Prosecco is a sparkling white wine originating from the Veneto region of Italy. It has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many people are enjoying this sparkling wine for its light, bubbly flavor and refreshing taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to enjoy a lazy weekend brunch, Prosecco is an ideal beverage choice. But with so many different types available on the market, how do you know which one is best?
Key takeaways
- Prosecco is a sparkling wine produced in the North of Italy (Veneto region)
- It`s produced from the Glera grape and is sweeter and less sparkling than Champagne
- Prosecco is a reasonably priced alternative to Champagne if you like sweeter and less bubbly sparkling wines
- A very dry Prosecco can be paired with hearty food like steak whereas sweeter Proseccos (Brut / Extra Dry) pair well with seafood and light salads
- Prosecco is available from very dry (Extra Brut) to very sweet (Extra Dolce)
Prosecco Basics
Prosecco is a sparkling white wine made in Italy’s Veneto region. It has become one of the most popular and sought-after wines in recent years, with an increasing number of people discovering the prosecco region for its unique flavor and aromas. Prosecco sparkling wine production is a centuries-old tradition, which involves using specific grape varieties, production methods, and aging processes to achieve the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. To understand more about Prosecco, it’s important to know its origins and how this sparkling wine is made.
The base for all Proseccos must be 100% Glera grapes. This variety is grown mainly on hillsides in the Veneto region where winemakers have perfected the art of making this sparkling wine over generations. Unlike champagne which is partially produced from pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes prosecco is only made from the white glera grape.
How is Prosecco made?
Region and Grapes
Prosecco is a beloved bubbly beverage that has become increasingly popular over the last decade. It is a sparkling wine made in Veneto, champagne region in Italy that carries the prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) designation. Prosecco has relatively low alcohol content and is slightly sweeter than its Champagne counterpart. Due to its low production costs and light body, it’s often served as an aperitif before meals or at special occasions.
The traditional method of Prosecco DOC production involves using fermented Glera grapes grown in specific areas of Northeastern Italy near Venice. The most commonly used method involves secondary fermentation with sugar and yeast inside stainless steel tanks without contact with oxygen which helps to preserve the quality of the bubbles.
Fermentation
The Charmat-Martinotti method, or the “Metodo Italiano,” is used to produce sparkling wines like Prosecco. This method involves bottling the wine while it is still fermenting with yeast and sugar, allowing for secondary fermentation in pressurized tanks. The Charmat-Martinotti method results in a product that possesses a lighter body and smaller bubbles than other sparkling wines.
The process of making Prosecco using the Charmat-Martinotti Method begins by blending base wines from Glera grapes grown in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of Italy. Afterwards, primary fermentation occurs where carbon dioxide form as well as flavor compounds due to malolactic fermentation. This second fermentation is followed by a secondary fermentation where the yeast ferments in pressurized tanks producing more carbon dioxide that gives rise to the desired sparkling effect when poured into glasses.
Types of Prosecco
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that has become hugely popular over recent years. It is made from Glera grapes grown mainly in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of Italy, and it’s known for its dry, refreshing taste. Prosecco can be classified into three types based on the sweetness of the wine – Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry (asciutto), Dry (secco), Demi-sec (abboccato) and sweet (extra dolce) – with other sparkling wines each offering a unique flavor profile to suit any palate.
Spumante is a general term covering sparkling wines. Whereas called prosecco. Spumante Prosecco wines are coming from the Veneto region and must be produced using the Glera grape Spumante wines form other regions can be produced other white grapes e.g., sauvignon blanc.
Extra Brut Prosecco is a delicious sparkling wine that offers the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. It has an intense, dry flavor profile with aromas of white flowers and citrus fruits. This Italian classic is the driest of all the styles of Prosecco available.
This makes it ideal for pairing with salty or spicy foods. it`s produced in the Veneto region. Extra Brut Prosecco typically contains 0 to 12 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is in contrast to Demi-Sec Prosecco which can have up to 50 grams per liter.
Brut Prosecco
One of the primary distinctions between different types of the prosecco superiore and Prosecco is how sweet it is. The Brut Prosecco style is one of the driest varieties makes prosecco available. It has a sugar content of less than 12 grams per litre. Brut Prosecco has a noticeably dry taste with lively bubbles that tantalize your palate. While some may find it too tart or acidic at first sip, its complex flavor profile often reveals notes of citrus zest and green apple that come through after a few sips.
Extra Dry Prosecco
Prosecco is one of the most popular sparkling wines in the world. It comes in a variety of styles and tastes, making it a favorite among wine lovers. Extra Dry Prosecco, has a hint of sweetness that makes it perfect for any occasion.
Extra Dry Prosecco is made from Glera grapes grown in northern Italy’s Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. This type of prosecco has around 12-17 grams per liter sugar content. Its flavor profile includes notes of citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit with subtle floral aromas and hints of green apple and honeydew melon. Toasty flavors are also present with light herbaceous notes on the finish.
Dry Prosecco
Dry Prosecco is one of the common varieties. You can distinguish it from other types due to its sweetness and its subtle notes of peach and citrus. It`s made by reducing the time of the secondary fermentation. This creates a sweeter taste which many prefer as it adds a unique flavor profile not found in other varieties. It typically contains 17-32 grams per liter of residual sugar. This makes it an ideal pairing with savory dishes like cheese or cured meats.
Demi-sec (abboccato) prosecco
Abboccato Prosecco is a unique and delicious Italian sparkling wine that has been gaining popularity in the United States. Named for its sweet, “abboccato” (Italian for “hugged”) taste, it has a medium body and fruity aroma with a hint of almond. Its vibrant bubbles make it especially enjoyable when served chilled. Abboccato Prosecco is made from Glera grapes grown in northern Italy’s Veneto region. It offers consumers an elevated experience compared to other types of prosecco.
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two or a festive gathering of friends and family, there is no better way to add some sparkle than with champagne by serving extra dolce prosecco. This sweet sparkling Italian wine has been crafted with care and attention to detail. It creates the perfect balance of flavor and effervescence that will be sure to delight your guests.
The taste of extra dolce prosecco is unmistakable. Its slightly sweeter profile than traditional prosecco gives it a unique character. Its generous notes of crisp green apple, ripe pear, white peach and citrus fruits combine in perfect harmony for a delightful drinking experience. The bubbles dance on the tongue for a light yet memorable finish that lingers pleasantly after each sip.
Difference between prosecco and and prosecco superiore docg
Prosecco and Prosecco Superiore DOCG may seem similar at first glance, but the distinction lies in their quality and geographical origin. While both are sparkling wines made from the Glera grape, Prosecco Superiore DOCG is produced exclusively in the hilly region between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in Italy. This unique terroir imparts a superior quality to Prosecco Superiore, resulting in a more complex flavor profile with floral, fruity, and mineral notes.
The strict regulations imposed by the DOCG designation ensure that Prosecco Superiore adheres to higher standards of production, including lower yields per hectare and longer aging periods. As a result, Prosecco Superiore is often considered more refined and elegant compared to its non-DOCG counterpart, making it a popular choice for special occasions or fine dining experiences.
Prosecco – price range
Prosecco has become one of the most popular sparkling wines in recent years. There is now a huge range of different labels available for purchase. Not only are there different styles to choose from, but also a variety of prices. Depending on your budget and preferences for local wine, you can find Prosecco bottles ranging from a few dollars to the most expensive bottles selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
When choosing the right Prosecco at the right price point, it’s important to note that cheaper options don’t necessarily mean low-quality products. In fact, many inexpensive brands asolo prosecco offer amazing flavor profiles and aromas. This makes them just as good as more expensive versions.
Top prosecco brands
Bellavista, Cinzano and Bocelli are three of the top Italian brands that have been around for generations. Bellavista is famous for its award-winning sparkling wines, while Cinzano is a popular choice among vermouth drinkers since 1757. Bocelli, on the other hand, is one of the most famous Italian wineries in the world, producing some of Italy’s finest wines.
These iconic brands have long been associated with tradition and elegance, making them popular across the globe. Bellavista offers a wide range of products from Prosecco to Franciacorta. They`re all made from high quality grapes grown in their own vineyards.
Food pairing
Pairing food with Prosecco can be the perfect way to enhance any special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or an elegant dinner, Prosecco can bring out the best in your meal. With its light and slightly sweet taste, Prosecco is a great option for pairing with all types of food.
When it comes to lighter fare, try pairing Prosecco with seafood dishes like scallops and calamari. The delicate aroma of Prosecco complements these delicately flavored dishes perfectly. For heartier foods such as steak or pork chops, a crisp dry version of Prosecco will provide an excellent contrast to the richness of the meat flavors. If you’re looking for something sweeter, try pairing your favorite pastry dessert with a sparkling rosé version of Prosecco.
Conclusion
As the popularity of Prosecco continues to rise, more and more people are discovering the joys of this delightful sparkling wine. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just for an evening with friends, this delightful and versatile bubbly is sure to bring you pleasure. Prosecco is a refreshing treat that you can enjoy on its own or pair it with light foods like fresh fruit and cheese. And with today’s wide selection of Prosecco varieties available in stores and online, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When it comes to enjoying Prosecco, the possibilities not all sparkling wine are endless. Whether you prefer a dry classic or a sweeter version like Moscato d’Asti, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this delightful Italian sparkler.
