Prosecco Flashcards
What is the principal grape varietal used in Prosecco?
Glera
What method is used to produce Prosecco?
Tank method
In what part of Italy is Prosecco produced?
Northeastern Italy
What is the typical character of Prosecco?
Brut to Demi-Sec
Medium to medium (+) acidity
Light body
Light to medium (-) intensity apple and pear notes
What is the classic sweetness level of Prosecco?
Extra dry
True or False
Prosecco can only be produced in the spumante style
False. Both spumante and frizzante are permitted
What is the quality range of Prosecco DOC compared to Prosecco DOCG?
DOC: acceptable to good
DOCG: good to very good
What is the pricing of Prosecco?
Typically mid-priced with a few at premium prices
What are the specific differences in the profile of Prosecco DOCG compared to DOC wines?
More intensity and complexity on the palate
What happened to the Prosecco DOC in 2009?
It was vastly expanded to include former IGTs that produced tank method wines based on Glera
The areas around Conegliano and Valdobiaddene, as well as Asolo (Colli Asolani), were promoted to DOCG
What was the name of Glera before its name change? Why was it changed?
Glera was formerly named Prosecco. It was changed to allow the denomination to be named Prosecco and to protect the denomination’s integrity and success.
What is the climate in the Prosecco DOC? What level of rainfall does it receive?
Warm, moderately continental climate
Moderate rainfall
What part of the Prosecco DOC is exposed to higher disease pressure? What is done to mitigate the risk?
The flat Po River plains which hold fogs and mists from the river and its tributaries. Increased spraying fights off diseases
How does the climate of Prosecco DOCG compare to the climate of Prosecco DOC? What effect does this have on the grapes?
Prosecco DOCG has more cooling influences and larger diurnal swing due to the higher altitude. The grapes ripen slower, creating more intense fruit flavors and higher acidity.
What Italian states are included in the Prosecco DOC area?
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Veneto
Trentino
Where are the more fertile soils of the Prosecco DOC located? How does this affect grape growing and yields?
In the plains, where yields will be higher and flavor intensity lower
Is Glera vigorous or not?
It is vigorous
Is Glera an aromatic variety?
It is semi-aromatic
Is glera low yielding or high yielding?
High yielding
What is Glera susceptible to?
Millerendage, powdery and downy mildew, summer drought, and grapevine yellows
How does Glera need to be trained? Why?
Glera needs a long training method with 8-12 buds on trellises. The first two buds on the vine do not bear much fruit.
What is the planting density of Glera in Prosecco DOC? Why?
Low to medium, with 3,000 plants per hectare.
Glera is a vigorous variety that requires space to grow.
How many varieties have been identified as ‘Prosecco’?
There are at least three, all of which are typically blended
What are the common training methods for Glera?
Sylvoz, double-arched cane, and single or double Guyot
What is Sylvoz?
A high cordon training system with shoots that hang downwards, best suited for high-vigor sites and varieties wih the goal of producing high yields
What are the benefits of using the Sylvoz training method?
Inexpensive to create
Minimizes winter pruning
Suitable for machine harvesting
Offers frost resistance due to height from the ground
What are the disadvantages to using the Sylvoz training method?
It may encourage overcropping and requires careful canopy management to prevent shading
What is Double Arched Cane?
A training method commonly used in Prosecco DOC. The canes are bent into arches that come back to the trunk.
What are the advantages of Double Arched Cane?
The evenness of growth and fruitfulness of Glera are improved
Ventilation in the canopy is increased, reducing fungal disease
What are the disadvantages of Double Arched Cane?
The individual branches must be tied to the trunk (adding cost)
Extra maintenance in the vineyard to ensure an open canopy
Where in the Prosecco area is Double Arched Cane most often implemented? Why?
On the hillsides of Prosecco DOCG where the primary aim is high fruit quality.
Is vineyard work in Prosecco DOC done by hand or machine? Why?
Almost all work including harvest is done by machine. The DOC area is mostly flat and the vineyard areas are massive, generating economies of scale favorable to mechanization.
Is vineyard work in Prosecco DOCG done by hand or by machine? Why?
Prosecco DOCG comprises hillsides that are incompatible with mechanization. Vineyard work is done by hand
Where do the best wines of Prosecco come from?
South facing hillsides in Prosecco DOCG. They receive more sunlight, large diurnal swing, and sit on faster draining, low fertility soils. The grapes in these sites take longer to develop.
For how long and at what temperature does primary fermentation for Prosecco occur? Why?
15-20 days at a controlled 18°C (64.4°F). This preserves primary fruit aromas.