Spotlight on Prosecco: Celebrate the Everyday

Prosecco’s History

Prosecco DOC comes from Italy’s northeast – specifically Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto. But if we’re talking about Prosecco Superiore DOCG, it can only be made in the hilly area of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, which was just named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An incredible recognition for a wine area with a history that goes back to ancient times. The first mention of wine production dates back to the sixth century, but documents with words about Prosecco itself date back to 1772. Prosecco achieved DOC status in 1969, while DOCG status came in 2009.

The area is located about 30 miles from Venice and 60 from the Dolomites. The climate is generally mild, thanks to proximity to the mountains and the sea. The hills, which also enjoy good drainage, stretching from east to west, so the grapes most often enjoy southern exposure. The soils have been influenced over thousands of years by the mountains, seas and lakes and differ from hill to hill.

How Prosecco is Made

It is made using the Charmat method (also known as the tank method), which calls for two fermentations, but both in a tank. The first is done to make a base wine, and the second is done to add the bubbles. There can be contact with the lees, but the wines don’t often achieve the same complexity as with the traditional method.

Thus, Prosecco’s style is simpler than that of Franciacorta, but this makes it no less desirable. Indeed, it is often easy to drink and pair and goes down easy as an aperitif, in fact, it is a favorite in Italy for aperitivo hour with light bites and a fun bar scene. Just ask everyone’s favorite – Canella, responsible for light, fragrant Proseccos that draw in lovers of all things sparkly.

Prosecco Wine Profile

Made from primarily the Glera grape, Prosecco is crisp, bright, usually light-bodied. It has an easy-to-drink style and aromas of apple, pear, citrus, forals, and melon.  Prosseco is available in several styles: spumante, the most popular, and frizzante.  The wine is also available as a still wine.

What’s New

The global Prosecco category grew by 4% in 2020 to 50.2 million cases worldwide

The three largest markets for Prosecco are Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States

1.58 million cases of Prosecco rosé were made in 2020 and the Prosecco DOC Consortium is forecasting up to 4.2 million cases to be produced in 2021

Prosecco’s off-premise volume increased 26.5% in the 13 weeks ending March 27, 2021, according to Nielsen