8. Sparkling Wine in Italy

Question 1

Why has Italy become a major producer of sparkling wine in recent years?

Answer 1

Worldwide demand for Prosecco. In 2009 Italy overtook France as the largest exporter of sparkling wine by volume (France remains #1 by value)

Question 2

What is the primary method of making sparkling wine in Italy?

Answer 2

Tank - 96% of Italian sparkling wine production is tank method and half of this is Prosecco.

Question 3

What Italian sparkling wines are made by tank method?

Answer 3

Prosecco and Lambrusco are mainly made by this method. Asti uses a variation.

Question 4

How are tank method wines classified by the level of pressure in the bottle?

Answer 4

Spumante - min 3 bar pressure

Frizzante - 1-2.5 bar

Question 5

What are the 2 types of traditional method sparkling wines made in Italy? How does Italy’s production of traditional method sparkling wine compare to Champagne?

Answer 5

Franciacorta & Trentodoc

Italy is 10% of Champagne’s production