Prosecco

Glass of Prosecco wine

Cool Prosecco

Prosecco is the traditional sparkling wine of Northern Italy that in recent years has quickly become one of the world’s favourite sparkling wines – the use of the name Prosecco permissible due to its dual-role as the name of the grape variety as well as the style itself. Many factors have influenced this trend including its fresh and vibrant style along with its inherent value. Since the 1960s, Prosecco produced in its traditional homeland has experienced a rapid rise is quality with the refinement of production techniques which has helped the style reach new popularity levels all across the world.

Prosecco can be made in a variety of styles including full sparkling (spumante), lightly sparkling (frizzante) and as a still wine, although still wines are rarely seen outside of Italy. The method used to create these apéritivo styled sparkling wines is called Charmat which sees secondary fermentation take place in tank rather than in bottle as with the famous méthode champanoise used in Champagne. The modern Prosecco style is generally dry, light and crisp, with hints of pear, citrus blossom, spice and sherbet-acidity.

Protected by the classification as a DOCG region (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) within the Veneto region of northern Italy, quality Prosecco is mainly produced in the traditional areas of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano. Wines from these regions are labelled ‘Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene’, ‘Prosecco di Conegliano’ or ‘Prosecco di Valdobbiandene’. The sparkling wines from these regions can also vary in dryness and in accordance with European Union regulations, they are labelled ‘Brut’ (up to 12g per litre of residual sugar), ‘Extra Dry’ (12 g/l – 17 g/l), or ‘Dry’ (12 g/g – 32 g/l).

Australia has also found a home for Prosecco, notably in Victoria’s King Valley where the Italian influence on wine styles and varieties is at its most prominent. Dal Zotto is credited with first plantings during the 1990s, followed by Brown Brothers, Christmont and Pizzini amongst others, all producing excellent interpretations.

Prosecco is also one of the most suitable wine styles to be enjoyed with food. Think Italian antipasto, such as spicy cured meats, cabana sausage, stuffed olives, anchovies, goats cheese, smoked salmon and pickled vegetables. The fresh and fruit driven flavours deliver a wonderful cleansing palate that will engage your appetite for the meal ahead.

Lovers of this style can experience Prosecco first-hand in its adopted Australian home by following the ‘King Valley Prosecco Road’ ( www.kingvalleyproseccoroad.com.au ), or by browsing our vast range of Prosecco’s in-store or online, including those from its birthplace of Italy.

We Recommend

Dal Zotto

Pucino Prosecco

Exemplary Australian producer with an enviable reputation for stunning Prosecco. Dry fruits that are really flavoursome and soft. Clean and long finish.

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Tenuta Ca' Bolani

ITALY

A step above most, this is fresh and lively Prosecco done very well. Musk, grapey flavours, creamy mousse and very mouthfilling.

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