Prosecco, with its bubbly charm and crisp taste, has become a symbol of celebration and joy in the world of sparkling wines.
Originating from the Veneto region in Italy, Prosecco has carved a niche for itself with its delightful bubbles and versatile character.
Let’s unravel the process of making Prosecco, a brief history, delve into the profiles of three popular Prosecco labels, and cap it off with three enticing Prosecco cocktail recipes.
What is Prosecco?
Prosecco is an Italian white wine originating from a vast region encompassing nine provinces within the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions.
Its nomenclature is derived from the village of Prosecco, situated in the province of Trieste, Italy. Crafted primarily from the Prosecco grape, which underwent a name change to “Glera” in Italy in 2009, the denomination regulations permit a blend of up to 15% of other approved grape varieties.
While Prosecco is mostly produced in the sparkling or semi-sparkling styles, labeled as spumante and frizzante, the production of a still wine, tranquillo, is also sanctioned.
How is Prosecco Made?
The production of Prosecco involves a unique and regulated winemaking method known as the Charmat or tank method. This method preserves the wine’s fruitiness and floral notes, setting Prosecco apart from other sparkling wines.
1. Harvesting:
The winemaking journey commences with the careful harvesting of Glera grapes. The timing of the harvest is crucial, ensuring optimal ripeness and acidity in the grapes.
2. Soft Pressing:
The harvested grapes undergo soft pressing to extract the juice while minimizing contact with the grape skins. This process is essential for maintaining the wine’s characteristic freshness and avoiding excessive tannins.
3. First Fermentation:
The extracted juice undergoes the initial fermentation, transforming sugars into alcohol. This still wine forms the base for the sparkling Prosecco.
4. Creating the Effervescence:
Unlike the traditional method used in Champagne production, where secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, Prosecco undergoes this process in a pressurized tank. A carefully measured mixture of wine, sugar, and yeast is added to induce secondary fermentation, creating the bubbles.
5. Filtration and Maturation:
After fermentation, the Prosecco is filtered to remove sediment, and it undergoes a brief maturation period. This step allows the flavors to harmonize before the wine is bottled.
6. Pressurized Bottling:
The Prosecco is then transferred to pressurized stainless steel tanks for bottling. This tank method ensures consistency in the effervescence and preserves the wine’s youthful and fruity qualities.
7. Bottling:
Once the desired effervescence is achieved, the Prosecco is bottled under pressure to maintain the bubbles. The entire process from grape to bottle takes place relatively quickly, preserving the wine’s freshness.
History of Prosecco
Prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine, has a deep-rooted history dating back centuries in North Eastern Italy, where vineyards thrived even before Greek colonization in 800 BC. The Glera grape, the essence of Prosecco, is thought to have originated in Slovenia, finding its way to the Italian village of “Prosecco” in Trieste. The Romans referred to it as Puccino around 200 BC, with the first documented mention of Prosecco in a 1754 poem by Aureliano Acanti.
Similar to Champagne’s association with France, Prosecco has a designated region in North Eastern Italy. Only wines produced with Glera grapes from this region can bear the label “Prosecco,” preserving its unique characteristics. Francesco Maria Malvolti linked the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region to Prosecco in 1772, and official production boundaries were outlined in the 1930s.
Prosecco’s global popularity, particularly in the UK, soared due to strategic marketing that filled a market gap. It offered a high-quality alternative between expensive Champagne and budget-friendly options like Cava and Asti. Italian producers capitalized on this, presenting Prosecco as an appealing middle ground.
Clever marketing campaigns over the past five years have cemented Prosecco as a beloved choice, proving it to be more than just a passing trend. Its affordability and delightful taste have made it a favorite among consumers worldwide.
Popular Prosecco Labels
- Riondo Prosecco:
- Profile: Riondo Prosecco is celebrated for its vibrant and fruity character. With notes of green apple, pear, and citrus, it offers a refreshing and lively experience. It is an excellent representation of the Prosecco style, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- La Marca Prosecco:
- Profile: La Marca Prosecco is known for its elegance and versatility. It presents delicate floral aromas, complemented by flavors of ripe citrus and green apple. The fine bubbles and crisp finish make it suitable for various occasions.
- Mionetto Prosecco:
- Profile: Mionetto Prosecco is synonymous with tradition and quality. With a balanced and harmonious profile, it exhibits floral and fruity notes. The persistent perlage and clean finish make it a standout choice for Prosecco enthusiasts.
3 Popular Prosecco Cocktail Recipes
1. Classic Prosecco Spritz:
- Ingredients: Prosecco, Aperol, soda water, orange slice
- Preparation: Fill a wine glass with ice. Add 2 parts Prosecco, 1 part Aperol, and a splash of soda water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
2. Prosecco Bellini:
- Ingredients: Prosecco, peach puree
- Preparation: In a champagne flute, add a tablespoon of peach puree. Top with chilled Prosecco and gently stir.
3. Elderflower Prosecco Cocktail:
- Ingredients: Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, mint leaves
- Preparation: In a glass, combine 1 part elderflower liqueur with 3 parts Prosecco. Add mint leaves for freshness and garnish.
Savoring the Fizz of Prosecco
As we raise a glass to the effervescence of Prosecco, we appreciate not just a sparkling wine but a cultural icon that embodies the spirit of celebration.
From the picturesque vineyards of northeastern Italy to global toasts of joy, Prosecco continues to captivate with its lively bubbles and vibrant personality. Whether enjoyed on its own or as the star of a delightful cocktail, Prosecco remains a sparkling companion to life’s most cherished moments.
Cheers to the sparkling charm of Prosecco!
