Get ready to pop some bubbles because National Prosecco Day is here! Summer is winding down, the sunsets are happening earlier, and there’s no better way to soak up the last of the season’s warmth than with a glass of this delicious sparkling. Prosecco has quickly become one of America’s favorite bubblies, and it’s easy to see why. It brings a touch of elegance and excitement to so many different occasions, whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, having a date night, or throwing an end-of-the-summer bash. Not to mention, the varying price points tend to be more on the accessible side for us who play Tetris with our budgets on a day-to-day basis.

National Prosecco Day, celebrated on August 13th, is the perfect reason to indulge. The day was established by Riondo Prosecco. This particular date was chosen to align with the final stretch of summer, making it a fitting time to enjoy a refreshing glass (or multiple) of Prosecco. With a variety of styles and designations, there’s one for every palate and occasion. Get started on your journey with some essential Prosecco insights below, plus check out a few must-try recommendations to enhance your next toast—life’s too short to not celebrate with a little sparkle!

The Wine

Prosecco has become a global sensation over the decades, captivating wine enthusiasts and experts alike. Like many bubblies, it is a super versatile choice. That versatility is trusted in a similar way to how you may depend on something like duct tape, a phone charger, or even a Swiss Army Knife… just much more enjoyable and entertaining (and for obvious note, actually consumable)!

Two things:

  • Prosecco generally sparkles in two styles: Frizzante, which offers a gentle fizz, and Spumante, boasting a more robust, fully sparkling experience.
  • While Prosecco is typically known for its bubbles, a still version called Tranquillo does exist, though it’s rarely found outside northern Italy.

Often mistaken for being perpetually sweeter than its French sparkling friend Champagne, most Prosecco actually falls on the dry or off-dry spectrum. When it comes to Prosecco, understanding the sweetness levels can transform your bubbly familiarity from delightful to sensational. 

Prosecco DOC offers an impressive range of options to suit every palate:

  • Brut (Driest)
  • Extra Dry
  • Dry
  • Demi-Sec (Sweetest)

Superiore DOCG delivers the first three levels of sweetness for those seeking something with a bit more finesse: 

  • Only available in Brut, Extra Dry, and Dry

Prosecco Col Fondo is for those who appreciate a more natural approach to winemaking:

  • A frizzante style for pét-nat enthusiasts and lovers of natural, minimal-intervention wines

Understanding the terms DOC & DOCG can be your secret to selecting top-notch bubbles, too. Whether you’re opting for a well-regarded DOC or indulging in a prestigious DOCG, rest assured you’re savoring a Prosecco that truly shines:

  • DOC, or Denominazione di Origine Controllata, guarantees that the Prosecco comes from established regions with a reputation for fine sparkling wines. These selections are crafted with precision, providing approachable and enjoyable options.
  • For those seeking the crème de la crème, DOCG, or Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, represents the highest standard. To achieve this coveted status, it undergoes a rigorous evaluation process, including vineyard inspections, harvest assessments, winemaking scrutiny, and a final taste test by Italian experts. 

The Grape

I think of Prosecco and simply think of being refreshed, like I would be with a cool shower or a nature walk. This beautiful sparkling wine technically originates from the picturesque Valdobbiadene region in Veneto and is made predominantly from the Glera grape.

The winemaking process for Prosecco is what sets it apart from other sparkling wines. Unlike Champagne, which undergoes its secondary fermentation in the bottle, Prosecco is made using the Charmat method, where fermentation occurs in large, high-tech tanks. This method, developed during the industrial era in the late 1800s, allows for a more consistent production, resulting in its signature fine bubbles!

Prosecco has its roots deeply embedded in Veneto and Friuli, where the Glera grape has been cherished for centuries. In 2009, Italy took a crucial step to safeguard this beloved wine by officially naming the grape Glera and instituting stringent DOC regulations. These rules ensure that true Prosecco is exclusively produced in designated areas, much like how the French protect the Champagne name.

Strictly defined, Prosecco can only be made from three designated regions within Italy and must come from one of the specified Italian regions and be composed of at least 85% Glera grapes. Yet, the international allure of Prosecco has led some producers beyond Italy to use the name, creating a few legal bubbles and sparking debates over the years. Today, Prosecco has basically become a household name, treasured for its luminous straw-yellow hue and enticing bouquet of white flowers, apple, and pear. Its crisp, buoyant texture complements a variety of dishes and cuisines. The finish is often clean and dry, with a bit of minerality. Now, more than a quarter of Veneto’s vineyards are dedicated to Glera!

General Pairing Tips

Prosecco’s versatility makes it a standout choice for a wide array of culinary pairings. Start with a classic pairing of Prosecco as an aperitif, where its bright bubbles complement antipasti, cured meats, and nuts perfectly.

But don’t stop there; Prosecco can also elevate your mains. Try it with crispy fried chicken, rich curries, or even sushi—its liveliness and vibrancy cuts through richness and enhances a diverse range of flavors.

Whether you’re indulging on a budget or seeking to impress, Prosecco’s food-friendly nature ensures you don’t have to compromise on quality or enjoyment!

Suggestions

Prosecco is commonly pegged as a sparkling wine for mimosas or an Aperol Spritz, but there’s so much more to this gem than just brunch staples or what meets the eye. Far beyond its role as a bubbly mixer, Prosecco boasts a rich heritage and charm that make it a true classic. With deep-rooted traditions and an evolving lineup of new players, Prosecco is worthy of recognition and to be seen as classic, sophisticated, and fun.

Exploring the world of Prosecco is like embarking on a sensory adventure where each sip reveals a new layer of its dynamic personality. To guide you on this journey, we’ve curated a list of suggestions below for you to try! While selecting just 5 was a challenge, these choices represent a delightful starting point. Dive in and discover—each bottle promises its own unique story and is an invitation for you to not stop here and explore further beyond these picks:

Adami “Cartizze” Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG

Adami has been synonymous with exceptional Prosecco since 1933, when Abele Adami first showcased his single-vineyard “Vigneto Giardino” at a national Italian wine event. Today, the third generation continues this tradition with a diverse portfolio, including the renowned Cartizze Prosecco. This prestigious wine, sourced from the steep, sun-drenched Cartizze slopes, offers a slightly sweet profile (officially designated “dry”) with rich flavors of apricot, apple, and candied nectarine, accented by a hint of almond.

Find more info at: https://www.adamiprosecco.it/en/

Bellenda San Fermo Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut

Bellenda, established in 1986 in Vittorio Veneto, is another pioneer in the Prosecco world. Known for their innovative approach, they craft a range of Proseccos that showcase the unique qualities of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region. With a bouquet of delicate floral notes and a palate that showcases crisp walnut husk with a mineral edge, San Fermo is a beautiful, sophisticated choice. Find joy within the bright citrus characteristics and a refined, dry finish that embodies elegance. Pair with fresh oysters, creamy burrata, or lightly seared scallops.

Find more info at: https://www.bellenda.it/en/

Tenuta Santomè Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut 

Established in 1971, Santomè embodies a rich tradition of winemaking amidst the scenic hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene. The Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut is a testament to the region’s growing conditions. With its fine, persistent bubbles and vibrant pale straw hue, this Prosecco delivers a bouquet of bread, green apple, and delicate white flowers. The palate is light, with a zesty lemony acidity and a well-balanced, dry finish. Lovely as an aperitif, it pairs effortlessly with hors d’oeuvres, but also light fare like pasta, salads, and aged cheeses. Santomè is also committed to using only estate-grown grapes.

Find more info at: https://www.tenutasantome.com/en/

Viarae Prosecco DOC

Viarae Prosecco is a sparkling creation from Issa Rae, celebrated star of “Insecure“, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actress, producer, entrepreneur, writer… and an aficionado of bubbly. Crafted in the sun-drenched vineyards of Northern Italy, this Prosecco is the epitome of celebratory chic. Partnering with E. & J. Gallo Winery, this refreshing wine is great for anything from spontaneous get-togethers to milestone toasts. This is brimming with delicate peach and green apple notes, all underpinned by a subtle minerality. Easy drinking and straightforward—exceptional choice to dive into sparkling wine without a lot of fuss.

Find more info at: https://www.viarae.com/

Le Contesse Prosecco DOC Brut

A gem of the Bonotto family’s winemaking legacy, Le Contesse beautifully marries tradition with innovation. Founded in 1976, this winery draws its name from the Tiepolo countesses, whose influence lives on in each bottle. Originally inspired by the Tiepolo countesses, this winery has been at the forefront of innovation in Prosecco production. This revolutionized Prosecco production with an innovative single-vessel method. Unlike the traditional tank method, Loris developed a process where the grape must never leave the pressurized vat, ensuring zero oxidation and preserving the wine’s fresh, fruity character from harvest to bottling (the family refers to this technique as “single fermentation”). This meticulous technique results in a Prosecco that bursts in elation. This is an easy going option and offers tremendous value.

Celebrate National Prosecco Day with a toast to history, flavor, and exploration! Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, there’s always something new to learn and savor. Each sip is a journey—a chance to explore, enjoy, and celebrate with friends. So, pop the cork and let the bubbles bring joy to your next pour. Cheers to new adventures and the glee of discovery!

Prosecco Highlights:

  • Versatility: Perfect for any occasion, from impromptu gatherings to celebratory toasts
  • Rich History: Steeped in tradition, offering a taste of Italy’s sparkling wine heritage
  • Endless Exploration: A journey of variation, inviting us to discover more with every sip

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