Prosecco (175)

Sparkling, fruity and vibrant – Prosecco from northeastern Italy

Prosecco is not a brand name, but a protected designation of origin (DOC). This means: every bottle of Prosecco DOC comes from a clearly defined area in northeastern Italy – in the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia – and is produced, bottled and inspected there according to strict rules.

Typical of Prosecco are its fresh, fruit-driven character and its moderate alcohol content. In terms of aroma, it often shows notes of apple, pear, citrus fruits and white blossoms. This makes Prosecco ideal as an aperitif, with light dishes or for social occasions.

The most important grape variety is Glera. Since the reform in 2009, “Prosecco” has no longer been a grape variety designation, but exclusively an indication of origin. The grape variety itself is officially called Glera.

Origin and quality levels: DOC and DOCG

The name Prosecco has been protected at European level since 17 July 2009. Prosecco DOC may only be produced in nine provinces in the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Every production step – from cultivation and vinification to bottling and labelling – follows strict regulations and is monitored.

In Italy, two quality levels are distinguished:

1. DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) – controlled origin with binding production specifications
2. DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) – highest quality level with particularly strict controls

Among the most renowned DOCG origins are Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Asolo. Under EU wine law, both DOC and DOCG belong to the higher-level category DOP (Denominazione d’Origine Protetta). In practice, however, DOC or DOCG is usually used on the label.

The Glera grape variety

Glera is the heart of Prosecco. The variety brings lively acidity and fresh, fruity aromatics. Typical nuances are apple, pear, peach and a hint of citrus. Prosecco DOC is produced predominantly as a varietal Glera wine; smaller proportions of other approved regional grape varieties are possible.

Production – tank fermentation (Martinotti/Charmat)

Prosecco is generally produced using tank fermentation, also known as the Martinotti or Charmat method. In this process, the carbon dioxide is created through a natural second fermentation in a pressure tank. This method preserves the freshness and fruitiness of the wine particularly well. After fermentation, the Prosecco is filtered and bottled under pressure so that the bubbles are retained.

Spumante, Frizzante and Tranquillo – product types within the appellation

Within the protected Prosecco DOC appellation, three product types are distinguished. They all belong to the same origin, but differ in their legal category and in carbon dioxide pressure:

Prosecco Spumante

Spumante is a sparkling wine with a carbon dioxide pressure of more than 3 bar (usually 3–5 bar). It shows finer, more persistent bubbles and is taxed as sparkling wine in Germany.

• Pressure: > 3 bar (typically 3–5 bar)
• Category: sparkling wine
• Bubbles: fine and long-lasting

Prosecco Frizzante

Frizzante is a semi-sparkling wine with a carbon dioxide pressure of 1 to 2.5 bar. The bubbles are lighter and less persistent. Depending on the closure and classification, it is not subject to sparkling wine tax in Germany.

• Pressure: 1–2.5 bar
• Category: semi-sparkling wine
• Bubbles: lighter and shorter-lasting

Prosecco Tranquillo

Tranquillo is a still wine with a carbon dioxide pressure of less than 1 bar. This variant is much less common outside Italy.

• Pressure: < 1 bar
• Category: still wine

An important note: Prosecco DOC Rosé is produced exclusively as Spumante. It is a cuvée of Glera (at least 85%) and Pinot Nero (10–15%, vinified as a red wine) and is also produced using the Martinotti/Charmat method with natural second fermentation.

How to recognize genuine Prosecco DOC

A reliable indication of original Prosecco DOC is the correct designation on the label. In addition, Prosecco DOC carries an official control seal or strip, via which the production process can be traced. Prosecco DOC is marketed exclusively in glass bottles.