Prosecco, a universe waiting to be discovered

Among the most famous wines abroad, Prosecco outshines any other Italian sparkling wine. Some drink it only as an aperitif, others with the entire meal (even at breakfast!), the fact remains that Prosecco, according to the projections of the Osservatorio di Unione Italiana Vini (Italian Wine Union Observatory), confirms its export growth trend once again this year, with + 40% in value and + 11.7% in average price. Despite the fact that Italy is rich in bubbles, both from the Meodo Classico and Martinotti (or Charmat), produced using international grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc) and autochthonous vines (Erbaluce, Verdicchio, Durella, Nerello Mascalese etc.), Prosecco continues to dominate.

How to discover Prosecco products and territories

eople are taken to saying ‘Prosecco’, but the truth is that behind this name lie different products, all or almost all from the Glera grape variety. White, rosé, with its creamy bubbles and scents of pear and apple, or dried fruit, Prosecco is a universe waiting to be discovered, starting with the largest designation, Prosecco Doc (Controlled Designation of Origin). The wines produced in this vast plain area, where mechanisation is the norm, are generally the easiest and most ready-to-drink wines to taste, many of them intended for export. Then there are the DOCGs ( Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin), like Asolo Prosecco from the heroic viticulture, with steep soils and limited yields, and Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. Two marvellous hilly areas, all worth experiencing and visiting thanks to their Wine routes that have been conceived for the most curious Prosecco lovers. This is precisely where the highest quality expression of Prosecco is to be found, at the very top of which is Cartizze, a sub-zone of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG of only 107 hectares, with a unique microclimate and nestled among the steepest hills in the entire area.  

Not just Prosecco

In addition to Prosecco, Italy has hundreds of Martinotti and Metodo Classico sparkling wines, ideal for every occasion. Lovers of the great Italian Metodo Classico sparkling wines from international vines have something to enjoy in areas such as Franciacorta and Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy, Alta Langa in Piedmont and Trento Doc in Trentino. Then there is the whole world of sparkling wines from autochthonous vines, starting with the Lessini Durello Doc designation, a worthy alternative to Prosecco, produced from Durella grapes, with mineral aromas that can also be sensed in the glass. Then there is Asprinio di Aversa in Campania, excellent with buffalo mozzarella or pizza, Blanc de Morgex et La Salle from prié blac grapes in Valle d’Aosta to taste with fish kebabs, Spumante rosé from Nero di Troia in Puglia with chickpea soup, and countless more. All to be discovered, uncorked, and tasted.