Prosecco

Prosecco is a sparkling wine that may just steal the spotlight from champagne. Rich and subtle, it’s enjoying enormous success in China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Here’s everything you need to know about this Italian wine that has it all!

The Prosecco wine-producing region covers 25,000 hectares near Venice, in northern Italy. A very large quantity of Prosecco is consumed worldwide each year.

This dry, light wine, with fine or abundant bubbles, comes in many varieties: Prosecco Spumante and Prosecco Frizzante, among others. The former is sparkling. This is due to its secondary fermentation, which follows the Charmat method (in tanks). It is ideal as an aperitif. Served perfectly chilled, it awakens even the laziest taste buds.

The second is more understated, but just as refined. Its secondary fermentation took place in the bottle. Prosecco spumante is deeply rooted in Italian tradition. It is bottled in a bottle sealed with a cork or a capsule.

We love this wine for its fruity flavor—a real treat for the palate. Those who have already tasted it say it feels like biting into a fresh piece of fruit.

Just as delicious as champagne, prosecco is significantly less expensive. A bottle of prosecco white wine sells for between €8 and €15. This affordable price also helps boost its popularity.

Americans are the biggest consumers. Sales of Prosecco DOC rose by 34% last year. The United Kingdom saw sales increase by more than 60% that same year. China is also a big fan of this purely Italian wine. This trend has been noticeable for the past year or two.

Several factors may influence your choice:

- Flavor: Prosecco varies depending on its sugar content. Dry Prosecco, which has a fairly high sugar content, is best enjoyed at the end of a meal. It pairs wonderfully with exotic dishes that have a hint of spice. Prosecco Brut, or white Prosecco—which is drier—is the most commonly found on store shelves. Extra-Dry Prosecco, often served as an aperitif, has a sugar content between 12 and 15 g. It pairs well with seafood, fried fish, and pizza.

- Price: The vineyards that produce Prosecco vary widely. On the one hand, there are vineyards scattered across hilly terrain where yields are more or less limited. On the other hand, there are those in the plains that are suited to mass production. As a result, prices are lower. This disparity in production areas explains the price fluctuations observed. Prosecco wines are available at prices ranging from €3.50 to €25.

- The appellation: The DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)-classified terroirs are located in the province of Treviso. Conegliano, Asolo, and Valdobbiadene are among them. Moreover, these are the most renowned wines. You can check the label on the bottle for more information.

Verdict: Prosecco or Champagne?

Prosecco is meant to be more casual than champagne. According to Mr. Vettorello, a leading producer of premium prosecco, a tuxedo is a must when drinking champagne. Prosecco, too, has its own grand cru: Cartizze, which is produced on 107 hectares of land. The bottle sells for €20 each. To ensure lasting success, the quality must remain consistent.

Whether to choose Prosecco or champagne is up to the wine lovers. While some consumers prefer champagne, others swear by Prosecco!