Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that has quickly become one of the most popular wines in the world. If you’ve ever wondered what is Prosecco wine, this post will provide an overview of what Prosecco is and why it’s so beloved. Let’s dive into the bubbly world of Prosecco!
What Is Prosecco Wine?
Prosecco is a sparkling wine made primarily from the Glera grape variety in Italy’s Veneto region. In fact, at least 85% Glera grapes must be used for this wine to be called Prosecco.
Where Is Prosecco From?
Prosecco is a sparkling white wine made from grapes grown in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions in northeastern Italy. This type of Italian wine has become famous all over the world for its drinkability and affordability.
The two main grape varieties used for Prosecco are Glera grapes (formerly known as Prosecco) and Verdiso grapes.
Surprisingly, Prosecco grapes are originally from Croatia. They were brought to the Italian village of Prosecco, near Trieste.
How Is Prosecco Made?
Unlike Champagne, which is made using a process called méthode champenoise, Prosecco is produced using the Charmat method. In this traditional method of Prosecco production, the second fermentation (which produces bubbles) takes place inside large stainless steel tanks instead of individual bottles like in Champagne production.
This allows for larger batches and faster production times than Champagne, making it more cost-effective and easier to produce on a large scale. It is also known as the tank method or metodo Italiano.
It results in a light, fruity sparkling wine with aromas of citrus and apple.
What Makes Prosecco Special?
What sets Prosecco apart from other sparkling wines is its affordability compared to Champagne or Cava wine. The production process for producing spumante prosecco requires less time than traditional methods like Champagne’s methode champenoise, making it easier to produce large quantities at a lower cost.
Additionally, because it contains less alcohol than Cava wine (typically only 11-12%), it can be enjoyed in moderation without worrying about overdoing it.
By the way, you will not find Prosecco in cans – only glass bottles so any other types are imitations!
The Different Types of Prosecco Wine
There are three different styles of Prosecco wines: sparkling (spumante), semi-sparkling (frizzante) and still (tranquillo).
Sparkling (Spumante) Prosecco is the most common type of Prosecco and the one that most people think of when they hear the word. It has a distinct sparkle and flavor that comes from the second fermentation process it undergoes, making it slightly sweeter than other types.
Spumante is usually served chilled as an aperitif or mixed with orange juice to make a spritz cocktail.
Semi-Sparkling (Frizzante) Prosecco also undergoes a second fermentation process, but not as much as spumante does. As such, it has a more subdued sparkle and aroma compared to its sparkling counterpart.
It’s usually served at room temperature, although some bars may chill it slightly before serving. This kind of Prosecco wine pairs well with light foods such as salads and white fish dishes.
Still (Tranquillo) Prosecco is different from frizzante or spumante because it doesn’t undergo any secondary fermentation processes at all. As such, it doesn’t have any bubbles or sparkles in its taste or aroma.
Tranquillo is best served chilled and pairs well with heavier dishes such as meats or stews. This still wine is also perfect for sipping on its own!
The Different Prosecco Quality Levels
There are two main categories of Prosecco – DOCG and DOC. Let’s take a look at what these two categories mean and how they differ.
DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)
When it comes to Prosecco, this designation is the highest quality level a wine can achieve. It means that the wine has been stringently tested for its authenticity and adherence to strict regulations regarding production methods, grape varieties used, vineyard site selection, and so on.
As you might expect, DOCG wines are often more expensive than their lower-grade counterparts due to their superior quality. Generally speaking, this is the best Prosecco wine, with more complexity and depth of flavor than other types of Prosecco.
Asolo Prosecco DOCG provides an extra-dry flavor that is sure to tantalize any bubbly connoisseur’s taste buds. With a refreshing and light taste, it can be enjoyed with any meal or as a stand-alone sipping experience.
Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is a crisp and refreshing bubbly. This bottle of Prosecco has a grassy bouquet, and citrus flavors that linger on the tongue. The bubble size is slightly larger than other types of Prosecco and promises a pleasant mouthfeel with each sip.
DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)
The second classification for Prosecco is DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). Unlike DOCG wines, these are not subjected to as stringent testing requirements when it comes to production methods and ingredients used.
This means that they may not have the same complexity or depth of flavor as higher-grade Proseccos. However, they tend to be less expensive than their premium counterparts as well as more appealing to those who prefer lighter-bodied sparkling wines with bright fruit flavors.
As well as traditional Prosecco DOC, you can also find some great Pink Prosecco DOC Rosé wines. This type of Prosecco wine must contain a minimum of 85% Glera grapes, with the rest being Pinot Noir grapes.
Stella Rosa Rose V.S. Prosecco Rose D.O.C comes from the Veneto region of Italy. The Glera and Pinot Noir grapes are aged in oak for three months, resulting in an elegant, rich Prosecco.
The Different Sweetness Levels of Prosecco Wine
Did you know that Prosecco comes in four different sweetness levels? Each offers its own unique flavor profile that can help enhance any occasion – whether you’re looking for something dry and crisp to pair with your favorite seafood dish or something sweet to top off your dessert course.
Let’s break down thedifferences between Brut, Extra Dry, Dry, and Demi-Sec so that you can choose the right Prosecco for any occasion.
Brut: The driest of all the Proseccos, Brut has less than 12 grams per liter of sugar. This is the perfect option for those who prefer their bubbly on the dry side. It pairs especially well with seafood dishes and light snacks like olives or nuts.
Extra Dry: A few steps up from Brut, Extra Dry has 12-17g/l of sugar. With a slightly sweeter taste than Brut but still not overly sweet, this is a good choice for those who enjoy something a little more “fruity” without going overboard on sweetness. It goes well with appetizers like smoked salmon or cheese plates.
Dry: With 17-32g/l of sugar content, this variety is much sweeter than Extra Dry but still quite far from being too sugary. This type goes especially well with desserts like fruity tarts or cakes as it adds an extra layer of flavor to these already sweet treats.
Demi-Sec: Last but not least we have Demi-Sec, which contains 32-50g/l of sugar content – making it one of the sweetest varieties available. If you have a sweet tooth then this is definitely the type for you! Its rich sweetness pairs perfectly with fruit salads or pastries filled with cream or custard fillings.
What Does Prosecco Taste Like?
Prosecco has a light and refreshing taste that pairs well with almost any dish or occasion. It typically has flavors of citrus fruits such as lemons and limes, as well as white peach, green apple and pear notes.
It also tends to have aromas of white flowers, honey, and baked bread. Prosecco ranges from dry to sweet depending on the grape varieties used and how long it was aged for.
What Food Pairings Work With Prosecco?
Prosecco can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food for an even better experience! Try pairing this bubbly wine with light appetizers such as salads or seafood dishes like sushi or smoked salmon.
You can also pair Prosecco with spicy dishes like Thai curries or Mexican tacos for a delicious contrast between sweet and spicy flavors. For desserts, try serving prosecco with rich dark chocolate desserts or fruity sorbets for an indulgent treat!
When Is National Prosecco Day?
August 13 is a day dedicated to one of the world’s most beloved sparkling wines – Prosecco! Celebrated in the United States and around the globe, National Prosecco Day is an observed holiday that acknowledges and pays homage to the Italian delight.
Whether you like a classic glass of bubbly or a novel concoction, take this day to indulge in this popular sparkling wine. Let August 13 be about experiencing new bubbles and having fun – because nothing is more exciting than sipping on some sparkling wine with friends.
In Conclusion: What Is Prosecco Wine?
If you’re looking for an affordable yet sophisticated sparkling wine option then look no further than prosecco! Next time you’re planning a special occasion or just want something refreshing on a hot summer day, don’t forget about prosecco – cheers!
Whether you want to enjoy some bubbly alone or pair it with food, Prosecco is sure to please anyone who likes sparkling wines! Its light flavor profile makes it ideal for special occasions and hot summer days when you need a refreshing wine that is not too heavy.
So if you’re looking to add some sparkle to your day – try some prosecco today! Travelers and foodies alike will love discovering all the unique ways they can enjoy this delicious Italian wine!
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