Prosecco is one of the world’s most beloved sparkling wines, synonymous with celebration, elegance, and the Italian dolce vita. Produced primarily in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions, this wine is cherished for its fresh, fruity flavors and delicate bubbles.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy or simply want to learn more about this iconic wine, this short guide will take you on a journey through its history, characteristics, and the best wineries to visit.
What is Prosecco?
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine made primarily from Glera grapes, known for its fresh, light, and fruity profile. Unlike Champagne, which is produced using the traditional method, Prosecco is made using the Martinotti method, where the second fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks instead of in the bottle.
This process results in a wine that is ready to drink immediately, with lower production costs and a more aromatic character. Available in Brut, Extra Dry, and Dry varieties, Prosecco can be classified as either DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) or DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin).
The key difference from generic sparkling wines lies in its strong connection to the territory: Prosecco can only be produced in specific areas of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Production Area
Prosecco originates from northeastern Italy, with two main designations:
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Prosecco DOC: This designation covers nine provinces across Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, including the cities of Treviso, Venice, and Padua. Prosecco DOC is known for its fresh and lively profile, made from at least 85% Glera grapes.
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Prosecco Superiore DOCG: Produced in the hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Asolo, DOCG wines represent the pinnacle of quality. They offer more complex aromas and flavors, thanks to an ideal microclimate for viticulture. Among the subzones, Cartizze is particularly renowned for its refined cuvées..
Production Method
Prosecco is produced using the Martinotti Method (or Charmat Method), which consists of two fermentation stages:
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Primary Fermentation: Glera grapes are fermented to create a base wine, which is aged in stainless steel tanks to develop its initial aromatic characteristics.
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Secondary Fermentation: Yeasts and sugars are added in pressurized stainless steel tanks, triggering a second fermentation that creates the bubbles. This phase lasts from one to six months, depending on the desired wine profile.
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Filtration and Bottling: The wine is then filtered and bottled under pressure to preserve its freshness and signature perlage.
The Best Wineries for a Prosecco Tasting
Here are 7 wineries where you can enjoy an authentic Prosecco tasting experience:
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Cantina Ruggeri: A historic Valdobbiadene winery with over 70 years of tradition, offering elegant and award-winning bubbles. Choose from classic, premium, and food-pairing tastings.
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Le Manzane: Located in the heart of Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, this winery offers tastings, vineyard picnics, and adventurous experiences in a stunning UNESCO landscape.
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Giusti Wine: Nestled in the Asolo and Montello hills, this underground winery spans 125 hectares across 10 estates. Enjoy premium tastings, food pairings, and on-the-road experiences with overnight stays.
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Merotto: A symbol of heroic hillside viticulture in Treviso, Merotto showcases the authenticity of Prosecco Superiore. Experience exclusive tastings and events.
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Gli Allori: Guardians of history and tradition in Conegliano, this winery invites you to explore their Prosecco DOCG and premium olive oil through private tours and tastings.
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Gemin: A beacon of Valdobbiadene’s sparkling wine tradition, offering exclusive tastings and private tours in the heart of UNESCO-protected hills.
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Fasol Menin: Where art meets wine, celebrating Prosecco Superiore DOCG with a creative touch. Discover their tastings and artistic events in Valdobbiadene.
On Divinea.com, you can find many more wineries in the region, including Castello di Roncade, Follador, Sorelle Bronca, and Col del Lupo. Book your next winery tour now!
Food Pairings
This type of wine is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. Here are some perfect matches:
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Aperitivo: Pair with light appetizers like bruschetta, prosciutto and melon, or olives.
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Seafood: Shrimp, oysters, and sushi are beautifully complemented by Prosecco’s crispness.
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Pasta and Risotto: Enjoy with creamy risottos, especially those with seafood or asparagus.
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Cheese: Best paired with fresh cheeses like burrata, mozzarella, and goat cheese.
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Desserts: Ideal with fruit-based sweets such as apple tart or the classic Italian panettone.
Experience the Magic of Prosecco
The best way to appreciate this type of wine is to experience it firsthand. Book a winery visit or a tasting on Divinea.com and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Prosecco!
