Prosecco

Prosecco is a sparkling wine that could steal the spotlight from champagne. Rich and subtle, it is 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 production area for Italian Prosecco wine covers 25,000 hectares near Venice in northern Italy. A very large quantity of this Prosecco wine is consumed worldwide every year.

This dry, light wine with fine or abundant bubbles comes in many varieties, including Prosecco Spumante and Prosecco Frizzante, among others. The former is sparkling, thanks to its second fermentation using the Charmat method (in tanks). It is ideal as an aperitif. Delightfully fresh, it awakens even the most sluggish taste buds.

The second is more discreet, but just as refined. Its second fermentation took place in the bottle. Prosecco spumante is strongly linked to Italian tradition. It is contained in a bottle sealed with a cork or a cap.

We love this wine for its fruity taste, a real treat for the palate. Those who have already tasted it say it's 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 contributes to its popularity.

The biggest consumers are Americans. Sales of DOC prosecco 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 purely Italian wine. This craze has been noticeable for the past year or two.

Several criteria may influence your choice:

- Flavor: Prosecco wines vary depending on their sugar content. Dry Prosecco, with a fairly high sugar content, is ideal for the end of a meal. It pairs beautifully with exotic dishes with a spicy touch. Prosecco Brut or Prosecco white wine, which is drier, is the most widely available on the market. Extra Dry, which is often served as an aperitif, has a sugar content of between 12 and 15 g. It is paired with seafood, fried fish, and pizza.

- Price: there are many differences between the vineyards that produce Prosecco wine. 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, which are suited to mass production. As a result, prices are lower. This disparity in the production area explains the price fluctuations observed. Prosecco wines are available at prices ranging from €3.50 to €25.

- The appellation: DOCG (denominazione d'origine controllata e garantita) classified terroirs come from the province of Treviso. Conegliano, Asolo, and Valdobbiadene are part of this. What's more, these are the most renowned products. You can refer to the label on the bottle for more information.

Verdict: prosecco or champagne?

Prosecco is intended to be more casual than champagne. According to Mr. Vettorello, a leading producer of premium prosecco, a tuxedo is required 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.

Between prosecco and champagne, the choice is up to the connoisseurs. While some consumers prefer champagne, others swear by prosecco!