Prosecco

• Glera: the signature grape, expressing crisp acidity and aromas of pear, green apple, white peach, melon, and honeysuckle; forms the backbone of both sparkling and still Prosecco styles.
• Verdiso, Perera, Bianchetta Trevigiana: local white varieties occasionally blended for added complexity and subtle floral or herbal nuances.
• Chardonnay & Pinot Bianco: international grapes permitted in small amounts, lending structure and depth to select blends.
• Spumante: fully sparkling Prosecco made via the Charmat-Martinotti method; lively, light-bodied, and fruit-forward with delicate bubbles.
• Frizzante: lightly sparkling, offering a gentler fizz and fresh, approachable character.
• Tranquillo: rare still Prosecco, emphasizing pure orchard fruit and floral notes without bubbles.
• Col Fondo: ancestral style, bottle-fermented and unfiltered; cloudy, bone-dry, and savory with rustic bread and apple cider hints.
• Prosecco Rosé: combines Glera with Pinot Nero for pale pink color and notes of strawberry and raspberry, alongside classic citrus and floral tones.
• Sweetness levels: ranges from Extra Brut (ultra-dry) to Brut (crisp), Extra Dry (softly fruity), and Dry (richly sweet), each highlighting different facets of Glera’s aromatic charm.

The Prosecco region, nestled in northeastern Italy, boasts a diverse terroir characterized by its hilly landscapes, particularly around Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. These steep hillsides, composed of marl and sandstone soils, provide ideal drainage and sun exposure, essential for cultivating the Glera grape with its signature crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. This unique soil composition contributes to the mineral depth and aromatic complexity of the wines. The climate in this region is marked by mild weather, with warm days and cool nights, facilitating slow grape ripening. This diurnal temperature variation is vital for preserving the natural acidity and refreshing character of the grapes. Gentle breezes and ample sunshine further enhance vineyard health, allowing Prosecco to maintain its elegant and refined style.

Prosecco's heartland in Conegliano and Valdobbiadene is home to several notable wineries that have shaped the region's sparkling wine legacy, balancing tradition with modern innovation:

• Carpenè Malvolti: A pioneering winery established in 1868, known for its historic role in developing Prosecco and its dedication to blending tradition with modern winemaking techniques.
• Mionetto: Founded in 1887, this winery has been instrumental in bringing Valdobbiadene Prosecco to the global stage, renowned for their elegant and accessible wines.
• Nino Franco: A family-owned estate since 1919, celebrated for its artisanal methods and high-quality DOCG wines, including the internationally acclaimed “Rustico” Prosecco.
• Bisol: With roots dating back to 1542, Bisol is acclaimed for its premium Prosecco Superiore, particularly from the esteemed Cartizze cru.
• Bortolomiol: Established in 1949, this winery revolutionized Prosecco by introducing the Brut style and continues to innovate with a focus on sustainability.
• Ruggeri: Known for producing Prosecco Superiore from ancient vines, this winery highlights the concentration and complexity achievable in Prosecco.
• Adami: A respected grower-producer since 1920, specializing in terroir-expressive Proseccos, including the iconic single-vineyard “Vigneto Giardino.”

Prosecco's booming popularity is matched by a strong commitment to sustainability, particularly in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG hills. The region has taken significant steps to protect its environment, with the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore consortium at the forefront. In 2019, they achieved a milestone by becoming the largest wine denomination in Europe to ban glyphosate, underlining their dedication to eco-friendly practices. This ban, along with their Viticultural Protocol, encourages the reduction of chemical use and promotes smart pest management. By 2016, about 84% of the region’s wine was produced under these sustainable guidelines, and organic certification has seen a notable rise. This commitment ensures that while Prosecco's production scales up, it remains rooted in caring for the land and its communities. Beyond the vineyards, Prosecco producers are also focusing on reducing waste and harnessing renewable energy. Many wineries have embraced solar power and wastewater recycling, turning grape leftovers into bioenergy and natural fertilizers. Sustainable packaging and transportation efforts are also underway, with lighter, recyclable bottles helping to reduce shipping emissions. The preservation of the region's stunning "cultural landscape," now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another priority. Efforts include maintaining dry-stone walls and grassy vineyard banks to prevent erosion, as well as protecting biodiversity by interspersing forests, olive groves, and pastures with vineyards. These initiatives collectively aim to balance economic success with environmental and social responsibility, ensuring that Prosecco’s global appeal does not come at the cost of its natural heritage.

Prosecco's wine tourism offers a rich tapestry of experiences where visitors can immerse themselves in the region's heritage and flavors. The Prosecco Wine Road, winding through Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, provides a scenic route to explore the birthplace of this celebrated sparkling wine. This journey, peppered with terraced vineyards and historic landmarks, invites travelers to appreciate the harmony between the landscape and wine production. Along the way, winery visits offer opportunities to learn about the unique Charmat method and savor a variety of Prosecco styles directly from the source, enriching the understanding of this globally beloved wine. Beyond the vineyards, the culinary and cultural offerings within the Prosecco region deepen the tourism experience. Visitors can enjoy local dishes at farm restaurants nestled among the hills, where seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes highlight the area's gastronomic heritage. Towns like Conegliano and Valdobbiadene provide charming accommodations and cultural sites, including Italy’s first wine school and medieval churches. Seasonal festivals, from springtime wine fairs to autumn harvest celebrations, further enhance the cultural tapestry, ensuring that each visit to Prosecco is as vibrant and varied as its wines.