One of the most exported Italian white wines, Prosecco is a sparkling wine that comes in three levels of perlage, the bubbliest spumante (sparkling), followed by frizzante (semi-sparkling), and tranquillo (still).
Prosecco is made exclusively in the regions of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Glera is the predominant grape variety used in the production of Prosecco, though Perera, Bianchetta, and Verdiso are often used as well. Unlike its more expensive bubbly counterparts, the secondary fermentation of Prosecco takes place under pressure, in huge stainless steel tanks, making the wine production less expensive.
Considering that Prosecco does not ferment in the bottle and grows stale with time, it should be enjoyed as young as possible, preferably within several years of its vintage. This Italian favorite tends to exhibit more fruity and flowery aromas and much lighter bubbles.
Prosecco is quite versatile, but it leans towards the sweeter end of the wine spectrum which makes it great as an aperitif, and an ideal match for fruit-based desserts but also light charcuterie and cheese appetizers. It is also commonly added to many sparkling cocktails made with fruit juice and other ingredients, most noted of which is a Bellini, a mixture of prosecco, peach purée, and nectar.
Types of Prosecco
Part of
Negroni sbagliato
Sbagliato is a variation on the classic Negroni cocktail originating from Milan. It's made with a combination of sweet vermouth, Campari, and prosecco or any ... Read more
Barracuda
Barracuda is a cocktail made with a combination of gold rum, Galliano, pineapple juice, lime juice, and prosecco. In order to prepare it, all ingredients except ... Read more
Porn Star Martini
Contrary to its name, this cocktail does not have much in common with a classic Martini. Porn Star is a version that combines vanilla-flavored vodka, passion ... Read more
Sgroppino
Sgroppino is an Italian cocktail that originated in Veneto. In its simplest form, the cocktail is a refreshing mix of lemon sorbet or lemon gelato, vodka, and Prosecco.... Read more
Serve with
Cacio e pepe
This ancient dish with Roman origins is regarded as one of the simplest and most satisfying Italian dishes. Cacio e pepe consists of pasta (usually spaghetti), aged Pecorino ... Read more
Linguine allo scoglio
One of Italy's all-time favorites, linguine allo scoglio, often also dubbed linguine ai frutti di mare is a typical southern Italian seafood dish or piatto di mare... Read more
Salvia fritta
Salvia fritta is a traditional dish that's enjoyed throughout the country. The dish is made with a combination of sage leaves, oil, and a batter (pastella) that usually ... Read more
Focaccia
This chewy, oily flatbread is quite versatile, and can be topped with a range of ingredients such as coarse sea salt, olive oil, herbs, tomatoes, or olives. Historians ... Read more
Other Prosecco varieties
