What I Learned
The region producing Prosecco DOC wines maybe be found throughout northeastern Italy in the provinces of Belluno, Pordenone, Treviso, Padua, Gorizia, Udine, Venice and Vicenza. However, two major production districts within the Veneto region, in the Province of Treviso, are particularly well-known: Conegliano and Valdobbiadene (stress on the second “A”, in case you wondered). This is the designated Prosecco DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) area, a higher quality level than the Prosecco DOC. Conegliano anchors the eastern part of the area.
The most prestigious vine growing area is known as the Cartizze. It is 106 hectares of extensively cultivated slopes known as the Golden Pentagon. Laying on an ancient seabed, moraine and sand soils promote good drainage, important in an area that can otherwise get a fair amount of rain. The microclimate is highly favorable for grape production, and sitting in a bowl, generally facing south with its highest side on the north, the sun’s heat is retained, and the cold north winds excluded. This vineyard area tends to produce DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wines, a denomination higher up the Italian wine quality scale.
The most important varietal in Prosecco wines is the Glera. Formerly known as the Prosecco varietal, it was re-designated “Glera” in 2009. Now the word Prosecco refers only to the wine. The grape itself was well-known in antiquity.
Vintners may add up to 15 per cent total of other varietals in a Prosecco cuvee. These include Verdiso, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco and Bianchetta Trevigiana.
What I Tasted
Glera Spumante, Extra Dry, Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze, Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), Gabara: A dry white sparkling wine with light gold color and lively, fine bubbles; a mineral, talc-like nose with a hint of floral scent; fruity, floral and slight vanilla flavors; creamy mouthfeel and mild acidity
Prosecco, Brut, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, DOCG, Vigneto Vecio: A dry white sparkling wine with very light gold color, and fine, lively, persistent bubbles; bread and floral nose, with green apple, bread and floral flavors; creamy mouthfeel with a mild to medium acidity.
Prosecco Brut, Cima, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, DOCG (bottled by Cantina Sociale di Tezze del Piave): A dry white sparkling wine with medium-light gold color and fine lively bubbles; a bready, mineral and floral nose, with green apple and floral flavors; creamy mouthfeel with medium-high acidity
Prosecco Brut, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, DOCG, Nino Franco (Valdobbiadene): A dry, white sparkling wine with medium minus gold color and fine, swirling bubbles; floral, green apple, slight aftertaste of honey; medium minus acidity, with a tangy finish.
Prosecco Brut, Crede, Prosecco Superiore, DOCG, Bisol: A dry sparkling wine with fine, lively bubbles, and medium gold color; nose floral and slightly sweet; with green apple, slight yeast, smoke and spicy flavors; medium acidity.