VinoLoverProsecco is the most popular sparkling wine in Italy. Although it tends to be compared with Champagne, there are actually many differences between the two, mainly in the production method used, the type of grapes used and, obviously, the place where each one comes from.
What is Prosecco?
Prosecco is a sparkling wine from the Veneto region in Italy. Its name is also the name of the variety of grapes (also called ‘Glera’) used for its production. For its elaboration, an affordable method called “Method of the tank” is used.
How is Prosecco made?
The elaboration method to obtain a Prosecco dispenses with the individual bottle as a container to turn a still wine into a sparkling one. Instead, the base wines are added together with the sugar-yeast mixture in a large tank.
As the wine undergoes a second fermentation, the CO2 released from the fermentation causes the tank to be compressed, the wines are filtered, dosed and then bottled without aging.
Sparkling wines from the tank method have a much fresher character with stronger secondary flavours, because of the yeast.
How does Prosecco taste?
Prosecco wines usually have a dry profile. However, the fruity flavours of the grapes can bring a sensation of sweetness. Although Brut is the most popular Prosecco wine on the market, there are different types classified according to the amount of sugar to be carried:
- Brut, which contains up to half a gram of sugar per glass
- Extra Dry, which has a little more than half a gram of sugar per glass
- Dry, which has up to 1 gram of sugar per glass
How do you serve Prosecco?
Prosecco should ideally be served cold, at a temperature of between 6 and 8 degrees, and with a tall, thin glass, which helps to preserve its bubbles for a longer period of time and to better appreciate its aromas.
Ideal pairings for Prosecco
Prosecco wine can be combined very well with a wide variety of dishes, as it can be a great companion for an aperitif, but can also be enjoyed alongside the main course. Among the types of food that are best understood with Prosecco because of its sweetness and bubbles, are cured meats, fruit aperitifs and Asian cuisine.
Where is Prosecco made?
Prosecco has been made for about 300 years in the region of Conegliano-Valdobbiandene, which is characterized by its green hills and great rainfall, which makes the best vineyards are those located in the southern slopes, which are characterized by good drainage and gentle winds that dry the grapes after rainfall.
VinoLover
Claudio Comella
