The undisputed king among Italian bubblies, it is loved by wine lovers all over the world. Prosecco's curiosities enhance its appeal, making it even more special and versatile.
In this article, we will reveal six interesting facts about Prosecco that you probably did not know. Get ready to discover never-before-seen aspects of this wine, from its historical origins to the best way to taste it.
Ready to be surprised? Then read on and immerse yourself in a bubbly journey!
1. ORIGIN
The name Prosecco dates back to the mid-1200s and identifies a small town near Trieste. Who would have guessed that Prosecco is named after a town in Friuli Venezia Giulia? Already in the 1500s, the local wine was emerging thanks to prominent figures such as Pliny the Elder and the physician Galen who praised its qualities, calling it "castellum nobile vino Pucinum." In the 1700s, the bond between the population and wine intensified, becoming a true symbiosis. But it was in the 1800s that Prosecco, as we know it today, took shape, finally consolidating in the mid-1900s as the undisputed king of the local hills. So when we toast with a glass of Prosecco, we are savoring centuries of history and tradition!
2. NOT A GRAPE VARIETY
Prosecco wine comes from the Glera grape, a variety that until 2009 bore the name Prosecco. To counter imitations of the famous name around the world, Italy made a brilliant decision: to protect and regulate the brand by creating two consortia, Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOCG (Conegliano-Valdobbiadene and Asolo). Thus, the grape variety took back its ancient name, Glera, leaving the name Prosecco exclusively to the sparkling wine we love so much.
But there's more! In its traditional version, Prosecco can include up to 15 percent of other white grape varieties, such as Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Pepera, Glera Lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot grigio or white, adding a touch of variety to the taste.
3. NEVER BULK, ONLY IN GLASS AND LABELED
Another interesting fact about Prosecco concerns its production and sale. Prosecco DOC and DOCG in fact follows precise and strict rules. It can only be packaged in glass bottles, thus excluding the possibility of serving it unpacked or in other containers. The name "Prosecco" can only be used if the bottle is sealed with a State Mark, a special label applied to the closure. This is one way to guarantee the authenticity and quality of each and every sip of Prosecco.
4. TULIP GLASS
Have you ever wondered what is the best glass to fully appreciate a Prosecco? The answer is the "tulip" glass, specially designed to enhance this wine. The "tulip" design is not an aesthetic whim, but plays a key role, in fact its wide "belly" facilitates the concentration of aromas and proper oxygenation of the wine. The glass should be filled only to the point where it reaches its maximum diameter to avoid the formation of excessive foam and to allow the bubbles and aromas to be best savored. This simple expedient allows Prosecco to express its full aromatic potential.
5. NOT ONLY SPARKLING WINE, BUT ALSO SPARKLING OR STILL
Strangely enough, not everyone knows this curiosity about Prosecco: it comes in a diversity of styles, each with its own peculiarities, born of the different production methods. Prosecco Tranquillo is distinguished by the absence of bubbles. Prosecco Frizzante, on the other hand, offers a more delicate and less persistent perlage than Spumante. Finally, Prosecco Spumante, the most popular and widespread version, characterized by fine and persistent bubbles. Both Prosecco DOC and DOCG can be produced in all three versions.
6. MILLESIMATE
The term "vintage" may not be familiar to everyone. Originating from the French "millesimé," meaning "vintage," it refers to a sparkling wine made from at least 85 percent of grapes from a single harvest. Prosecco Millesimato, with its distinctive character and unmistakable taste, is often the star of celebrations and special occasions.
Prosecco turns out to be a multifaceted drink, ready to amaze even the most discerning palates with its fascinating history and well-kept secrets.
How many of these Prosecco trivia did you already know? If even one surprised you, then our goal has been achieved!
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What are you waiting for? Let yourself be conquered by its magic!
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