Love it or hate, Prosecco is having a moment. Better yet, it’s been having a moment for years and shows no sign of slowing down.
Prosecco, with its effervescence and refreshing taste, has gained immense popularity as a go-to sparkling wine. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a casual get-together, Prosecco’s crisp flavor and versatility make it a favorite among wine enthusiasts worldwide. If you’re curious to explore the world of Prosecco, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Prosecco?
Prosecco is a sparkling wine made primarily from Glera grapes grown in the Veneto and Friuli regions of northeastern Italy. It’s renowned for its lively bubbles, fruity aromas, and approachable character.
Unlike Champagne, which hails from France and undergoes a secondary fermentation process in the bottle, Prosecco typically undergoes fermentation in large stainless steel tanks, known as the Charmat method. This method helps preserve the wine’s fruity flavors and ensures a fresh, crisp taste.
Types of Prosecco
While Prosecco is generally known for its light and easy-drinking quality, nuances in flavor can vary depending on factors such as grape variety (more or less Glera), winemaking techniques, and especially terroir (the geographical location and climate where grapes are grown and wine is produced.
Prosecco DOC
Prosecco labeled as DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) adheres to strict regulations regarding grape sourcing, winemaking techniques, and geographical origin. Within the Prosecco DOC, you’ll find different styles ranging from Brut (dry) to Extra Dry (slightly sweet).
Check out our Prosecco quick guide on Instagram.
Prosecco Superiore DOCG
This designation represents the highest quality tier of Prosecco. The G stands for garantito (guaranteed). Prosecco Superiore is produced in specific subregions, including Conegliano-Valdobbiadene and Asolo, known for their superior terroir and winemaking traditions. They’re also held to higher standards of production and smaller yields of grape harvest, which means a fuller flavor and more aroma in your glass.
Prosecco Superiore DOCG wines often exhibit greater complexity and finesse compared to standard Prosecco DOC.
What does Prosecco Taste Like?
Prosecco is celebrated for its bright, fruity flavors and floral aromas. Common tasting notes include green apple, pear, citrus zest, and white flowers. The pressurized fermentation also imparts a more subtle version of the toast and brioche notes you recognize in Champagne and Cava.
In Brut Prosecco, and especially at the DOCG level, the wine’s acidity and effervescence balances any sweetness, creating a harmonious and refreshing palate.
Serving and Pairing Prosecco
Prosecco is best served chilled, ideally around 45-50°F (7-10°C) to enhance its crispness and preserve its effervescence. Many people enjoy Prosecco on its own as an apéritif, but it also pairs exceptionally well with various foods.
The pretty fruit notes, and smoother palate of the off-dry versions beautifully balance the heat and spice in southeastern Asian cuisines. Similarly, Prosecco is great with salad, and won’t clash (too hard) with vinaigrette. Prosecco’s versatility extends to cocktails, where it serves as a key ingredient in classics like the Mimosa, the Bellini, and the Aperol Spritz.
Learn more about the ideal serving temperature for sparkling wine.
The Best Glasses for Prosecco
Stemware makes a big difference when serving Prosecco. A proper stemmed flute keeps the wine cool while also funneling aromas up into your nose. For more complex Prosecco, like Superiore, or for elegant sparkling wines in general, a tulip-style glass allow aromas to open up. And if you’re looking to keep it simple, these stemless glasses are safe, easy, and cute.
My amazon store picks for wine tools.
How to Keep Prosecco Fresh
Keep it cold, and keep it tight. A regular wine stopper will keep oxygen from getting inside your wine, but it cannot prevent your Prosecco from going flat. To keep your sparkling wine fizzy, use a topper with a hinge.
Does Putting a Spoon in the Bottle Keep Prosecco Fresh?
The short answer is no. The theory behind this myth suggests that a silver spoon, when placed in the neck of the bottle, acts as a catalyst, creating tiny bubbles that help maintain the carbonation of the wine. However, there’s no chemical or physical mechanism by which a silver spoon could actually do this.
The preservation of bubbles in sparkling wine is determined by factors such as the quality of the wine, the closure method, and how the wine is stored and handled. For example, storing the bottle properly in a cool, dark place and serving it at the correct temperature can help maintain its effervescence.
Prosecco to Try Now
Mionetto
Mionetto is one of the oldest and most recognizable Prosecco producers, thanks in part to a brilliant marketing campaign and a yellow label that might remind you of a certain equally ubiquitous Champagne..It’s known for its consistency and price point and wide range of offerings, including DOC, DOCG, and rosé Proseccos. Buy online.
Adami Garbel Brut Prosecco
Garbèl, which in ancient local dialect means a dry, crisp, pleasantly tart wine, is produced from the hilly vineyards in the Colli Trevigiani area. The nose releases crisp-edged, complexfruit notes, and the palate is full-flavored with a crisp acidity. A wonderfully versatile sparkler, Garbèl’s 13 grams of residual sugar place it between the Brut and Extra Dry styles, making it perfect for just about everyone. Buy online.
Zonin
Zonin is one of Italy’s largest wine producers, and their Prosecco portfolio includes a diverse selection of DOC and DOCG wines, catering to various tastes and preferences. Buy online.
La Marca
La Marca has risen in popularity, particularly in the United States, for its approachable and affordable label. As a winery cooperative, they’re able to produce large quantities at consistent quality. This allows smaller growers to survive while also participating in the competitive world market. They’ve got a a great affordable rosé too. Buy online.
Viarae Prosecco
The lively, effervescent palate from Issa Rae has springy notes of ripe peach and green apple, supported by hints of minerality. A whisper of sweetness on the finish adds a smooth, yet refreshing splash to this classic Prosecco. Buy online.
Learn more about Viarae Prosecco and watch our review!
Valdo
Valdo is another prominent Prosecco producer with a diverse range of offerings, from entry-level to premium bottlings. Their Proseccos are known for their freshness, fruitiness, and value. Buy online.
Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco
Villa Sandi is a family-owned winery situated in the heart of the Prosecco DOCG region. Their Proseccos reflect the terroir of the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene area and are celebrated for their quality and authenticity. Buy online.
Prosecco Superiore to Try Now
Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadine Prosecco Superiore. Buy online.
Adami Bosco di Gica Valdobbiadine Prosecco Superiore. Buy online.
Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore. Buy online.
Mionetto Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. Buy online.
Bisol Cartizze Prosecco Superiore 2022. Buy online.
Kosher Prosecco For Passover
Just in time for the holiday, here’s a list of Kosher Prosecco to lighten up your seder table.
Contessa Annalisa Prosecco Collection
Read more about sparkling kosher wines.
Prosecco Deep Dive
Learn more about Prosecco on the official page of the Prosecco Consortium.
The Prosecco Trend is Holding Steady
In recent years, Prosecco has experienced a surge in popularity globally. Its accessibility, affordability, and festive character have made it a staple at celebrations and social gatherings from bachelorette parties to Sunday brunch. Even seasoned wine connoisseurs keep a bottle around, just in case. So, raise a glass and savor the effervescent joy of Italy’s beloved sparkling wine. Salute!
