Prosecco is often confused with Champagne but anyone who knows their Prosecco knows it is in a coveted class of its own. For the record, Prosecco and Champagne are not interchangeable names for the same beverage in different countries. Here are 5 easy and fun facts about Prosecco. Cin cin!

There is a vast difference between the two beverages, from the grapes, to the growing regions, to the fermentation process, and much more. These 5 basic facts about Prosecco will give you lots of conversation talking points as you sip some at your next cocktail party.

Sparkling Wine Corks
Image by Mariachiara Minoia from Pixabay

The Top Five Facts about Prosecco

  1. Prosecco used to be the name of the grape from which the beverage was made. However, in 2009, the Italian government changed the name of the grape to Glera. At the same time, the region of production became registered in the EU as ‘Prosecco DOC’ (Denominazione di Origine Controllata or Denomination of Controlled Origin),to deter imitators from using the name Prosecco for inferior products. As a result, anyone who grows the grape formerly known as Prosecco outside the DOC, cannot use the word Prosecco on the label – especially if they want to sell the product in the European Union.  
  1. The superior Prosecco comes from the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. The Prosecco Road or La Strada del Proseccois a 40 km corridor that connects the towns of Coneglio and Valdobbiadene. This is where the most exclusive Prosecco is found, often produced in multi-generational vineyards, also known as cantine. 
  1. Prosecco is sparkling wine, not Champagne. Prosecco gets its bubbles from re-fermenting the wine in steel tanks using the Charmat or Italian method.  Champagne gets its bubbles from re-fermenting the wine in the bottle, using the méthode Champenoise, or metodo classico (in Italian).
  1. Not all Proseccos are sparkling. Even though the iconic Proseccos are sparkling, they can also be made as semi-sparkling and still wine (Prosecco liscio). However, outside of Italy it is unusual to find the still wine products.
  1. The original Bellini used fresh white peaches and Prosecco, not Champagne. Harry’s Bar in Venice lays claim to the first Bellini. The peaches were pressed through a sieve into a glass and Prosecco was poured over the puree. 

Bonus Prosecco Fact

The name ‘prosecco’ comes from the Slovenian ‘prosek’, meaning ‘path through the woods’. The village named Prosecco, is now a suburb of the city of Trieste in northeastern Italy.  This is where Prosecco production began.

Prosecco Cocktails
Image by RitaE from Pixabay

Taste Tip

One of my favourite Proseccos is from the Ronfini cantina on the Prosecco Road, which is available through private order. It is light, fresh, and fruity – delicious with hints of peach and apple. Excellent on its own or with appetizers. You can e-mail me for more information. 

Prosecco Drink Recipe

  • Pour pomegranate juice and a splash of Cointreau into a flute glass
  • Top with Prosecco
  • Add a few fresh pomegranate seeds for fun and flavour

Prosecco Facts