Prosecco DOC and DOCG Flashcards
Sparkling Wines
What are the appellations in the Prosecco quality pyramid?
(From bottom to top):
Prosecco DOC;
Prosecco Treviso DOC;
Asolo Prosecco DOCG;
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG.
Where does Prosecco DOC cover?
It is made in a large swathe of Veneto and the whole of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. However production is concentrated in the Treviso Province in Veneto.
Where does Prosecco DOC rank in production in Italy?
It is the largest DOC by volume.
Where are the vineyards of Prosecco DOC located?
They are on the fertile flat plains and produce high volume sparkling wine.
Which grape is used to produce Prosecco?
Glera -formerly called Prosecco. It is believed to be a native of NE Italy. It is almost entirely planted in the Veneto and Friuli regions.
What did the name Prosecco traditionally refer to?
A place, a wine and a grape variety.
Why was the grape name changed from Prosecco?
To protect against impersonators. It allowed the Prosecco name to be used only for the wines from the historical area of origin.
What is the highest quality zone in the Prosecco quality pyramid?
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG.
Where is Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG located?
It is in the foothills of the Alps between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene on steep hills north of Treviso.
What makes Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG wines so valued?
They are made from the best sites and growing conditions in the historic heart of the Prosecco area.It consists of 15 communes.
What is the only style of wine permitted to use the “Prosecco Superiore DOCG” designation
Spumante. They may use the name Conigliano and/or Valdobbiadene on the label.
What are the three recognised quality designations with the CV Prosecco DOCG boundary?
CV Prosecco Superiore DOCG;
CV Prosecco Superiore Rive DOCG;
Valdobiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG.
What is the only sub-zone of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG?
Superiore di Cartizze DOCG. It is a small area which produces the peak of the quality pyramid in Prosecco.
NOTE IT IS NOT A STANDALONE DOCG.
Why is Cartizze wine so respected?
It is considered to have the region’s finest and steepest vineyards.
Which word is prohibited on the Cartizze label?
The word Prosecco. They are normally labelled as Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG.
What does ‘Rive” on a label signify?
It is regarded as the next level down from Cartizze. The wine comes from one of 43 designated steep slope vineyards in CV DOCG. The word “RIVE” precedes the village name on the label
Which three styles of wine can be made in Prosecco?
Spumante - fully sparkling;
Frizzante - Semi-sparkling;
Tranquillo - still
What method is used to make Prosecco? Why is this preferred?
The TANK method - also known as Martinotti method. It means that the wine does not have the yeasty/toasty character of lees ageing. It therefore enhances the floral and fruity character of the grapes.
How does the tank method differ from the Traditional Method?
The second fermentation and filtering are carried out in a tank under pressure rather than in the bottle.
What grapes are permitted in Prosecco DOC wines?
Usually they are made from 100% Glera but up to 15% of other grapes are permitted.
What is the main style produced in Prosecco DOC?
Fully sparkling, with Extra Dry being the most popular by far.
What grape is used to produce Prosecco DOC Rose?
Up to 10-15% of Pinot Nero.
What sweetness levels can the Prosecco Rose be made in?
Brut Nature to Extra Dry
What grapes are permitted in CV Prosecco DOC wines?
Normally 100% of Glera but up to 15% of native grapes allowed.
What is the main style produced in CV Prosecco DOC?
Fully sparkling, with Extra Dry being the most popular although Brut is also common.
What are the characteristics of Prosecco?
Body - Light to medium;
Acidity - Moderate;
ABV - Moderate;
Floral aromas, fruity flavours, soft creamy mousse.
What are the common descriptors of Prosecco?
White flowers, citrus, peach, pear, apple, soft, fruity
