Prosecco and Franciacorta: we are not just Bubbles

Is it possible to imagine a celebration without a cork popping out of a bottle of Prosecco or Spumante Classic method?

Prosecco, Franciacorta, Champagne or Spumante. No one can resist the charm of a glass of one of these famous bubbles. But to choose the right bottle you need to know more. Let’s discover the differences.

What is Spumante wine

Spumante wine is a category of Italian sparkling wine obtained from a second fermentation of the base wine or the free-run must. The carbon dioxide that gives life to the bubbles is the result of the action of yeast and sugars. This process is the fermentation, and is what causes the development of Co2 in a closed container. The pressure in the bottle must not be less than 3 bar, while the alcohol content must not be less than 8.5% vol. French Champagne, Franciacorta and Oltrepò Pavese wines are also Spumante sparkling wines. Same as for the Asti Spumante and classic method Alta Langa, Trento DOC, and many other Italian excellences that make part of this type of wine.

 

 

 

What is sparkling wine

A sparkling wine is obtained similarly to what has been said, but the pressure must be between 1 and 2.5 bar. This wines can be natural or artificial. Natural sparkling wines are mainly produced in Oltrepò Pavese, Piacentino, Emilia and Veneto regions. Lambrusco, Ortugo, Bonarda are the most popular, but there are others coming from other regions with other types of grapes. The most used methodology for the production of natural sparkling wines is the Martinotti or Charmat method. This is the method for the production of Prosecco wine, where the refermentation takes place in large autoclaves.

What is Prosecco

Prosecco is a sparkling wine produced with the Martinotti or Charmat method. It is a wine of Italian excellence, famous throughout the world and produced mainly with Glera grapes. The refermentation of the base wine, or the free-run must, takes place inside large autoclaves. The pressure development must be greater than 3.5 bar. The different types of Prosecco can vary, depending on the percentage of carbon dioxide in it. It can vary from still to mid-sparkling, to sparkling or based on the sugar amount. In fact, Prosecco wines can also be brut, extra-dry or dry. The best quality comes from the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene area, with special mention for the Cartizze sub-area.

Let’s taste it

Sparkling, natural or sparkling Spumante wines are very popular and perfect in combination with different dishes. Always following the pairing techniques is, therefore, a good rule to follow. Ultimately, it will be appropriate to choose the wine according to the structure of the dish, avoiding that one overwhelms the other.

Food pairing with classic method Spumante sparkling wine

Classic method Spumante sparkling wines, in general, have fragrant olfactory notes due to the long contact with the yeasts. They are perfect to accompany appetizers, aperitifs, shellfish and seafood or fish-based dishes. Also ideal in combination with risotto and white meats. The dry red or rosé Charmat wines are perfect to accompany cured meats and broth soups or the famous pizza Margherita.

Food pairing with Prosecco wine

Prosecco tastefully accompanies aperitifs, starters, savoury pies, tempura fried vegetables. It is perfect for a toast during Christmas holidays, New Year’s Eve or a birthday party. Also, don’t forget the ultra famous Spritz, the cocktail version of Prosecco.

Pairing bubbles with dessert

Sweet red or rosé Charmat wines pair perfectly with chocolate desserts or red fruit shortcrust tarts. Sweet white Charmat wines pair well with leavened desserts, such as Panettone and Pandoro cakes or maritozzi with whipped cream. Delicious paired with shortcrust tarts or various pastries based on custards and butter.

Want to learn more about Prosecco or Spumante wines? Meet our Sommelier