What do we mean with sparkling wine?
In order to better understand the many linguistic and conceptual nuances that exist within the sparkling wine world, and more generally within the wine world, it is important to make things clear starting from the comprehension of the term “sparkling wine”.
The sparkling wine is a product obtained with the first and second alcoholic fermentation of fresh grapes, of grape must, of wine. It is characterized by the uncorking of the container by a development of carbon dioxide coming exclusively from the fermentation. In order to be considered as such, the alcohol content shall not be less than 9.5% vol.
Classification of sparkling wines
TheItalian and European law also classifies sparkling wines according to their residual sugar, from Zero Dosage, i.e. when the sugar content is less than 3 gr/l, to Sweet, i.e. when the sugar content is higher than 50 gr/l.
Sparkling wine production methods
The sparkling wine production, i.e. the second fermentation of wine, can mainly take place through three different ways:
- Classic Method or Champenoise Method (second fermentation in the bottle)
- Charmat Method or Martinotti Method (second fermentation in autoclave)
- Ancestral (natural second fermentation in the bottle).
What is Prosecco?
Prosecco is a sparkling wine. In order to understand whether it exists or not a difference between sparkling wine and Prosecco, it is essential to start from this definition.
The huge success achieved during the years by Prosecco is also the reason why consumers have often used this term in inappropriate ways. There is in fact a lot of confusion about the definition of the word Prosecco and very often, especially online, we hear erroneously that sparkling wine and Prosecco are two different categories of products.
Is there a difference between Prosecco and sparkling wine?
The sparkling wine can be produced in any area and with any grape variety. On the other hand, since it is a DOC, Prosecco must be made with grapes coming from Glera vineyard. In addition, up to a maximum of 15% of the following grape varieties can be present into the wine: Verdiso, Bianchetta trevigiana, Perera, Gloria lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Nero (vinified in white).
As in all denominations of origin, in fact, also for Prosecco there is a well-identified area within which it is obligatory to produce and harvest the grapes. This area includes the provinces of: Belluno, Gorizia, Padua, Pordenone, Treviso, Trieste, Udine, Venice and Vicenza.
When we talk about Prosecco DOC we mean a high-quality sparkling wine whose brand certifies the area of origin of crops and grapes. At the same time, the denomination of controlled origin guarantees that the entire manufacturing process follows the prescribed standards, in full compliance with the organoleptic properties, alcohol content and quality.
The difference between sparkling wine and Prosecco
In addition with the area of origin and the Production Regulations, the other major difference between Prosecco and sparkling wine is represented by the grape with which the first is produced.
Prosecco, in fact, is processed starting from the Glera variety, a grape with its own aromatic and gustatory profile which is recognized in the final product, characterized by clearly evident aromatic notes which range towards ripe white fruit and yellow fruit.
Prosecco is therefore easily recognizable for this characteristic.
The production process of Prosecco
The production of Prosecco is always carried out with the Charmat Method.
The Prosecco Regulations states that the product must stay in an autoclave for at least 30 days and that it cannot be bottled before this period of time, from the beginning to the fermentation. This period is useful for qualifying the product.
This longer processing period allows the yeasts, at the end of the alcoholic fermentation, to release mannoproteins that requalify the product.
Rocca dei Forti Prosecco DOC Brut
Among its wide range of products, Rocca dei Forti also has a Prosecco DOC: Rocca dei Forti Prosecco DOC Brut.
It has a straw yellow colour and a fine and persistent perlage. This sparkling wine is the main protagonist of the aperitif.
Discover here all its organoleptic characteristics: https://www.roccadeiforti.it/en/product/prosecco-doc/
