Prosecco

A Brief History of Prosecco and its Importance in Italian Wine Culture

Prosecco, the wine treasure of the hills of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, is the fruit of a long Italian winemaking tradition rooted in centuries. Originally cultivated in the Veneto region since ancient times, Prosecco has gone through a path of evolution punctuated by significant historical moments.

The granting of the Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) in 1969 marked a crucial moment in the history of Prosecco, officially recognising its distinctive identity and quality. This fundamental step greatly contributed to consolidating Prosecco's position on the national and international market. In 2009, the achievement of the Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG) represented a further prestigious milestone, confirming the extraordinary reputation and authenticity of this unique wine.

Today, Prosecco wine continues to embody the essence of Italian conviviality, offering a taste experience that celebrates the joy of life and the richness of the land. Each sip of Prosecco is a journey through the thousand-year history of its land of origin, a tribute to the passion and artistry of its producers and a tribute to the Italian winemaking tradition.

The Characteristics of Prosecco and the Different Types

Spumante Prosecco is loved for its lively effervescence and its fruity, floral flavour that makes it irresistible for any occasion. Its organoleptic characteristics are a perfect combination of freshness, lightness and aromaticity. The unique terroir of the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia hills gives Prosecco a unique personality, influenced by the mild climate and rich soil.

Its notes of green apple, pear, white peach and acacia flowers create a complex and captivating bouquet, while its smoothness and finesse distinguish it among the world's most popular sparkling wines. Prosecco is also characterised by its pleasant acidity and freshness, making it extremely versatile and suitable to be enjoyed on its own or as a base for refined cocktails.

Among the various types of Prosecco, it is possible to distinguish different denominations and styles. Prosecco DOC represents the base of production, characterised by a fresh and young taste, with a lower gas pressure than other types. Prosecco Superiore DOCG, from the hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, offers higher quality and a more complex character, due to the greater exposure to the sun and the lower yield of the vines. Variations of sweetness, such as Extra Dry, Brut and Dry, satisfy the tastes of every consumer, offering a range of unique taste experiences.

Fine ingredients and meticulous production techniques, with particular attention to the use of Glera grapes and different fermentation methods, help define the complexity and elegance of Prosecco. The vinification process, which is mainly carried out using the Charmat method, guarantees efficient production and optimal preservation of the wine's organoleptic characteristics.

From Spritz to Best Food Pairing

Prosecco lends itself to many culinary uses and can be enjoyed on various occasions. From Spritz to Bellini, Prosecco is the undisputed star of the world's best-loved Italian cocktails. Its versatility and lightness also make it the ideal choice to accompany a wide variety of dishes, from appetisers to desserts. For a fresh and lively aperitif, nothing beats the Prosecco Spritz, made with a splash of Aperol, a slice of orange and a splash of tonic water. In addition to aperitifs, Prosecco pairs perfectly with a wide range of dishes, from traditional Italian to international cuisine. From creamy, soft cheeses to fresh seafood and light, fruity desserts, Prosecco adapts with versatility to every occasion and every dish, enriching the dining experience with its unique, refined taste.

How do you recognise a good Prosecco?

Identifying a quality Prosecco requires an expert eye and a thorough knowledge of its distinctive characteristics. A good Prosecco can be recognised first and foremost by its visual appearance: it should have a crystalline brilliance and a fine, persistent perlage. On the nose, the bouquet should be fresh, fruity and floral, with notes of ripe fruit and white flowers emerging at the first sip. In the mouth, Prosecco should be balanced, harmonious and slightly aromatic, with a pleasant freshness and delicate creaminess. Among the most famous labels are Prosecco Sant'Orsola, Astoria Prosecco and Ferrari Prosecco. Discover the wide selection of Prosecco Valdobbiadene, Prosecco Treviso, Prosecco Conegliano and Spumante Prosecco on xtraWine and buy your favourite bottle to make every moment a unique occasion to remember.