Prosecco wine

Prosecco is popularly enjoyed as ‘frizzante’ (fizzy) or ‘spumante’ (fully sparkling).

What type of wine is Prosecco?

Prosecco is a sparkling wine that must be 85% “Glera” grape, with the remaining 15% consisting of the following 9 grape varieties: Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Glera Lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir.

This wine is generally bottled at four different levels of sweetness: Brut (driest), Extra Dry, Dry, and Demi-Sec (sweetest).

Brut has 0 to 12g of sugar, the lowest level of residual sugar which is great if you like it dry. Extra Dry contains 12 to 17g residual sugar making it dry with a hint of sweetness. The Demi-Sac is sweet with 32 to 50g residual sugar.

Famously known as a sweeter sparkling wine, Prosecco is mostly enjoyed Extra-Dry.

Is Prosecco a Champagne or wine?

While Prosecco and Champagne seem alike as sparkling wine; the reality is that they are different.

1) Origins

It is mandatory that Prosecco is produced in Veneto, Italy. Champagne, on the other hand, is made in Champagne, France.

2) Fermentation and bottling process

Prosecco is made using the Charmat-Menotti method, meaning the second fizz ferment occurs in a stainless steel tank. This process produces a younger and fruitier style of sparkling wine.

It takes about 30 days to produce a bottle and is best consumed within 2 to 3 years of production.

Champagne uses the Methode-Champagnoise method, which happens inside the bottle and takes at least 15 months of preparation, or 3 years for millésime champagnes.

3) Bubbles

Prosecco’s bubbles, produced with 2 to 4 atmospheric pressure, last a little longer than beer but shorter than Champagne.

The Prosecco’s production process produces a fruitier complex while the Champagne exhibits more almond-like flavours.

Is Prosecco sweeter than Champagne?

Extra Dry Prosecco or Prosecco Brut is sweeter than Brut Champagne.

The drier Proseccos are of a higher quality and made by superior wineries like Lunetta Prosecco.

These wineries produce top-quality grapes and pay extra attention to their vines and processes, resulting in a premium end product that does not need extra sugar to cover up any imperfections in quality. Thus, as Prosecco is highly fruity flavored, it will taste sweeter and as a sweeter drink, it is easy to get carried away.

But how much is too much? Let’s have a look at the alcohol content.

Prosecco alcohol content

It is a pleasant surprise that the Alcohol by Volume (ABV) of Prosecco ranges from 10.5% to 12% depending on your bottle of choice. It is lower in alcohol content compared to unfortified or fortified wine which usually ranges from 12% to 25%.

What is so special about Prosecco?

Besides its fresh flavours, this sparkling wine shines in several other ways, including:

1) Health Benefits

Prosecco is surprisingly good for your heart. The polyphenols it contains, which are plant chemicals loaded with antioxidant properties, lowers blood pressure and improves circulation, strengthening your heart’s health and lowering the risk of stroke.

2) Price

Many also love Prosecco for its affordability as a high-quality sparkling white wine.

3) Alcohol Content

Lower than its popular counterpart Champagne at only 10.5% to 12% ABV, this white wine is perfect for longer enjoyment.

4) Lesser Calories

A traditional glass of wine holds around 1.5g of sugar per glass and amounts to about 80 calories. A 5-ounce glass of Prosecco contains between 60 to 120 calories.This is excellent news for healthier drinking.

Is Prosecco good for beginners?

Prosecco has a light and fruity taste making it easy to drink and is a great way to introduce wine to any beginner.

Shop for more sparkling wine brands suitable for beginners at Whisky.my.

Is Prosecco a pre or post-dinner drink?

Prosecco is usually best served as an aperitif or after dinner because of its high fruity level of sweetness.

What does Prosecco taste like?

The extra dry Prosecco has common tasting notes of zingy citrus or lemongrass, while a bottle of Brut Prosecco has green apple, white peach, and honeydew qualities.

Prosecco also has incredible floral and honeysuckle-like aromas, further elevating the tastebud’s experience.

Prosecco Taste – Is it sweet or dry?

Most Prosecco wines are produced in a dry, brut style. But due to the grapes’ fruity flavors, it seems sweeter than it is.

How do you drink Prosecco?

Prosecco is best served chilled at 40 to 45℉ [4 to 10°C ].

Some sides that go perfectly with Prosecco are mild soft or rich earthy cheeses, antipasti, cured meats, and even pizza.

Does Prosecco need to be refrigerated?

Prosecco is best stored upright in a cool and dark spot, between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius away from any source of light or heat. It should only be chilled before use.

An opened bottle must be stored in the refrigerator using a champagne stopper to preserve the bubbles and fruit characteristics.

Food pairing

The acidity of Prosecco balances out fatty foods, while salty meats bring out the sweet and fruity notes of the Prosecco.

Should you intend to use Prosecco as a palate cleanser, it is perfect for sushi and oysters. This is because its fruity and light flavors are further enhanced with the essence of seafood, pasta, and pate.

For a bold robust taste, pair Prosecco with spicy curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, and even pizza!

As an aperitif or digestif, it teams well for breakfast mimosas with eggs, salty crisps and nuts, and charcuterie.

What do you mix Prosecco with?

Prosecco is the main ingredient in Spritz Cocktails, and can also be used in other fruity cocktails, such as Mimosas. Prosecco is also used in the popular Italian mixed drink Sgroppino.

Fun fact: the original Bellini cocktail used Prosecco in its mix.

Prosecco is your go-to sweet bubbly companion

As an incredibly versatile and refreshing wine with an array of style and food pairing options, especially for Southeast Asian cuisines, Prosecco is certainly a sparkling choice. Buy a bottle now!

Cin Cin.