How to Choose the Perfect Prosecco Sparkling Wine?

 Champagne is often associated with celebrations and festive occasions, but if you are looking for alternatives, you may want to consider Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine that is pretty much like its French counterpart. Prosecco sparkling wine is more affordable than champagne and will satisfy your craving for some bubbly, but you have to be careful when buying to make sure that you are getting an authentic product. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect bottle:

 

Prosecco 101

First, it’s important to know what Prosecco sparkling wine is and how it differs from Champagne. The wine is produced from a grape known as ‘Glera,’ and its name is based off the village of Prosecco in Trieste. It is primarily produced in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, but superior quality Prosecco is produced in the area between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano.

 

Make sure it’s from Italy

Antonio Carpané, a chemist, created the first bottle of the sparkling wine in 1868. He had an idea that a wine as good as Champagne could easily be made in Italy.

Do note that Prosecco doesn’t have the local protections as Champagne; so many producers from other countries make it, too. That said, authentic Prosecco technically comes from Italy, so be sure to check the label.

Check the grape

Apart from making sure that the wine is from Italy; check if the Prosecco sparkling wine is made from the Glera grape. It’s a green-skinned, semi-aromatic grape variety, which makes it typically fruity, fragrant, and floral. A bottle should contain at least 855 percent Glera grape to be considered authentic Prosecco.

 

Look for DOCG

While reading the label, look for ‘DOCG,’ which is a quality classification confirming that the Prosecco sparkling wine is made to specific quality standards. Best quality Prosecco has DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) on the label, which means it’s made in the limestone-rich area between the towns of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano.

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