Prosecco is an Italian sparkling white wine - but not all Italian sparkling wine can be called ‘Prosecco.’
It must be made using a specific method, and must come from northeastern Italy – more specifically, the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia wine regions.
The most famous regions are Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG and Asolo-Prosecco DOCG.
Prosecco is crafted with the local grape Glera, using the Charmat, or tank, method. After the initial fermentation, the wine is put into tanks. These are sealed, so that when the secondary fermentation occurs, the carbon dioxide cannot escape – and is trapped as bubbles in the wine.
The Charmat method is ideal for producing fresh, fruity flavours (unlike the more complex savoury notes of Champagne). The wine is also bottled young and fresh – to preserve its fruity charm.
With it’s orchard fruit flavours, tingling bubbles and affordable price tag, Prosecco is a popular alternative to Champagne.