Prosecco and sparkling wines are wildly popular. They're the first choice for celebrations, birthdays, business events and romantic dinners — there's always a good reason to open a bottle, whether it's a simple aperitif on the balcony or the match for a homemade cake.
The wine selection at Tenuta Torciano naturally includes sparkling wines too, from prosecco to prosecco millesimato, to spumante, to sparkling rosé — there's a bottle for every occasion. Here are 8 curiosities about Prosecco, one of the most requested wines in the world.
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Prosecco is a wine, not a grape
There is no grape variety called "Prosecco." The grape used to make it is called Glera, though only a few people know that Prosecco can contain up to 15% other grapes — native vines such as Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana and Perera, or international ones like Chardonnay and Pinot. And remember: Prosecco is only white, there is no rosé version.
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Where does Prosecco come from?
Talking about Prosecco means talking about different wines made across a very large territory in Northern Italy, mostly in Veneto (about 80% of production) and Friuli (20%). The DOC denomination of Prosecco is one of the largest in Italy, covering 5 provinces of Veneto and all of Friuli Venezia Giulia. As for the name: there's a small town near Trieste called Prosecco, where the grapes and the wine may have originated. Its first written mention dates back to 1794, though the wine is believed to be centuries older.
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Brut, Dry or Extra Dry?
There are 3 categories of Prosecco, based on how much sugar is added during refermentation.
- Brut: the least sugary, most modern and international style — fresh, fruity, ideal with fish.
- Extra Dry: softer than Brut, with a slight sweetness — the traditional style, perfect for aperitif buffets.
- Dry: the sweetest style, good with savory and buttery snacks, and perfect with desserts.
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Smell the white-fleshed fruit
Expect notes of apple, pear, white melon and white peach, followed by citrus like lemon and orange peel, or more tropical hints of pineapple and kiwi. You may also find floral, vegetal tones of acacia honey, gardenia and lemon flowers.
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There's no aperitif without Prosecco
Its freshness, lightness and richness of aromas make it perfect for the occasion. 2 out of 3 aperitifs involve this wine, either on its own or as the base of a cocktail — Prosecco is the key ingredient in many, the spritz among them.
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The flute glass is out of fashion
The flute glass, used for years to show off the perlage and hold onto the bubbles, is falling out of favor. To really enjoy a sparkling wine's aromas and follow its bouquet, choose a glass with an opening wide enough to fit your nose inside and smell the wine properly.
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An unexpected guest arrives?
What's worse than a sparkling wine that isn't cold? If guests turn up suddenly and the bottle you want to serve isn't in the fridge, put it in a glacette (or any suitable container) with plenty of ice, water and a handful of coarse salt — the fastest way to bring its temperature down.
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Don't forget your manners
Making a "bang" while opening a bottle of sparkling wine — sending everyone diving to dodge the cork — is simply wrong. It can pass on New Year's Eve or at an informal, festive occasion. At a restaurant or with important guests? Never.
Discover Tenuta Torciano prosecco and sparkling wines and visit our online shop to explore all our wines.
Cheers!
FAQ
Where does Prosecco come from?
Prosecco is made across a large territory in Northern Italy, mostly in Veneto (about 80% of production) and Friuli (20%). The DOC denomination covers five provinces of Veneto and all of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
What are the different types of Prosecco?
There are three categories of Prosecco: Brut, Extra Dry, and Dry. These categories are based on how much sugar is added during refermentation.
What flavors should I expect in Prosecco?
Expect notes of apple, pear, white melon, and white peach, followed by citrus like lemon and orange peel. You may also find floral, vegetal tones of acacia honey, gardenia, and lemon flowers.
How do I quickly chill Prosecco?
If the bottle is not cold, put it in a glacette (or any suitable container) with plenty of ice, water, and a handful of coarse salt. This is the fastest way to bring its temperature down.
