Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that has captured the palate of consumers worldwide. However, its history is ancient and fascinating, and its quality is the result of a long tradition of processing and meticulous care of the grape.
Prosecco is mainly produced in the Veneto region, in northeastern Italy. The origins of this wine date back to the first half of the 19th century when the production method of Prosecco was perfected thanks to the use of wooden barrels and bottle fermentation. In the 1960s, Prosecco began to gain popularity worldwide, thanks to its lightness, liveliness, and fruity aroma.
World Market
Today, Prosecco is one of the most exported Italian wines worldwide, with an annual turnover of approximately €2 billion. The major markets for Prosecco are the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and France.
Economy of Production Areas
Prosecco is produced in a vast area of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, which includes the region of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, the hilly area between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the plain south of Treviso, and the area of Colli Asolani.
The production of Prosecco is an important source of income for families living in these areas and represents a significant economic activity for the entire region.
Processing Techniques
Prosecco is mainly produced with the Glera grape, which must be cultivated according to specific quality standards. The grape is handpicked and transported to the cellar, where it is gently pressed to obtain the must.
The must is then fermented in the bottle with the addition of selected yeasts until it reaches the correct pressure. Once the desired pressure is reached, the wine is cooled to stop fermentation.
Grape Quality
The quality of the grape used to produce Prosecco is essential for the quality of the wine. Glera grapes must be cultivated in clayey and calcareous soils, with an altitude between 50 and 500 meters above sea level.
The grape must be hand-picked and of high quality, with a thick and resistant skin. Only in this way can high-quality, fresh, sparkling, and aromatic wines like Prosecco be obtained.
In conclusion, Prosecco is a wine that represents an important enological heritage of Italy. Its ancient history, meticulous processing techniques, grape quality, and economy of production areas make Prosecco a unique wine in the world, beloved by all.
By Walter Konrad
