Prosecco has taken a bit of a bashing over the last decade, and we think it’s unjust, so today we’re flying the flag for it. If you’ve had your Prosecco bubble burst or just never clicked with it, then it really is worth giving another go because it’s one of the most misunderstood sparklers out there.
Yes, it’s not usually going to come with the luxurious complexity of an aged Champagne, but that isn’t what Prosecco is about – it’s about fresh fruit, early-drinking and exceptional value and we salute that.
What is Prosecco?
Prosecco is a sparkling wine originating from the Veneto region of Northern Italy, made using predominantly Glera grapes. It’s known for its easy drinking nature, affordability, fruity freshness, and plenty of bubbles.
There styles and sweetness within Prosecco are more varied than you might think though, so let’s dive a little deeper into the spectrum…
Is all Prosecco bubbly?
In short, no but almost always yes.
The most common style you’ll find in shops is Spumante (fully sparkling), which really hold their bubbles. The other style knocking around is Frizzante (semi-sparkling) which doesn’t keep its fizz as well as Spumante but perhaps that’s what you want?
If you’re interested in still Prosecco then it does exist and it’s called Tranquilo, but you won’t usually see this on supermarket shelves!
What do the letters on Prosecco mean?
There are two different acronyms you may have seen on Prosecco bottles, and they are D.O.C and D.O.C.G. These both represent a seal of approval to signify that the wines have met the standards required for them to be included.
D.O.C stands for Denominazione d’Origine Controllata and you’ll find this a lot more than D.O.C.G. Plenty of rules and regs needs to be followed to achieve this status, but not quite as many as D.O.C.G or Denominazione d’Origine Controllata e Garantita. There are only a few provinces like Valdobbiadene and Conegliano producing it and within this label, there are actually sub-categories.
Generally, the ranking goes Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, up to Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive DOCG, then the ‘Grand Cru of Prosecco’ - Superiore di Cartizze DOCG. Just 107 hectares produce this and the complexity and viscosity is unlike anything else in Prosecco.
Which Prosecco is sweet?
This is where it gets a bit more confusing but go with it.
In the UK, Brut and Extra Dry are the styles we see most of. Now, believe it or not, Brut is actually dryer than Extra Dry and therefore not sweet.
To make it simpler, here are the style names from dry to sweet, some of which are harder to find than others:
Brut Nature: (0 – 3 g/l residual sugar) This may also be referred to as Ultra Brut, Brut Zero, Pas Dosé and Dosage Zéro and is completely bone dry, steely, and fresh.
Extra Brut: (0-6g/l residual sugar) This is very dry with just a touch of sweetness, and a more accessible easy to find option for those who don’t like sweet Prosecco).
Brut: (0-12g/l residual sugar): Generally dry but the fruit will feel ripe.
Extra Dry: (12-17 g/l residual sugar) Medium dry with more of a hint of sweetness. Also known as Extra Sec in French and Extra Seco in Italian.
Dry: (17-32 g/l residual sugar) Also known as Sec or Secco, this really is hitting with the sweetness. By no means is it dessert wine but it’s getting thee.
Demi-Sec: (32-50 g/l residual sugar) This is very difficult to find, particularly in the UK but is thoroughly a dessert wine with tonnes of fruity sweetness.
Which Prosecco should I try?
Co-op Irresistible Prosecco D.O.C ‘Special Cuvée’ Brut
One of the classiest easy to find bottles around, this dry (as in genuinely dry, not label dry – confusing I know!) with noticeably less ripe fruits and a more restrained mousse. The reason it’s won awards is for the honeyed florality and cooling citrus that makes it so elegant.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £9.50
Maschio Prosecco DOC Extra Dry
As you can see, this Prosecco has the DOC stamp of approval and is Extra Dry so comes through with a decent thwack of fruity sweetness. This particular bottle also brings a surprising complexity with florality backing up the fruits.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £8 (usually more!)
Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze DOCG Le Colture NV - Dry
Helena’s favourite, this has that Cartizze label we mentioned earlier and shows it with incredible harmony – aromatic flowers, juicy pears with sweet ripeness, a cool salinity, and just enough biting acidity. Benchmark premium Prosecco.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £25.70
Giol Prosecco Frizzante, Organic
Here is an example of the Frizzante with that immediately quaffable semi-sparkling gentle fizz. Super fresh, citrus and bear burst through and it’s also organic too!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.95
Try all the different styles and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with one. Now you’ve got your Prosecco, about some refreshing easy-to-make Prosecco Cocktails to Make at Home!?