It's perfect for an evening with friends at an outdoor party and for a serious banquet with colleagues. It is served in elegant restaurants, seaside pubs, and mountain shelters – for several years now, prosecco has been winning the hearts of Poles, and you can enjoy its fresh taste almost everywhere! What is it, how much alcohol does it contain, and how to distinguish its various types? How and with what additions to serve this wine?
Sparkling pleasure
Popular throughout Europe, prosecco is a delicate sparkling wine. Due to its production method, the grapes from which it is made, and the final effect, it stands out from other beverages of this type, such as the green vinho verde or champagne. Its fresh fruity-floral taste, delicate sweetness that makes it excellent on its own and perfectly combines with various additions, or pleasant bubbles, put you in a good mood regardless of the occasion.
Prosecco is produced in Italy from the Glera grape variety, once known as... "prosecco". These are white grapes - so it is impossible to make this beverage in any other color. Although sometimes a pink variety can be found on the shelves, this color is the result of mixing sparkling wine with red wine. The name itself is protected and reserved only for alcohols produced by the Charmat method from these grapes in Italy - specifically in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions. Despite their common origin, there are many types of prosecco - so what kind of wine is it in detail?
Types of prosecco
Knowing what prosecco is is not enough to choose the best one. You should pay attention to the information on the label - the so-called appellations, which consist of: the producer's own name, the definition of the dryness level, and the abbreviation: "DOCG" or "DOC", indicating the region of origin.
Also important is the degree of carbonation of prosecco, which also affects the durability of the effervescence and the method of bottle closure. Heavily bubbly is Spumante wine, which is often sealed like champagne. A more delicate version is Frizzante - lightly sparkling and sold in screw-cap bottles.
As with other Italian wines, prosecco is distinguished by its dryness. The individual levels range from brut (very dry) to extra-dry (slightly sweet). However, the tartness or sweetness are not so pronounced as to make this drink heavier or lighter - these are rather nuances, perceptible to people with strong preferences in either direction. It is therefore excellent as an aperitif, as a light wine for lunch or dinner, and as an accompaniment to snacks: sushi, cheeses, seafood, etc. How is prosecco made?
Charmat Method
The first fermentation proceeds similarly to that of champagne. In the second stage, a significant difference appears – Champagne wine goes straight into bottles, where it undergoes further fermentation, while the Italian beverage is poured into special steel tanks before bottling. These are tightly sealed, and an appropriate pressure is created within them. Only after a period specified by the producer is it filtered and transferred to glass bottles.
Is prosecco as healthy as other wines? During the production process, polyphenols are preserved – these are antioxidants that improve circulation, and are also present in many different grape beverages. However, it should be remembered that due to how much alcohol prosecco has, this potentially positive effect can only be observed in people who limit themselves to one glass per week!
The perfect glass for bubbles
There's no need to ponder for long about where to buy prosecco – this beverage is now available in almost every grocery store and establishment from the sea to the Tatra Mountains. A much more important question is how to drink prosecco to enjoy its full flavor.
Prosecco glasses are crystal clear and look like a combination of white wine and champagne glasses. On a long stem, there is a narrow and slightly flaring bowl. Thanks to it, the bubbles last longer, and at the same time, the aroma slowly releases itself to the nostrils. For drinks using this alcohol, various smaller or larger capacity wine glasses will be suitable.
The method of tasting prosecco is similar to other wines. The optimal liquid temperature is around 8-12 oC. This is the recommended range when consuming it alone, but it is also worth learning what to serve and drink prosecco with, what cocktails can be made with it, and what to add to enrich its taste!
Delicious additions to prosecco
Prosecco - although delicious and refreshing on its own - is best served with additions that enhance it. A fantastic taste can be achieved by slicing juicy strawberries and pouring cold wine over the prepared fruit. Another good idea is to put ice cubes, citrus pieces, and mint leaves into the drink. In winter, you can try combining the extra-dry variety with frozen raspberries, currants, or blackberries, making it slightly more tart and fruity.
Most popular prosecco drinks
Choosing the right prosecco for cocktails doesn't have to be difficult – much depends on the desired flavor profile. For those who appreciate distinct bubbles and a refreshing cocktail, Spumante prosecco will be the best choice, while Frizzante prosecco will be suitable for a more delicate, neutral profile. Both of these types of sparkling wine perfectly complement popular additions like Aperol, elderflower syrup, or peach juice. However, it's worth remembering that prosecco drinks and cocktails are best mixed gently with a spoon, not shaken in a shaker – excessive agitation can cause the drink to quickly lose its sparkling character. Regardless of whether you choose a classic Aperol Spritz, an elegant Bellini, or a fresh Hugo, a well-chosen prosecco will enhance their flavor and make every sip exceptionally pleasant.
Aperol Spritz recipe
To prepare an Aperol Spritz, you will need:
- 200 ml prosecco;
- 120 ml Aperol;
- 60 ml sparkling water;
- A few ice cubes;
- 2-3 orange slices.
Place ice and orange slices in a balloon red wine glass. Then pour and mix prosecco, Aperol, and sparkling water.
Bellini drink recipe
To prepare Bellini, you will need:
- 100 ml prosecco;
- 50 ml pulp from a peeled and blended peach.
Chill tall prosecco or champagne glasses in the refrigerator. Pour in the cold peach puree and prosecco, mix thoroughly.
Limoncello Spritz recipe
To prepare Limoncello Spritz, you will need:
- 200 ml prosecco;
- 70 ml limoncello;
- 3-4 lime slices;
- 6-8 ice cubes.
Arrange ice and fruit slices in a balloon wine glass. Pour in both chilled alcohols and mix thoroughly.
Poinsetti drink recipe
To prepare Poinsetti, you will need:
- 100 ml prosecco;
- 20 ml Cointreau;
- 40 ml 100% cranberry juice;
- a sprig of rosemary.
Mix both spirits and juice in a flute glass. Place a sprig of fresh rosemary in the finished cocktail.