is appreciated for its freshness, fruity and floral aromas, and relatively fine bubbles. With a slightly sweeter dosage than Champagnes, this Italian sparkling wine also seduces with its sweetness.

The lightness of Prosecco is not just about how it feels on the palate, but also applies to its price. This sparkling wine is indeed known for its relative affordability.

Although it can be drunk casually in everyday life, this sparkling wine lends itself beautifully to big occasions. It thus represents an excellent alternative to Champagne for celebrating festive moments at a low price.

If Prosecco can boast a relatively large market internationally, it owes this to strict rules, particularly regarding production areas. Spanning over approximately 20,000 hectares, the vineyard is anchored in northeastern Italy. The production area covers a good part of the Venezia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The vines grow in nine provinces, namely: Treviso, Vicenza, Padua, Belluno, Venice, Udine, Pordenone, Trieste and Gorizia. Prosecco can also be also be produced in the vineyards of Conegliano or Valdobbiadene. Depending on the production area, this sparkling wine can obtain the Prosecco Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) or Prosecco Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantitta (DOCG).

For the production of Prosecco, Gléra is the main grape variety. A minimum of 85% is used. Successive selections finally led to the choice of this round grape. With a hardy and vigorous shoot, Gléra has large, long clusters. When ripe, the berries display a beautiful golden yellow colour. Other varieties that can be used to produce this sparkling wine include the Perera, Verdiso and Bianchetta grape varieties. However, they must not exceed a 15% limit in the blends.

After the harvest, the grapes destined for the production of Prosecco are pressed to extract the juice. After decanting, the liquid is fermented with yeast, triggering alcoholic fermentation. The production of Prosecco is distinguished by the use of the Charmat method, based on a second fermentation or prise de mousse. Unlike the Champagne technique, this process takes place in closed tanks under high pressure. Placed in pressurised autoclaves, the still wine is enhanced with yeast and sugars.

For about 15 to 20 days, fine bubbles begin to form and the characteristic aromas of Prosecco gradually develop, under a temperature maintained at 12 to 13°C. After this time, the product is transferred to another autoclave, chilled, and then filtered to ensure clarity, before bottling. As well as being cheaper than the traditional bottled technique, the Charmat method has the advantage of preserving the fruity and delicate aromas of Prosecco.

A fresh, often floral and fruity wine, Prosecco can be enjoyed both neat and in cocktails. Ideally, this sparkling wine should be served at a temperature of 6 to 9°C. You can add ice or not, so this Italian wine can be enjoyed during the day as well as in the evening. Whether it's a casual moment with friends or a festive event, this bubbly nectar is suitable for all occasions.

Usually served at aperitif time, Prosecco can also accompany an entire meal. With antipasti (based on fish, lightly matured cheeses, lightly spiced cured meats or smoked salmon), risotto, a menu based on fish or seafood or white meat, the food and Prosecco pairings are numerous.

For a perfect taste experience, it is important to choose the best Prosecco. This is because it is a wine that can be conjugated in the plural, thus potentially confusing consumers when selecting a bottle.

Depending on the type of Prosecco, different indications may be displayed on the bottle, including those relating to the level of residual sugars or the nature of the bubbles (sparkling or fizzy).