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Wine
By Style
Red
White
Rosé
Sparkling
Blend
Dessert
Port
By Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Noir
Shiraz/Syrah
Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc
By Country
France
Italy
Spain
Germany
Argentina
United States
New Zealand
By Region
Bordeaux
Tuscany
Rioja
Burgundy
Napa Valley
Spirits
By Type
Vodka
Whiskey
Sake
Tequila
Rum
Gin
Brandy
Liqueur
By Country
United States
France
Ireland
Japan
Italy
Mexico
Staff Picks
On Sale
eGift Cards
Tasting & Events
Store Info
Store Info
Location & Hours
Notifications
My Account
Order History
Wine Blog
New York Local Products
Home Bar Ideas
3 Brothers Winery
What Is Prosecco Wine
Your Guide To Lambrusco Wine
What is Sancerre Wine?
Orange Wine: Is There More Than Aesthetics to This TikTok Wine?
Liquor Blog
Top Winter Spirits
Rabbit Hole Bourbon
All About Malibu Rum
Cocktail Recipes
Top 2024 Mocktails
Fall Cocktails & Planning!
Winter Cocktails
What Is Prosecco Wine
Prosecco, in a lot of ways, is becoming the go-to drink of special occasions. It’s lower in alcohol and has lower acidity. It’s sweet, but not so sweet that it becomes cloying. It’s affordable, but not at the expense of quality or flavor. And it’s also incredibly versatile–easy to enjoy by itself or mixed into your favorite cocktails.
But if we really want to understand why people love prosecco wine, we have to first understand what it is–starting with the best Prosecco Wine our experts recommend and finding out the different elements that make them stand out. Keep reading to learn more or you can visit
Seneca Wine & Liquor
,
8630 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford, NY 13413
to explore our selection.
Let’s get into it.Â
Our Top Prosecco Picks
Cupcake Prosecco
Cupcake Prosecco is known for its lively, fruit-forward profile with flavors like lemon, grapefruit, and green apple. It has a nice balance of acidity and subtle sweetness, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a refreshing, approachable sparkling wine.
Martini & Rossi Prosecco
Martini & Rossi offers a light, crisp Prosecco with delicate notes of apple, peach, and a touch of thyme. It’s known for its fine bubbles and clean, dry finish, making it a sophisticated option that’s both timeless and modern.
Riondo Prosecco
Riondo Prosecco stands out for being smooth, easy to drink, and affordable. It features gentle bubbles and flavors of apple, pear, and citrus, making it versatile enough to enjoy on its own or in cocktails like a Mimosa.
La Marca Prosecco
La Marca Prosecco is a widely loved brand for good reason. It offers a crisp, clean taste with notes of apple, pear, and lemon, plus a subtle hint of honey. It’s a reliable choice for both casual and special occasions.
BRILLA! Prosecco DOC Rosé
BRILLA! brings something different to the table with its Prosecco DOC Rosé. It’s characterized by its pink color and flavors of wild strawberries, raspberries, and rose petals. It’s an elegant option for those who want a twist on the classic Prosecco experience.
These brands are top picks for a reason, and to really appreciate them, it helps to understand the story behind Prosecco—how it’s made, what gives it its distinct taste, and why it’s become so popular.Â
Understanding Prosecco Wine
The Prosecco Grapes
Prosecco gets its character from the Glera grape, which has a long history in Italy, particularly in regions like Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. This specific grape is responsible for the bright, fruity notes that are the trademark of Prosecco, which include green apple, pear, and citrus, with a subtle touch of floral.
Growing Glera however, isn’t straightforward or easy. The grape needs a cooler climate to keep its acidity in balance, which is important to achieving the crispness that Prosecco is known for. The soil plays a role too; it needs to drain well so the vines don’t get waterlogged, which can dilute the grape's flavors.
The timing of the harvest also has an impact on the production of prosecco. If the grapes are picked too early, the wine can end up overly tart. If they’re picked too late, it might lose the fresh, lively quality that people love about Prosecco.
Finally, different locations can also change how Glera grapes develop, which is why Prosecco from different regions can taste slightly different. The specific conditions of each vineyard—like how much sunlight it gets or how high it is—add to the uniqueness of the wine.
In short, Glera is the key to Prosecco's distinctive taste, but it requires careful attention to bring out the best in the wine. The real magic though happens during the winemaking process, where every step, from harvesting to bottling, contributes to defining Prosecco's freshness and subtle sweetness. Let’s take a closer look at how Prosecco is crafted, and what sets it apart from other sparkling wines.
The Prosecco Winemaking Process
After harvesting the Glera grapes, the grapes are pressed, and the juice undergoes its first fermentation, where the sugars turn into alcohol. What makes Prosecco different from other sparkling wines is the way this second fermentation happens. Instead of fermenting in individual bottles like Champagne, Prosecco uses the Charmat Method, where the wine ferments in large stainless steel tanks.
Following this method, winemakers are able to preserve the fresh, fruity flavors of the Glera grape. The stainless steel tanks keep the wine from developing the yeasty, toasty notes that you find in bottle-fermented wines like Champagne. Instead, Prosecco keeps a clean, straightforward flavor profile that highlights its natural fruitiness and gentle sweetness.
After the second fermentation, the wine is filtered to remove any sediment and then bottled under pressure to capture the bubbles. The result is a sparkling wine that’s light, fresh, and versatile enough for any occasion.
This entire process helps keep Prosecco affordable and ensures it’s consistently bright and easy to drink
Types of Prosecco Wine
Prosecco comes in several variations that can affect everything from flavor to quality. Understanding these differences can help you pick the right bottle for any occasion. The two main classifications, Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOCG, indicate where the wine is produced and the level of quality you can expect. Beyond that, Prosecco can also be categorized based on its level of effervescence—whether it's fully sparkling, lightly sparkling, or still. Finally, regional differences within Italy contribute to subtle variations in taste and character, making each Prosecco unique.
Prosecco DOC vs. Prosecco DOCG
Prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) covers a larger production area across nine provinces in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Wines labeled DOC must meet certain quality standards, but they generally offer a more accessible and affordable option. Prosecco DOC is typically fresh, fruity, and straightforward, making it a popular choice for casual occasions and everyday enjoyment.
Prosecco DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), on the other hand, represents the highest quality Prosecco you can find. The DOCG designation is reserved for wines produced in specific, smaller regions like Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Asolo. These areas are known for their unique microclimates and terroirs, which contribute to more complex and nuanced wines. DOCG Prosecco often displays greater depth of flavor, with more refined bubbles and a longer finish, making it ideal for special occasions or when you want to savor something truly exceptional.
Sparkling Variations: Spumante, Frizzante, and Tranquillo
Prosecco is most commonly enjoyed in its sparkling forms, but the degree of effervescence can vary. Spumante is the fully sparkling version and the one you’re most likely to encounter. It’s perfect for celebrations, thanks to its lively bubbles and vibrant character. Frizzante, which is lightly sparkling, offers a more subtle effervescence. It’s often sealed with a cork and string or a screw cap, making it a bit more casual and approachable. Tranquillo, the still version of Prosecco, is quite rare and offers a completely different experience. Without the bubbles, Tranquillo allows the grape’s flavors to shine through more clearly, but it’s less commonly found outside of Italy.
Regional Variations in Prosecco
The region where Prosecco is produced also has animpact on the wine’s flavor and character. Prosecco DOC can come from various parts of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, leading to a range of flavors, but generally, it maintains a consistent, easy-drinking style.
In contrast, Prosecco DOCG wines from Conegliano Valdobbiadene are often prized for their refined flavors, which can include more pronounced floral and mineral notes. The hilly terrain and specific microclimate of this region help produce grapes that contribute to a more complex and elegant wine. Asolo Prosecco DOCG is another standout, known for its subtlety and finesse. The region’s unique terroir produces a wine that’s slightly more structured, with a fine balance of fruit and acidity.
Understanding these types and regions can guide you in selecting the right Prosecco for your palate and occasion, whether you’re after something simple and refreshing or more sophisticated and complex.Â
Prosecco: Nutritional Facts and Health Considerations
While Prosecco is known for its light, refreshing taste, it’s also worth considering its nutritional content, especially for those mindful of sugar and carb intake. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from a typical glass of Prosecco, and how it fits into your diet.
Carbs in Prosecco
A standard serving of Prosecco (about 5 oz) contains approximately 3-4 grams of carbs. These carbs come primarily from the residual sugar left after fermentation. Prosecco is often lighter in carbs compared to other sparkling wines, making it a relatively low-carb option for those who enjoy bubbles but want to keep an eye on their carb intake.
How Much Sugar is in Prosecco?
The sugar content in Prosecco varies depending on its classification:
Brut: The driest style, with less than 12 grams of sugar per liter. A typical glass has around 1-2 grams of sugar.
Extra Dry: A bit sweeter than Brut, with 12-17 grams of sugar per liter.
Dry: Despite the name, it’s sweeter than the other styles, with 17-32 grams of sugar per liter.
If you're watching your sugar intake, Brut is the best option, while Dry Prosecco is better suited for those who prefer a sweeter wine.
Prosecco and Cocktails
When mixed into cocktails like the Aperol Spritz or Bellini, the calorie and sugar content can increase depending on the mixers used. For example, the Aperol Spritz typically contains more sugar due to the added Aperol, while the Bellini incorporates natural sugars from peach puree. If you're trying to keep the sugar down, opt for Prosecco on its own or mix it with soda water for a lighter spritz.
Prosecco Food Pairings
Prosecco pairs well with a variety of foods due to its acidity and fruity profile. The nutritional advantage here is that it complements lighter, healthier fare, such as seafood and salads, without overpowering them. Pairing Prosecco with lean proteins like shrimp or fish, as well as mild cheeses and fruit-based desserts, allows you to enjoy your meal without adding too many extra calories.
Seafood
Prosecco is a natural match for seafood. Its bright acidity and subtle bubbles complement the delicate flavors of shellfish like shrimp, crab, and lobster. It also pairs well with lighter fish dishes, such as grilled white fish or ceviche, where its citrus notes can enhance the freshness of the meal.
Mild Cheeses
When it comes to cheese, Prosecco pairs best with mild, creamy varieties. Think fresh mozzarella, burrata, or soft goat cheese. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and refreshing combination. A cheese plate featuring these options, along with some fresh fruit, can be a perfect companion to a glass of Prosecco.
Prosciutto
The slight sweetness and effervescence of Prosecco make it an excellent partner for salty, cured meats like prosciutto. The contrast between the saltiness of the prosciutto and the wine's fruitiness creates a delicious balance that’s hard to beat. Serve it alongside melon or figs for an even more delightful pairing.
Fruit-Based Desserts
For dessert, Prosecco shines when paired with fruit-based treats. Its light sweetness and crisp acidity make it a great match for desserts like fruit tarts, sorbet, or even a simple bowl of fresh berries. The wine's natural fruit flavors complement the sweetness of the dessert without overwhelming it.
Versatility in Cocktails
Prosecco isn’t just great on its own; it’s also a key ingredient in some of the most popular and refreshing cocktails. The Aperol Spritz is a classic, combining Prosecco with Aperol and a splash of soda water for a bright, slightly bitter drink that’s perfect for summer. Another favorite is the Bellini, which blends Prosecco with fresh peach puree for a sweet, fruity cocktail that’s ideal for brunch or a light aperitif.
Pick Up a Bottle of Prosecco Today
If you’re looking to explore an exceptional selection of Prosecco,
Seneca Wine & Liquor
in New Hartford, NY, is the place to be. Known for offering a diverse range of high-quality Proseccos, you can find everything from crisp and refreshing Brut to elegant Rosé options. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Prosecco DOC, a refined DOCG, or something a bit sweeter,
Seneca Wine & Liquor
has something to match your taste. Visit us at
8630 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford, NY 13413
, where our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect Prosecco for any occasion. For questions or more information, call
(315) 724-8672
, visit
Seneca Wine & Liquor
, or email seneca@horsestailgroup.com.