What do we know about it and what does it go with?
Sparkling wine is always a faithful companion to any celebration: birthdays, proms, weddings, Christmas and New Year – a glass of Prosecco is always an invited guest.
But what do we know about such a popular alcoholic beverage? Let’s find out.
Let’s start with some basic information and a brief description.
The word Prosecco was first heard in 1750 in northern Italy, in the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia. (Prosecco is the name of the village where the wine comes from).
The grape variety used to make Prosecco is Glera.
The drink itself is a low-alcohol and highly sparkling drink.
Today there are many different types of Prosecco. Let’s take a closer look at them:
- Prosecco Sparkling Wine (Spumante)
- Prosecco Semi-Sparkling wine (Frizzante)
- Prosecco Still – No Bubbles wine (Tranquillo)
Many people believe that if a drink has a low alcohol content, then it tastes bland. But this is not the case. The sweetness of Prosecco varies from less than six grams of sugar per liter to fifty grams of sugar per liter. Can you imagine the variety?
Below is a scale from the driest drink to the sweetest.
- Prosecco Extra Brut
- Prosecco Brut
- Prosecco Extra Dry
- Prosecco Dry
- Prosecco Demi-Sec
Now let’s move on to the process of making such a varied drink.
It all starts on the plantations, where ripe grapes are harvested, after which they are crushed and fermented. During the production process, yeast and sugar are converted into alcohol.
But there is one secret that distinguishes the production of Prosecco from other wines. The secret is the «Сharm method». This is the process of secondary fermentation of the wine in steel tanks (rather than the usual bottle fermentation).
The fermentation process is necessary in order to obtain a homogeneous and bubble-free drink.
How is that possible? Prosecco and without bubbles? Don’t worry.
The thing is that the use of steel tanks prevents the leakage of CO2 during the second fermentation, which is that gives rise to those famous bubbles.
It is noteworthy that the process of making the famous drink itself is not as long as it might seem at first glance. It takes only 30 days to make. (and only in special cases up to 90 days).
Different types, different flavors, different production types of Prosecco. And what kinds are there? Let’s find out.
- Prosecco DOC
- Prosecco Superiore DOCG
- Superiore di Cartizze
Champagne has bubbles. If the wine has bubbles, then its Champagne. So, Prosecco is also Champagne too? No, not really.
So, what’s the difference?
Champagne can only be called Champagne if it is made in the Champagne province in France.
But that is not all.
Grape variety: champagne is made from such grape varieties as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Prosecco is made from the Glera grape variety.
Taste: Champagne surprises us with notes of almonds, citrus and fruit. In Prosecco we find notes of green apple and melon.
In addition, the bubbles are hardly noticeable in champagne, whereas in Prosecco they are very noticeable.
Have you read this article and decided to treat yourself with a glass of Prosecco, but don’t know what meal to have on the table? We are here to help.
Remember that Prosecco should be drunk chilled and that it can be served with a variety of snacks and main courses.
Interesting facts:
Did you know that not every Prosecco can have the abbreviation DOC? DOC is a “Controlled designation of origin". – According to the European Union legislation, Prosecco DOC can only be produced in nine specific Italian provinces.
Did you know that not every Prosecco can have the abbreviation DOCG? DOCG is a “Designation of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin” – the grape variety used to make this wine can only grow in a specific area.
Now you know all about Prosecco wine.
