Bubble enthusiasts, welcome to the sparkling world of Prosecco! Often compared to champagne, this beautiful Italian effervescent wine has an identity of its own. With its fruity notes, floral aromas, and lightness on the palate, these lovely bubbles are indeed a perfect ally for your aperitifs and celebrations.
Curious to learn more? Follow
History of Prosecco
The ancestor of Prosecco dates back to the beginning of our era. At that time, a wine called Pucinum was indeed produced by the Romans in the Friuli region, near the Adriatic Sea.
The winemaking methods have evolved considerably since antiquity, making it very difficult for us today to assert with certainty what this wine might have looked like. However, it is assumed that the grape used at the time was an ancestor of the Glera grape variety, or at least a similar variety. Since the mastery of effervescence only occurred from the 17th century, it is also impossible that the Pucinum was sparkling. It was therefore probably a dry white wine with pronounced acidity that Roman elites were fond of.
The term "Prosecco" first appeared in writings during the 16th century, referring to a small village near Trieste.If the exact geographical area and the grape variety used have fluctuated over the centuries, it is nevertheless likely that wine production in this region has direct roots with the Pucinum of the Roman era.
The rise of Prosecco as we know it today really began at the end of the 19th century, with the implementation of the tank fermentation method (Charmat method) and the development of modern viticulture in the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, further north of Trieste.
These hilly landscapes were also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019, thus paying tribute to the natural beauty and viticultural richness of the region.
The Prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) was created in 1969 to ensure the origin and quality of the wine produced. The designation covers a significant geographical area, including the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, and represents 80 to 85% of the total production of Prosecco.
The Prosecco DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is a stricter and more qualitative designation than the simple DOC and was created in 2009. This latter designation is also reserved for the historical vineyard areas, mainly around the villages of Conegliano, Valdobbiadene, and Asolo. The DOCG certified area represents 15 to 20% of the global production.
Today, nearly 600 million bottles of Prosecco are produced each year, demonstrating the rapid growth of the global demand for this sparkling wine. For comparison, Champagne produces "only" 300 million bottles per vintage. Nevertheless, the value gap between the two products remains significant...
The different types of Prosecco
Prosecco Spumante
The Prosecco Spumante is undoubtedly the most well-known and appreciated type. Its production method is the Charmat method, a process during which the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in stainless steel tanks to produce the bubbles (unlike champagne, where this must occur in the bottle).
Prosecco Spumante has a lively effervescence, abundant foam, and fine but persistent bubbles. Its aromas revolve around fresh fruits like apple, pear, peach, and sometimes floral notes. It is often light, refreshing, and used as an aperitif wine or for cocktails.
The Prosecco Frizzante
The Prosecco Frizzante is similar to Spumante but simply less effervescent. Its bubbles are therefore more discreet and the foam less persistent. This lower gas pressure is explained by the fact that winemakers interrupt the second fermentation carried out in stainless steel tanks earlier compared to Spumante.
The Prosecco Tranquillo
The Prosecco Tranquillo is simply a still white wine. It is the least known version internationally, yet it still has its enthusiasts.
The Prosecco Tranquillo stands out for its natural sweetness and floral and fruity aromas, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an elegant and discreet Italian white wine, ideal for pairing with fish or grilled poultry dishes.
Prosecco according to its sweetness level
Finally, Prosecco can also be defined according to its dosage, that is, its residual sugar content in the bottle.Here is a summary of the different possible dosages (these are also applicable to all sparkling wines):
How is Prosecco produced?
The production of Prosecco is primarily based on the Glera grape variety (formerly known as Prosecco). In fact, it is in the vast majority of cases the only variety used. However, other minor grape varieties also exist, such as Bianchetta, Verdiso, and Perera, adding subtle nuances to the aromatic profile of these sparkling wines.
The winemaking method used for Prosecco is the Charmat method (or Martinotti method), which involves a second fermentation in a closed tank. This technique, unlike the traditional method, allows for the preservation of the wine's freshness and fruity aromas while producing fine and persistent bubbles.
This second fermentation in the tank generally lasts 10 to 15 days and occurs at a controlled temperature of around 15 to 18°C to preserve the primary aromas of the grape.
The Glera, the predominant grape variety in Prosecco production
What cocktails to prepare with Prosecco ?
Prosecco lends itself wonderfully to cocktail creation.Here are a few that will take you on a journey to Italy!
Bellini
Mix some peach puree (5cl) with Prosecco (15cl) in a flute, it's that simple! You can use ready-made peach puree or make your own by blending ripe peaches and straining them to remove any pieces.
For an even more refined Bellini, you can add a touch of lemon juice or peach liqueur to enhance the flavors.
Spritz
Aperol Spritz, Saint-Germain Spritz, Campari Spritz… many variations exist but the recipe remains the same !
Fill a glass with ice cubes, add 2 parts of Aperol (or Campari or elderflower liqueur of your choice) to 3 parts of Prosecco and 1 part of sparkling water (you can also do without). Garnish with a slice of orange.
Simple, effective, and always a hit during the sunny days !
Prosecco Mojito
Mash mint leaves and pieces of lime with sugar in a glass.Add rum, fill the glass with ice cubes, and top with Prosecco and a little sparkling water.
Here is a refreshing twist on the classic Mojito !
These recipes are ideal for any occasion, whether it's for an aperitif with friends or to impress your guests at a party. With Prosecco, every cocktail becomes an invitation to the dolce vita!
Prosecco Mojito: a refreshing cocktail for your summer evening!
The best Prosecco
If you are looking to enjoy a quality Prosecco, we recommend the one from domaine Sacchetto.Located in the Veneto region, this family-owned property indeed stands out for its expertise and respect for winemaking traditions.
Their Prosecco Extra Dry is particularly appreciated for its fruity and floral aromas, as well as for its freshness and roundness on the palate.
Now that you know more about Prosecco, all that's left is to start tasting! Discover our exclusive selection on lacave-eclairee.fr and let yourself be tempted by this Italian wine that will make your taste buds sparkle. Cheers!
