PROSECCO

Prosecco is the embodiment of Italian dolce vita. But where does this sparkling wine really come from? It has its roots in north-eastern Italy, mainly in Veneto and Friuli. Its history dates back to the beginning of our era. At that time, the Romans were already producing a wine called Pucinum in the Friuli region, near the Adriatic Sea. Probably derived from an ancestor of the Glera grape variety, this dry white wine, appreciated for its acidity, was not sparkling. The art of effervescence only appeared in the 17th century.

The name ‘Prosecco’ was first used in the 16th century, in reference to a village near Trieste. The wine took on the sparkling identity that made it so successful with the adoption of the Charmat method, or closed tank fermentation, at the end of the 19th century. The development of modern viticulture in the hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano also contributed to its rise. With nearly 600 million bottles produced each year, Prosecco is now a global phenomenon, symbolising the Italian way of life.

Prosecco DOC or Prosecco DOCG

Today, two appellations structure the production of this sparkling wine. Covering a large area in Veneto and Friuli, the Prosecco DOC appellation extends over the provinces of Treviso, Padua, Vicenza, Belluno, Gorizia, Trieste, Pordenone, Udine and Venice. The Prosecco Superiore DOCG designation (Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG) is reserved for the historic terroirs of Conegliano, Valdobbiadene and Asolo.

Before it sparkles on your taste buds, Prosecco is the result of a long process that begins in the sunny vineyards of northern Italy.

The Glera grape variety, the soul of Prosecco

Glera is the main grape variety used in Prosecco, accounting for at least 85% of the blend. Its aromas are reminiscent of green apple, pear, peach and white flowers. It gives Prosecco its light, fruity and floral character. Other minor grape varieties such as Verdiso, Bianchetta and Perera add subtle nuances to its aromatic bouquet.

The Charmat method

Prosecco owes its personality to the Charmat or Martinotti method. After an initial fermentation, the wine is placed in large hermetically sealed tanks for a second fermentation, which produces fine, persistent bubbles. This process preserves the primary aromas of the grape and the freshness of the fruit.

What is the difference between Prosecco and Champagne?

While Prosecco is produced in Italy, Champagne is made exclusively in France, in the region of the same name. Unlike the Italian sparkling wine produced using the Charmat method, champagne owes its bubbles to the champenoise method, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle. In terms of grape varieties, prosecco is made mainly from Glera, while champagne features Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Prosecco comes in several styles, depending on the liveliness of its bubbles and its sweetness. This diversity is part of its charm, allowing it to suit all tastes and occasions.

Prosecco Spumante, Frizzante... different levels of effervescence

Not all prosecco sparkling wines are the same, offering a variety of sensory experiences.

• Prosecco Tranquillo: the rarest variety (around 1% of production), this prosecco has no bubbles and is appealing for its natural sweetness and fruity and floral aromas.
• Prosecco Frizzante: characterised by low gas pressure due to a shorter mousse formation time, this version offers subtle bubbles and a short-lived mousse.
• Prosecco Spumante: undoubtedly the best known, Prosecco Spumante has a lively effervescence and fine, persistent bubbles.

Brut, extra dry, dry: three degrees of sweetness

The sweetness of Prosecco also comes in several forms:

• Brut: containing less than 12 g of residual sugar per litre, Prosecco Brut is the driest.
• Extra dry: rounder than brut, extra dry has a sugar content of 12 g/l to 17 g/l.
• Dry: the sweetest version in the range, dry prosecco has a sugar content of 17 g/l to 32 g/l.

Rosé prosecco

This famous Italian sparkling wine is also available in a rosé version, made from a blend of the Glera grape variety and a small amount of Pinot Noir. Its aromatic bouquet is identical to that of white prosecco, but is enriched with delicious notes of red fruits such as strawberry and raspberry.

Characterised by its lightness and freshness, Prosecco has a lower alcohol content than many other sparkling wines, including Champagne. This essential Italian sparkling wine has an alcohol content of 11% to 12.5%.

The pleasure of Prosecco does not depend solely on the cuvée chosen. It also depends on the art of serving it. Vinatis reveals a few simple rules to enhance its aromatic character and incomparable freshness.

At what temperature should Prosecco be served?

Serve Prosecco between 6 and 8 °C. Below this temperature, its aromas are stifled. Above this, its bubbles lose their liveliness. Ideally, place the bottle in the refrigerator for a few hours, then in an ice bucket to keep it cool throughout the tasting.

Which glass should you use to serve Prosecco?

To fully reveal the wine's aromas and gradually release its bubbles, Prosecco is best served in a tulip-shaped white wine glass.

What dishes should Prosecco be paired with?

Perfect as an aperitif, Prosecco is ideal for delicious food pairings. In its brut version, its lively acidity makes it a perfect accompaniment to antipasti (fine charcuterie, slightly matured cheese or smoked salmon) or savoury dishes such as seafood salad or quiches. Both lively and mellow, extra dry Prosecco pairs harmoniously with fresh cheeses or white meat in sauce. With its great sweetness, dry Prosecco is ideal as an accompaniment to exotic or sweet and savoury cuisine.

Whether you are a novice or a connoisseur, the best Prosecco depends on your tastes, the occasion and your budget. Vinatis guides you in finding your ideal Italian sparkling wine.

The occasion for tasting

For a no-fuss aperitif or a relaxed evening, opt for a bottle of fresh and fruity Prosecco DOC, offering excellent value for money. For special occasions, choose exceptional vintages such as a Prosecco Superiore di Valdobbiadene DOCG, guaranteeing an elegant and refined experience.

The style

Prosecco Brut will appeal to lovers of crisp freshness. If you are looking for something sweeter, but still with a lively freshness, Prosecco Extra Dry is for you. Very sparkling with lively, effervescent bubbles, Prosecco Spumante is a safe bet for festive occasions. Looking for delicacy and complexity instead? Choose a bottle of Prosecco Frizzante. If you're looking for a festive and elegant drink with fruity flavours for your celebrations, Prosecco Rosé is a great alternative.

Price

Prosecco offers the pleasure of a quality sparkling wine at an affordable price, with bottles available from around £7 to over £25 for exceptional vintages. The price of prosecco varies depending on the appellation, the production area and the packaging (single bottle or pack).

At Vinatis, the most popular Prosecco vintages are highlighted in the ‘Best-selling Prosecco’ selection. Award labels and critics' ratings, as well as reviews left by our customers, will help you make the right choice.

When you think of Prosecco, you think of Spritz! This Italian sparkling wine is the basis for a whole range of cocktails, but this one, made with Prosecco, sparkling water, Aperol or Campari, is undoubtedly the most famous. When it comes to making Spritz, brut Prosecco is ideal for a cocktail with pronounced flavours and a nice balance between sweetness and bitterness. If you prefer sweeter drinks, use extra dry Prosecco to make your Spritz.

With Vinatis, buying Prosecco online is quick and easy. Your online wine merchant offers a wide selection of Italian sparkling wines for all palates, occasions and budgets. Use our filter system (price, colour, producer, etc.) to find your next Prosecco in just a few clicks. Once you've placed your order, delivery is fast and careful, so your bubbles arrive ready to be enjoyed.