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. 

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.

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

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 (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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.