All About Prosecco

Appearance

  • Color: Pale straw yellow, often with greenish reflections.
  • Opacity: Clear and bright, with a fine and persistent perlage (bubble stream) that adds to its visual appeal.

Aroma

  • Primary Aromas: Green apple, pear, citrus (lemon and lime), and melon.
  • Secondary Aromas: White flowers such as acacia and wisteria, adding a delicate floral note.
  • Tertiary Aromas:For aged Prosecco or those made using the “col fondo” method (with lees contact), you might find hints of yeast, bread dough, and nuts.

Flavor Profile

  • Fruit Flavors: Dominated by green apple, pear, citrus, and sometimes peach.
  • Other Flavors: Notes of honeydew melon, almond, and white peach, particularly in higher-quality or aged examples.
  • Oak Influence: Prosecco is typically unoaked to preserve its fresh and fruity profile. However, natural Prosecco or those made with lees contact may exhibit subtle bready or nutty notes.

Structure

  • Body: Light-bodied, often described as fresh and lively.
  • Tannins: None, as it is a white sparkling wine.
  • Acidity: High, providing a crisp, refreshing finish.
  • Alcohol: Between 11.5% and 13.5%

Pairings for Prosecco

Salty snacks like chips or popcorn

Salty snacks, such as chips and popcorn, are popular indulgences that enhance casual gatherings and movie nights. Their crispy texture and savory flavors create a delightful contrast with the right wine pairings, elevating the overall snacking experience. The key to a successful pairing lies in balancing the saltiness and texture of the snacks with the wine’s acidity and fruitiness. For instance, while popcorn's lightness calls for a crisp white, chips can stand up to bolder reds. This versatility makes salty snacks a fun and dynamic choice for any wine lover.

Get recipe

Spicy Dishes

Spicy dishes, characterized by heat from ingredients like chili peppers, curry spices, or peppercorns, present unique challenges and opportunities for wine pairings. The intensity of these dishes can be balanced by wines that either amplify the heat or help cool it down. Wines with higher acidity or slight sweetness work well, as they balance the spiciness without overpowering the dish. Off-dry whites or lighter reds with low tannins are excellent options, as they mellow the heat while enhancing the complex flavors of the dish.

Get recipe

Fruit-based desserts

Fruit-based desserts, such as tarts, crumbles, and sorbets, celebrate the natural sweetness and flavors of fresh fruit. These dishes can range from simple to complex, often incorporating seasonal fruits like berries, apples, or stone fruits. Their refreshing taste makes them a perfect ending to a meal, and they can be served warm or chilled, sometimes accompanied by creams or ice creams. The combination of textures—like crispy crusts or soft fillings—adds to their appeal, making fruit-based desserts not only delicious but visually enticing as well.

Get Recipe

Popular Locations for Prosecco

1 of 2