Conegliano Valdobbiadene

• Glera: The heart of Prosecco, offering aromas of white flowers, green apples, pears, and honeydew melon.
• Verdiso: Adds bright acidity and a refreshing lift, enhancing the wine's crisp profile.
• Bianchetta Trevigiana: Provides body and roundness, particularly beneficial in cooler seasons.
• Glera Lunga: A variant of Glera, known for its longer berries, contributing additional structure.
• Other Varieties: Winemakers may include small amounts of local grapes to fine-tune style and character.

Most Prosecco Superiore is produced using the Charmat method. Spumante is the main style, with frizzante and still versions also made. While Extra Dry is traditional, drier Brut styles are gaining popularity, highlighting the grape's natural acidity.

The Prosecco Superiore DOCG region enjoys a mild climate with vineyards set on steep slopes ranging from 50 to 600 meters in elevation. These terraces face east and south, maximizing sun exposure. Warm summers and cool breezes from the Adriatic Sea create a big temperature shift from day to night, helping grapes keep their natural acidity, key for sparkling wines.

Rainfall is abundant, nourishing the lush vineyards. Conegliano, warmer and drier, yields riper base wines, while Valdobbiadene, at higher altitude, offers wines with sharper acidity. Soils differ from clay-limestone in Conegliano to sandstone, marl, and clay in Valdobbiadene. This variety in the land forms micro-terroirs, enhancing the wines' minerality and structure, alongside their apple and floral flavors.

The Conegliano Valdobbiadene region is a vibrant tapestry of exceptional Prosecco Superiore producers, blending tradition with innovation. Standout wineries include:

• Bisol (Valdobbiadene): This historic family estate is celebrated for its single-site wines, especially from Cartizze.
• Nino Franco (Valdobbiadene): An early advocate for top-notch spumante, renowned for its elegant, fruit-forward wines.
• Adami (Valdobbiadene): Known for its precise Prosecco, capturing the essence of hillside vineyards.
• Andreola (Valdobbiadene area): A grower committed to quality, offering drier styles.
• Col Vetoraz (Valdobbiadene): Praised for terroir-focused Brut and vintage wines with fine texture.

These wineries, along with others like Ruggeri and Conte Collalto, showcase the region's dedication to quality and its unique terroir, ensuring a bright future for Prosecco Superiore.

In the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region, sustainability is integral to viticulture. The steep hills demand eco-friendly practices such as maintaining permanent grass cover to prevent erosion and reducing tillage. By limiting herbicides and synthetic additives, local efforts focus on preserving biodiversity and enhancing soil health.

Vineyards here often rely on hand cultivation, supporting low-impact methods that align with organic or integrated certifications. Pruning leftovers and grape marc are repurposed, improving pest management and reducing waste. Experimentation with cover crops and green fertilization further minimizes environmental impact.

These initiatives reflect the region's commitment to cutting back on agrochemicals and using resources efficiently, in harmony with regional and national sustainability goals. This dedication ensures that the celebrated Prosecco Superiore DOCG wines continue to thrive, maintaining their quality and heritage while protecting the environment.

The Prosecco Superiore hills in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region offer a rich tapestry of wine tourism experiences. Visitors can traverse the Strada del Prosecco, a scenic route linking historic wineries and charming villages. The area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites exploration through guided tastings that highlight the region's celebrated sparkling wines, often paired with local delicacies such as Treviso radicchio and regional cheeses.

Cycling and walking trails through picturesque vineyards provide a chance to appreciate the landscape's beauty, particularly around the Cartizze ridge. The region's cultural richness is evident in Conegliano, where architectural sites and museums delve into the area's winemaking history. During harvest season, local festivals offer vibrant markets and the opportunity to enjoy a glass of Prosecco Superiore, making it a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts.