In mid-July 2021, we took part in an online Prosecco presentation and tasting. This online presentation, that focused on Prosecco, was one of the best wine/winery presentations in which we have participated.  The slides used for the presentation and the information conveyed were clear and concise.

The first screen image of the presentation showed the geographical Prosecco region, that is in northeast Italy.

The vast majority of the Prosecco vineyards are flat with only 7% located on slopes. Vineyard soils consist of sand, stone and calcareous.

Grape varieties allowed in the production of Prosecco include: Pinot Nero, Glera, Perera Verdiso and Bianchetta Trevigniana

We found the history of Prosecco to be very interesting as it dates back to 1382 when the wine was produced in the Trieste district within the city of Prosecco. Another screen image also noted that at the beginning of the 16th century “Pietro Bonomo studied Pliny’s Naturalis History (23 – 79 CE) & found the mention of a “Pucin” wine, the ancient Prosecco.

Later, in 1754, ‘Prosecco’ was noted as being produced in Friuli Giulia and Veneto. However it was in the 1800s that Professor Antonio Carpené and Professor Tullio De Rosa created a Prosecco sparkling wine.

More than a century later, in 2009, Prosecco DOC was recognized. The Prosecco D wine characteristics as well as labeling and presentation.

The development of a Prosecco Rosé began and was approved in 2020.

Today every bottle of Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé has a government seal.

Prosecco By the Numbers

• 24,450 hectares
• 11,460 grape growers
• 1,192 wine producers
• 347  sparkling wine houses

This results in 483.5 million bottles of Prosecco DOC. Recent figures show 16.8 million bottles of Prosecco DOC Rosé  produced which is expected to dramatically increase in 2021.

77.8% of Prosecco is exported to countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Germany and France.

Prosecco is a delightful sparkling wine  which is now also available as a rosé. 
Watch for a review of six Prosecco wines next week.

Cheers!
Kathy