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There are so many different varieties of wine in the world. The wine lists of restaurants are getting longer and customers are getting better at knowing which wines are good and which are not. That’s why business owners have even stepped into the ground of exotic wines.
But adding unique wines to your menu is not the only good thing to do. To set your restaurant apart from the rest in the area, you should focus on building a beverage inventory with quality wine of all kinds. From sparkling wines to regular roses, reds, and whites - there’s a lot of research to do!
To help you on your way to building a top wine list for your restaurant, we want to discuss the different styles of prosecco wine. Understanding the different styles will help you when selecting bottles for your inventory. And will allow you to make the best prosecco cocktails, too!
If you want to know even more, read about the history of prosecco and prosecco vs. champagne.
Getting to Know Prosecco Wine
Italy has given us a long list of great food and beverages. One of the drinks that deserve attention is the prosecco wine. This white and light, flavorful wine that is the perfect drink to have with your brunch, comes in various styles.
Although it is made from Glera grapes that are grown in the area of Prosecco in Italy, there are styles you need to know about. The prosecco wine is made in nine different provinces, which are located in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions.
In all prosecco wine, the Glera grapes take at least 85%. Other grapes that are used with it include pinot bianco, pinot grigio, chardonnay, bianchetta, verdisio, and more. Mixing a variety of grapes helps create different styles. They go with different meals, which can help you create an even better customer experience.
Key Takeaway: There are various categories and subcategories when it comes to prosecco wine. Some are of higger quality than others but prosecco is always a refreshing, light, and fruity wine to have. Don’t skip it when you build a wine list and make your customers happy!
Which Are the Different Types of Prosecco Wine?
The variety of prosecco wine is not limited to the different producers who bottle up this sparkling goodness. There are different types, which include:
- Sparkling (Spumante)
- Semi-Sparkling (Frizzante)
- Still Wine (Tranquillo)
This is just one way to classify the prosecco wine by type. There is also a region of origin classification to know about. Here is the full list:
- Prosecco DOC Treviso
- Prosecco DOC Venito
- Prosecco DOC Friuli
- Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato
- Asolo Prosecco DOCG
- Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
- Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive DOCG
- Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG
More Categories of Prosecco Wine
Prosecco is most commonly divided into the first three categories we mentioned, which are based on the perladge of the wine. However, the sparkling type includes some sub-categories, which are the most popular ones.
Since the prosecco wine is mostly known for its sparkling version, this is the categorization you need to truly know about:
- Brut
- Extra Dry
- Dry
- Demi-Sec
The wine falls into any of these categories depending on the sugar content in the bottle. But these are not all of the subcategories that exist!
Non-Alcoholic and Low-Alcohol Prosecco Wine
When building the beverage inventory of your restaurant, it’s important to consider people who can’t have alcohol either for health-related reasons or because they are the designated driver for the night. Low-alcohol wines, as well as non-alcoholic wines, need to make it to your menu.
Non-alcoholic prosecco and other wines are great for people who want to enjoy the great taste of the wine in good company but without the hangover. The good news is that you can stock non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic versions of prosecco, which will be well-appreciated by your restaurant customers.
Low-Calorie Prosecco Wine
In the last few years, there has been a growing demand for healthier drink alternatives. During the pandemic, people grew a lot more health-conscious and started cutting out some unhealthy foods and drinks from their diets. Being in good physical shape became more important for many.
This is where low-calorie wine comes into play. This is the ideal alternative for prosecco wine lovers who want to stay on the healthier side and count the calories they consume thorough the day.
Low Carbohydrate Prosecco Wine
Is there anyone who hasn’t heard about the ketogenic diet? This diet, or should we say lifestyle, has exploded in recent years. This dietary plan focuses on limiting to a minimum the consumption of carbohydrates to lose weight.
Several low-carbohydrate proseccos have been created because of this growing trend. If you want to cater to the needs of customers following a low-carb diet, be sure to stock up on some bottles of this prosecco type, too. Read more about the best wines for keto here.
Storing Prosecco Wine
To offer great customer service, you need to store your wine in the right wine. Prosecco wine, because of its sparkly nature, can’t be stored like you would your regular wine bottles. Unlike regular wine, prosecco needs to be stored upright so it can keep its bubbles.
In terms of spaces where it’s a good idea to store prosecco - choose between cellar and dark cupboards. Direct sunlight can make the prosecco lose its taste qualities. Also, make sure you are storing it in a cooler place. Before serving, it’s best to refrigerate it.
You can read more about wine serving temperature and beverage storage if you want to make sure all details are thought through.
Frequently Asked Questions about Different Styles of Prosecco Wine
If you want to learn even more about prosecco wine, read these questions and answers. In there, you will find helpful information and you will better understand the style of prosecco.
What Is the Difference Between DOC and DOCG Prosecco?
The difference between DOC and DOCG prosecco is in the geographical specificity and the level of quality control. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata and DOCG - Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita.
The DOC prosecco wine is produced in a broader area, mostly in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. DOCG, on the other hand, is more specific in terms of origin. The production area is smaller and well-defined and includes the zones Conegliano-Valdobbiadene and Asolo.
The DOC prosecco is produced under more permissive guidelines compared to DOCG. DOCG is produced under stricter rules and regulations, ensuring higher quality and better consistency.
What Are the Recommended Serving Temperatures and Glassware for Prosecco?
Prosecco wine should be served well-chilled, at a temperature between 42°F to 45°F (6°C to 8°C). As for glassware, you should choose something that fits your aesthetic style and/or the occasion that’s being celebrated. The common types of wine and champagne glasses will suit well the prosecco.
Does Prosecco Age Well?
Prosecco is not known for having great aging qualities. It’s typically best to enjoy it when it’s relatively young. The prosecco wine is prized for having a light and fruity flavor, as well as the lively effervescence, which can diminish over time. To get the best possible experience, drink the prosecco within the first few years of its production.
How Should You Serve Prosecco Wine?
Prosecco wine is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own as an apéritif or paired with a variety of foods. Popular serving suggestions include:
- Serving chilled in flutes or stemless wine glasses.
- Pairing with appetizers such as bruschetta, antipasto platters, and seafood.
- Mixing with fruit juices or liqueurs to create sparkling cocktails like Bellinis and Mimosas.
- Enjoying with light pasta dishes, salads, and white meat dishes.
What Are Some Common Misconceptions about Prosecco Wine?
One common misconception about prosecco wine is that it is always sweet. While prosecco can have varying levels of sweetness, ranging from Brut (dry) to Dry (slightly sweet), there are plenty of dry styles available. Another misconception is that all prosecco wines are of the same quality, when in fact, prosecco DOCG wines from specific sub-regions are often considered superior in quality and complexity compared to prosecco DOC wines.
Are There Any Regulations or Guidelines for Labeling Prosecco Wine?
Yes. Prosecco wine must adhere to specific labeling regulations set by the Consorzio di Tutela del Vino Prosecco. These regulations govern factors such as grape varieties allowed (primarily Glera), production methods, geographic origin, and quality designations (DOC or DOCG). Labels must also include information such as the producer, vintage, and alcohol content.