Glera’s local history is documented at least as far back as the eighteenth century. The Conegliano Valdobbiadene consortium identifies a 1772 reference by Francesco Maria Malvolti to Prosecco, the grape’s historical name. That is a documented milestone, not the date the variety first existed or modern sparkling production began.
An old written reference gives wine history something satisfying to hold on to: a name, a date and a person who recorded it. What it rarely gives us is the beginning of everything.
For Glera, a documented eighteenth-century milestone helps tell the story. It does not mean the grape appeared that year, or that the wine already looked like the sparkling Prosecco we know today.
What does the consortium document?
The Conegliano Valdobbiadene consortium’s Academy describes Glera as its principal grape and identifies a written local reference from 1772. It attributes that reference to Francesco Maria Malvolti in the eighth volume of the Giornale d’Italia, using Prosecco as the historical grape name.
That supports an eighteenth-century documentary milestone for the area. It does not establish that the grape was first planted in 1772, or settle every earlier reference elsewhere.
Was that already modern sparkling Prosecco?
The grape’s history and the development of sparkling production need separate explanations. The modern tank-fermented wine and today’s appellation rules followed later developments. Our Prosecco history guide sets out the regional and production milestones.
Treating every old mention of Prosecco as proof of an unchanged modern bottle would lose those distinctions.
What do today’s rules say?
White Prosecco DOC requires at least 85% Glera. Prosecco DOC Rosé specifies 85–90% Glera with 10–15% Pinot Nero vinified as red wine. Our Prosecco grape guide explains the current blend requirements.
Bella Principessa white Brut and rosé Brut follow the modern Prosecco DOC framework. Glera connects them with the category's grape tradition, without making the eighteenth-century reference a date in the brand's own history.
Sources
Conegliano Valdobbiadene consortium Academy, Glera section; official bilingual wine guide, printed page 23; Prosecco DOC production regulations. The 1772 reference is attributed to the consortium’s account, not presented as our inspection of Malvolti’s original manuscript.
