What is Prosecco?
Originally, Prosecco is the name of a grape variety that was cultivated exclusively in a narrowly limited area of the north-eastern Italian province of Treviso. This Prosecco grape was already appreciated at the time of the Roman Empire for its sparkling fruity temperament. Since 2010, Prosecco has been a denomination of origin, covering almost 18,000 hectares of vineyards in the Veneto region and in neighboring Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The grape variety is now called Glera. The following applies: every Prosecco sparkling, semi-sparkling or still wine is a quality wine that bears the DOC (Denominazione di origine controllata), the even higher DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) or the new DOP (Denominazione d'Origine Protetta) label.
The production process is centred around a single grape variety
The Glera grape is quite acidic. Therefore, it develops fruity aromas, often reminiscent of apples and pears, as well as berries and citrus fruits. In order to emphasize these main aromas, the harvest is usually carried out at the earliest possible time. Furthermore, manual harvesting is widespread among Prosecco winegrowers, as the vines are often located on steep slopes where the use of machinery is not possible. This also results in a higher yield with better quality.
For the production of Prosecco, mostly pure Glera grapes are used. To round off the aromas, however, other varieties may be added to a maximum share of 15 percent. However, these must also be typical regional grape varieties such as Bianchetta, the somewhat longer Glera lunga, Perera or Verdiso.
What is the difference between sparkling wine and Prosecco?
With high-quality Prosecco, the carbonic acid is produced by tank or bottle fermentation. A distinction is made here between pearl wine Prosecco Frizzante and sparkling wine Prosecco Spumante. With Frizzante, the carbonic acid creates less pressure than with sparkling wine. It reaches less than three bar. Simple representatives can also be made to bubble by controlled cooling and pressure processes. In addition, with the Frizzante it is often possible to close the bottles with a screw cap. The Spumante, on the other hand, has a carbon dioxide pressure of three bar or more and is therefore an Italian sparkling wine. However, it may only be called Prosecco sparkling wine if the carbonic acid is produced by a second fermentation. By the way, in Italy there is also a Prosecco as a still wine, but it rarely finds its way across the Alps.
Prosecco Spumante
Prosecco Spumante is a sparkling wine that produces its own carbon dioxide through fermentation in bottle or tank. The high carbonic acid content is perfect for an elegant perlage, which can be kept in the glass for a long time. The classic feature of the Spumante is the agraffe, the wire hanger that holds the cork in place against the high pressure of 3 bar or more.
Prosecco Frizzante
Prosecco Frizzante is a pearl wine to which the relatively low carbonic acid is added by artificial pressure and cooling. After opening, the Frizzante quickly loses its perlage and turns into a stale tasting sparkling wine. The artificial pressure of only 1 -2.5 bar allows the cork to be held in place with a spago (cord). Alternatively, crown caps or screw caps are used.
Q&A for perfect dining pleasure
You have decided to buy Prosecco in our store, then we would like to help you with a few tips to an optimal Prosecco enjoyment. Here are the most important questions and answers.
How to store Prosecco?
Prosecco is most comfortable when it is stored upright in a cool and dark place at a constant temperature.
What is the shelf life of Prosecco?
Pearly and sparkling wines are generally not made for long storage. This even applies to fine champagne and especially to the sparkling, playful Prosecco. It wants to be enjoyed fresh. With good storage conditions, the bottles can usually be kept for one or two years. A very high-quality Prosecco sparkling wine or Spumante can be stored for up to three years or a little longer.
How long does opened Prosecco last?
Since Prosecco Frizzante already has less pressure than a sparkling wine or sparkling wine, these bottles should be emptied immediately after opening. Only two or three hours after opening, the discreet pearl will noticeably fade. A Prosecco Spumante keeps its structure a little longer. It can be stored in the refrigerator until the next day with a special closure.
At what temperature is Prosecco drunk?
The ideal drinking temperature is between six degrees for a Prosecco brut and nine degrees for semi-dry Prosecco. If an uncooled bottle is to be quickly brought to drinking temperature, the method known as frappering is recommended. This involves placing the bottle in a champagne cooler filled with ice cubes. Now cold water and salt are added. After about 20 minutes, even a Prosecco from the kitchen shelf should be ready to be poured into a champagne glass.
Drinking suggestions - When to drink with Prosecco?
In its region of origin there is a simple answer to this question: always! There, pearl wine Prosecco, just like sparkling wine Prosecco, is an everyday drink for every occasion. Prosecco plays an outstanding role as an aperitif, of course, but can also be served with starters and light main courses. Thanks to its refreshingly fruity character, it is also a popular drink for any social gathering.
Food recommendation - What goes well with Prosecco?
White fish as a starter and as a main course harmonizes with Prosecco in almost all ways of preparation. In addition, Prosecco sparkling wine is often served with Caprese, the famous salad made from tomatoes with mozzarella and basil, as well as numerous other summer specialties from Bella Italia.
Tip: Prosecco is an excellent companion for many pasta and risotto dishes.
Order Prosecco and experience Vinello
You can buy Prosecco in our wine store for a reasonable price and in a large selection. You will not only get a piece of dolce vita at home, but also benefit from all the advantages of Vinello. You can choose from many payment options and decide to buy on account from the very first order. In addition, the Google Buyer Protection feature ensures secure shopping at Vinello. Should you ever buy a prosecco online from us that does not meet your expectations, you have a 30-day right of return and a comprehensive cork guarantee. So you can buy your favorite Prosecco from our extensive range of products without any risk and rely on a fast and reliable delivery.
