Prosecco is a DOC or DOCG white sparkling wine, made with the Glera grape variety. A still version is also permitted.

A Bit More About Prosecco

Unlike Champagne, Franciacorta, and other Italian sparkling wines, Prosecco is mostly produced using the Charmat-Martinotti method (or, briefly, tank method) where the secondary fermentation, which gives the bubbles to the wine, takes place in large stainless steel vats, instead of in each bottle. This method is actually more suitable for a wine based on the Glera grapes, which are aromatic and fresh.

Prosecco comes in 4 sweetness levels. From driest to sweetest: Brut, Extra Dry, Dry, and Demi-Sec. Dry and Demi-sec are actually quite sweet.

The sweetness levels in Prosecco Superiore DOCG is slightly different. From driest to sweetest, it can be enjoyed in Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, and Dry.

The Extra Dry is the most classic and usually best balanced Prosecco.

Can you age prosecco? You can, but it is not meant to age. It's best to drink it within 3 years from its vintage (harvest year). Only top quality Prosecco coming from grapes from the highest vineyards (and then with enough acidity) can have a long shelf life, up to 5 - 7 years.

Aromas and Flavors

The primary aromas are fruits (green apple, pear, white peach, melon) and white flowers (acacia, wisteria).

Prosecco varies substantially, according to the area of production and the quality of the product.

A good Prosecco, especially in the classic Extra Dry typology, will balance the freshness with the fruit and flower notes typical of the Glera grape.

Pairings

Prosecco is our favorite aperitif wine, very flexible in the Dry and Extra Dry versions. The Brut version is perfect throughout a meal.

The different versions of prosecco pair differently. Extra Brut and Brut pair with shellfish, raw or fried fish. Extra Dry is great for a buffet aperitif. Dry goes with moderately sweet desserts. Demi-sec is great with desserts.

Where Is It Made?

Prosecco is the name of a village close to Trieste, in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, almost on the border with Slovenia, but only a small part of the production of this wine is still in the same area. Nowadays most of the production is located west of Prosecco, in the region of Veneto, specifically in the areas of Conegliano, Valdobbiadene, and Asolo.

In 2019, The Hills of Prosecco became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.