Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine made from the Glera grape. This highly aromatic grape variety has been grown for centuries in the Veneto and Friuli regions of northern Italy. Prosecco is made using the Charmat method.
It differs from the classic method (franciacorta) in that secondary fermentation does not take place in bottles, but in large metal tanks. Prosecco, like many other wines in Italy, is divided into categories such as DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita).
Prosecco DOC is considered a base wine. It can be produced in any wine subregion in northeastern Italy, the most famous of which are Treviso and Trieste. DOCG wines are of higher quality. Prosecco, produced in Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore, is considered to be in this category and is one of 73 wine subregions in Italy awarded DOCG status. This wine subregion is located in the Treviso area, and within it is the micro-area of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive DOCG: the highest quality Prosecco is produced here. The finest Valdobbiadene Prosecco is Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG, which occupies an area of only 107 hectares. Asolo Prosecco DOCG is a rare variety; its production is concentrated in a small area on the banks of the Piave River, where grapes of exceptional quality are grown.
Prosecco sparkling wine, one of Italy's most famous beverages, has become very popular and available worldwide. Sparkling Prosecco has captured the hearts of millions of wine lovers and is firmly entrenched in restaurant rankings. For many years it has been the drink of choice for many celebrations and parties, as well as an indispensable accompaniment to summer days.
Prosecco is great not only as an aperitif or as part of a cocktail, but also as a pairing with light snacks, salads, fish or seafood.