How Many Types of Prosecco Are There? Find Your Perfect Match

This article will take you on a journey through the world of Prosecco, the beloved sparkling wine from the Veneto region of Italy.

With its delightful taste and lightness, Prosecco is available in several varieties, each with its unique sweetness, alcohol content, and quality. And for those seeking a touch of luxury, there’s even the exciting Bella Principessa Prosecco brand option.

Join us as we answer “how many types of Prosecco are there?” and uncover their distinctive features, providing a comprehensive guide for all Prosecco enthusiasts and curious wine drinkers alike.

Prosecco wine is classified into two main categories: Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOCG.

The DOCG Prosecco Superiore is the more exclusive category and can only be produced in hillside vineyards in two smaller areas: Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Asolo. Conegliano Valdobbiadene covers an area of 6,860 hectares, while Asolo covers 1,783 hectares. These areas are known for their unique climate, soil, and topography, ideal for cultivating high-quality Prosecco grapes.

On the other hand, Prosecco DOC is a larger area that covers several provinces in northeastern Italy. While it also produces high-quality Prosecco wines, its production regulations are less strict than those of Prosecco Superiore DOCG.

So, How Many Types Of Prosecco Are There?

Prosecco DOC: The most common type of Prosecco is made from Glera grapes grown in Italy’s Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions. Prosecco DOC is a dry and crisp wine suitable for various occasions.

Prosecco DOCG Superiore: This type of Prosecco is made from Glera grapes grown in the hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, a sub-region of the Veneto. DOCG Prosecco Superiore is still a more quality prosecco than Prosecco DOC, known for its complex flavour profile and fine bubbles.

Col Fondo Prosecco: Prosecco’s traditional and unfiltered style uses the “col fondo” method. The wine is bottled with sediment, which gives it a slightly cloudy appearance and a unique flavour profile.

Prosecco Rosé: A relatively new addition to the Prosecco family made by adding a small amount of Pinot Noir to the Glera grapes during the winemaking process. Prosecco Rosé is refreshing and fruity, perfect for warm summer days.

5 Quality Levels of Prosecco Wine Produced

Prosecco wine comes in five different quality levels based on the region or production area where the grapes are grown and the production methods used:

1. Prosecco DOC Spumante

The basic quality level of Prosecco is produced in a large region that includes nine provinces in Northeast Italy. Prosecco Doc wine is made using the Charmat method.

2. Prosecco DOCG Superiore Conegliano Valdobbiadene

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is a premium quality level of Prosecco produced in the hills between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in Northeast Italy. The grapes used to make this wine are grown on steep hillsides and are made using the Charmat method.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG Superiore is known for its fine and persistent bubbles and crisp and delicate flavour profile, with green apple, white peach, and citrus notes. It is popular for special occasions and pairs well with seafood, appetizers, and light meals.

3. Asolo Prosecco DOCG

Asolo Prosecco DOCG is a high-quality Prosecco produced in the Asolo Prosecco region of Northeast Italy. The various prosecco grapes used to make this wine are hand-picked on hillsides. The wine is made using the Charmat method, but it must be aged for at least 60 days before it can be sold.

Asolo Prosecco DOCG is known for its complex and nuanced flavour profile, with citrus notes and floral aromas. It is popular for special occasions and pairs well with various foods.

4. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive DOCG

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive DOCG is a premium quality Prosecco produced in specific sub-zones within the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region of Northeast Italy.

The grapes used to make this wine are grown on steep hillsides and are made using the Charmat method.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive DOCG is known for its refined and elegant taste, with a balance of floral and fruity notes. “Rive” refers to the steep slopes where the grapes are grown, and each sub-zone produces a unique flavour profile.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive DOCG is a popular choice for special occasions and pairs well with various foods, including seafood and light appetizers.

5. Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG

Prosecco has various types and quality levels, each with unique characteristics and production methods. From Prosecco DOC to the premium Prosecco Superiore DOCG Cartizze, there is a guaranteed quality of Prosecco to suit every taste and occasion.

Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG is the highest quality level of Prosecco, produced in the small Cartizze sub-zone within the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region of Northeast Italy.

The grapes used to make this wine are hand-picked on steep hillsides. The wine is made using the traditional method, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle.

Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG is known for its complex and refined flavour profile, with white flowers, tropical fruits, and honey notes. It is a highly sought-after wine, often reserved for special occasions and enjoyed on its own or paired with desserts or fruit-based dishes.

Is Prosecco dry or sweet?

Prosecco can vary in sweetness levels depending on the grape variety and the type. The sweetness of Prosecco is determined by the residual sugar left in the wine after the fermentation process. The sweetness levels of Prosecco are classified into four main categories: extra brut,, extra dry, dry, and demi-sec.

7 Sweetness Levels of Prosecco Wine

Prosecco is a citrusy sparkling wine with seven different sweetness levels, ranging from very dry to sweet. The sweetness levels cater to different tastes and preferences and are indicated on the label of each bottle as follows:

1. Brut Nature: The driest type of Prosecco, with no added sugar and a very low residual sugar content.
2. Extra Brut: Very dry Prosecco with citrus flavours and minimal added sugar.
3. Brut: The most common type of Prosecco, considered a dry wine with a small amount of added sugar.
4. Extra Dry: Slightly sweeter than Brut, with moderate added sugar.
5. Dry: Sweeter than Extra Dry, medium dry, with a mild temperature noticeable sweetness on the palate.
6. Demi-Sec: A sweet Prosecco with a higher amount of added sugar that gives it a noticeable sweetness.
7. Dulce: The sweetest type of Prosecco, with a high level of added sugar that gives it a medium-sweet taste.

3 Levels of Effervescence of Prosecco Sparkling Wines

Effervescence refers to the bubbles present in sparkling wine. There are three levels of effervescence in wine, each with its unique bubble size, carbonation, and flavour profile: Frizzante, Spumante, and Spumante Metodo Classico.

1. Frizzante: Prosecco Doc frizzante has the lowest level of effervescence, characterized by small, gentle bubbles. Frizzante is typically less carbonated than other sparkling wines, resulting in a lighter and more refreshing taste.
2. Spumante: The most common type of bubbly wine has medium effervescence and medium-sized bubbles. Spumante has a slightly more intense flavour and is more carbonated than frizzante.
3. Spumante Metodo Classico: The highest quality and most prestigious type of bubbly wine, it has the highest level of effervescence with smaller and more persistent bubbles. It uses the traditional method, resulting in a rich, creamy texture and a more complex flavour profile.

4 Characteristics of Prosecco Wine

Prosecco wine has several characteristics that make it unique and distinct from other types of sparkling wines. Here are four important characteristics of Prosecco:

1. Colour: Prosecco wine typically has a light straw colour with green hues. This colour is an indication of the wine’s freshness and youthful qualities.
2. Alcohol content: Prosecco wine typically has a lower alcohol content than other sparkling wines, with an average alcohol content of 11%. This makes it a lighter and more refreshing option for those who prefer milder wine.
3. Sweetness levels: Prosecco wine can range in sweetness levels from very dry to very sweet, with different categories of sweetness such as brut, extra dry, dry, and demi-sec. This variety in sweetness levels makes Prosecco a versatile wine that can be paired with various foods.
4. Effervescence: Prosecco wine is known for its lively and persistent bubbles resulting from its secondary fermentation process. The effervescence of Prosecco adds to its refreshing and vibrant qualities, making it a perfect choice for celebrating or enjoying a hot summer day.

Prosecco wine’s distinct colour, alcohol content, sweetness levels, and effervescence make it a unique and enjoyable option for wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

Alcohol Content

The alcohol content of Prosecco can vary depending on the type of Prosecco and the producer. Generally, Prosecco has a lower alcohol content than other bubbly wine types, such as Champagne.

Brut Prosecco, the driest type of Prosecco, typically has an alcohol content of around 11%. Extra dry Prosecco, slightly sweeter than the brut style, has an alcohol content of around 12%.

Other types of Prosecco, such as dry and demi-sec, have higher sugar content and, therefore, a lower alcohol content of around 10%.

It’s worth noting that the alcohol content of Prosecco can also vary depending on the vintage and the producer. Some top prosecco wine producers may increase the alcohol content slightly to add more body and depth to the wine.

In summary, the alcohol content of Prosecco generally ranges between 10-12%, with brut Prosecco having the lowest alcohol content and dry and demi-sec Prosecco having the highest sugar content and, therefore, the most prosecco with the lowest alcohol content.

Low Alcohol Sparkling Wine

Winemakers can lower the alcohol content of wine by picking grapes earlier in the season or by using reverse osmosis or spinning cone technology.

Low-alcohol wine, containing less than 10% ABV, is a healthier and lower calorie option for those who want to enjoy wine in moderation and avoid the negative effects of alcohol. Low-alcohol wines, including sparkling wines like Prosecco, are increasingly popular.

Does Prosecco Wine improve its taste as it ages?

Unlike some other types of wine, Prosecco is generally not meant to be aged for an extended period.

Prosecco is best consumed young and fresh within one to two years of production.

As it ages, its flavour profile can change and become less vibrant, losing its signature lightness and fruitiness.

Therefore, enjoying Prosecco after purchase is recommended to appreciate its refreshing tastefully.

However, some high-quality Proseccos made using the traditional method (fermenting in the bottle) can develop more complex flavours with ageing. However, this is rare and typically not the norm for most Prosecco wines.

What is the best Prosecco Brand?

If you want to expand your Prosecco repertoire, we highly recommend trying Bella Principessa Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé. Bella Principessa Prosecco is made from 100% Glera grapes grown in the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene area of the Veneto region, resulting in a refreshing and well-balanced wine with notes of white peach and acacia flowers.

On the other hand, Prosecco Rosé is a newer style of Prosecco made with a small amount of Pinot Noir, which imparts a delicate pink hue and a subtle hint of red fruit to the wine. The result is a crisp and refreshing wine with a perfect balance of fruitiness and acidity.

Both Bella Principessa Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé offer a unique and enjoyable Prosecco drinking experience, making them excellent additions to any Prosecco collection or a perfect choice for any special occasion. So why not try something new and discover the delightful flavours of these exceptional Prosecco wines?

8 Recommended Food Pairings with Prosecco Wine

Prosecco wine is a versatile drink paired with various other wines and foods, from savoury to sweet. Here are eight recommended food pairings with Prosecco wine:

1. Appetizers: Prosecco’s light and crisp taste make it a perfect match for light appetizers like bruschetta, crostini, and crudités.
2. Seafood: The acidity in Prosecco complements the flavours of seafood such as oysters, shrimp, and scallops.
3. Cheese: Prosecco pairs well with a variety of cheeses, including fresh goat cheese, brie, and Parmesan.
4. Salads: A refreshing glass of Prosecco accompanies salads with tangy dressings like Caesar or vinaigrette.
5. Light Pasta Dishes: Prosecco’s lightness makes it an ideal match for light pasta dishes like pesto pasta or seafood linguine.
6. Spicy Foods: Prosecco’s effervescence can help counter the heat in spicy foods like curry, hot wings, or chilli.
7. Fruit-Based Desserts: Prosecco’s sweetness pairs well with fruit-based desserts like fruit tarts, sorbet, or strawberry shortcakes.
8. Cheese-Based Desserts: Prosecco also complements the creaminess of cheese-based desserts like cheesecake or tiramisu.

Did you know that there is National Prosecco Day?

August 13th is a significant date for Prosecco enthusiasts worldwide as it marks National Prosecco Day.

This annual celebration is dedicated to the beloved bubbly wine from Northeast Italy, renowned for its diverse and delicious variations.

Wine aficionados and Prosecco lovers worldwide use this day to indulge in their favourite bubbly drink or host Prosecco-themed parties and events.

Some wineries and restaurants also offer special tastings and discounts to mark the occasion.

National Prosecco Day is a joyous way to celebrate the summer season, toasting glasses of bubbly Prosecco with friends and loved ones.

Various Types of Prosecco FAQ

Prosecco is a refreshing wine known for its citrus notes, floral scents, and hints of peach. To fully appreciate its taste, it is recommended to serve it in a tulip, or other large stemmed glass, which allows for the appreciation of its intense aroma and enhances the tasting experience. It is best served chilled with ice at 45-47 degrees F.

While it may be challenging to find the perfect glass for enjoying Prosecco, a tulip or large stemmed glass is a great option, as it helps to accentuate the wine’s effervescence and bouquet. On the other hand, champagne flutes are not ideal for Prosecco, as they do not allow for the same level of aroma appreciation and tasting experience.

What is the different name for Prosecco?

In some countries, “Prosecco” is a generic term for any sparkling wine made in the same style as Prosecco. However, this is not the case in Italy, where the name is protected by law and can only be used for wines that meet specific production criteria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, different types of higher-quality prosecco are available, each with a unique flavour profile. DOC and DOCG are the two main categories of high-quality prosecco made, with DOCG being considered the highest and higher quality. Prosecco can also be divided into different sweetness levels, with brut and extra dry being the most popular. Understanding the different types of prosecco can help you choose the perfect bottle for any occasion.