Prosecco

Prosecco is a sparkling wine that could well steal the spotlight from champagne. Rich and subtle, it has become hugely popular 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-growing region covers 25,000 hectares near Venice in northern Italy. A very large quantity of Prosecco is consumed worldwide every year.

This dry, light wine, with its fine or abundant bubbles, comes in many varieties, including Prosecco Spumante and Prosecco Frizzante. The former is a sparkling wine, thanks to a second fermentation carried out using the Charmat method (in tanks). It’s perfect as an aperitif. Served perfectly chilled, it awakens even the laziest of 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 and 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 fresh 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% in the same year. China is also a big fan of this quintessentially Italian wine. This surge in popularity has been evident for the past year or two.

Several factors may influence your decision:

- Flavor: Prosecco wines vary depending on their 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 spicy kick. Prosecco Brut, or dry Prosecco, which is drier, is the most widely available on the market. Extra-dry Prosecco, often served as an aperitif, has a sugar content between 12 and 15 grams. It pairs well with seafood, fried fish, or pizza.

- Price: The vineyards that produce Prosecco vary widely. On the one hand, there are vineyards scattered across hilly terrain where yields are somewhat 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 aims 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 also has its own grand cru: Cartizze, which is produced on 107 hectares of land. The bottle sells for €20 each. For lasting success, the quality must remain consistent.

Whether to choose Prosecco or champagne is up to the drinker. While some people prefer champagne, others swear by Prosecco!