What Is Prosecco?

Prosecco is a sparkling wine produced primarily in Northeast Italy.
It is made mainly from the Glera grape and follows specific legal requirements that protect its name, style, and origin.

Prosecco can be:

Spumante (fully sparkling)
Frizzante (semi-sparkling)
Tranquillo (still, very rare)

The majority of Prosecco is sparkling, made using the Martinotti/Charmat method.

Primary keywords: Prosecco wine, Italian sparkling wine, Glera, Prosecco DOC, Prosecco DOCG.

Where Prosecco Comes From: The Authorized Regions

Prosecco production is allowed only in designated provinces across two regions: Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Veneto Provinces

Venezia
Treviso
Vicenza
Padova
Belluno

Friuli Venezia Giulia Provinces

Gorizia
Pordenone
Trieste
Udine

These areas sit between the Dolomites and the Adriatic Sea, creating ideal conditions:

Cool nights
Constant ventilation
Balanced sunlight
Mineral-rich soils

This combination creates Prosecco’s signature freshness.

Keywords: Prosecco region, Veneto wine regions, Friuli Venezia Giulia wine regions.

All Grape Varieties Allowed in Prosecco

Prosecco must contain at least 85% Glera.

Up to 15% can include the following authorized varieties:

Verdiso
Bianchetta Trevigiana
Perera
Glera Lunga
Chardonnay
Pinot Bianco
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Nero (vinified off the skins)

These supporting varieties help adjust acidity, aroma, and structure while maintaining Prosecco’s identity.

Keywords: Glera grape, Prosecco grapes, Verdiso, Perera, Bianchetta Trevigiana.

How to Identify Authentic Prosecco

Authentic Prosecco must follow strict labeling and security rules.

1. State Marking (Fascetta)

Located on the bottle neck.
Printed by IPZS with:

Visible and invisible security features
Unique serial code
Anti-counterfeiting protection
Single-use seal (cannot be reused after opening)

2. Mandatory Back Label Requirements

Each bottle must include:

“Prosecco DOC” or relevant DOCG name
“Product of Italy”
Certification and traceability information

If the fascetta is missing or incorrect, the product is not legally Prosecco.

Keywords: authentic Prosecco, Prosecco label, Prosecco DOC rules.

Prosecco DOC vs Prosecco DOCG

Prosecco is divided into two main quality classifications.

Prosecco DOC

Broadest production area
Includes provinces across Veneto and Friuli
Wide stylistic range

Prosecco DOCG — “Prosecco Superiore”

Produced only in historic hillside zones:

Conegliano
Valdobbiadene
Asolo

Why DOCG wines are superior:

Steeper slopes
Manual harvesting
Lower yields
Higher fruit concentration
Better drainage
More defined microclimates

Keywords: Prosecco DOC vs DOCG, Conegliano Valdobbiadene, Asolo Prosecco.

How Prosecco Is Made: The Martinotti (Charmat) Method

Prosecco’s bubbles come from the Martinotti method, known internationally as the Charmat method.

Steps of the Martinotti Method

Primary fermentation → still base wine
Base wine transferred to sealed stainless-steel autoclaves
Second fermentation begins with added yeast and sugar
Carbon dioxide forms naturally under pressure
Filtration under pressure
Bottling under pressure

Historical Notes

Invented by Dr. Federico Martinotti (late 19th century)
First used for Prosecco by Dr. Antonio Carpenè of Conegliano

Resulting Wine Style

Fresh
Floral
Fruity
Crisp
Aromatic

Keywords: Martinotti method, Charmat method, Prosecco production, sparkling wine fermentation.

Cartizze: The Prosecco (Highest Quality Level)

Cartizze is the most prestigious subzone in the entire Prosecco area.

Official Name

Superiore di Cartizze DOCG

Key Facts

Total area: 108 hectares
Approx. 1 km²
Around 140 landowners
Known as the Golden Pentagon

Why Cartizze Is Exceptional

Perfect slope angle
Superior sun exposure
Highly draining soils
Constant breezes
Long-lived, healthy vines
Extended ripening → increased complexity

Wine Profile

Minimum 85% Glera
Highest aromatic intensity
Richer texture
Greater minerality
Long, refined finish

Keywords: Cartizze, Prosecco CRU, Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze, Golden Pentagon.

Types of Prosecco: Style Categories

By Level of Carbonation

Spumante (fully sparkling; most common)
Frizzante (semi-sparkling)
Tranquillo (still; rare)

By Sweetness Level

Brut Nature
Extra Brut
Brut
Extra Dry
Dry
Demi-Sec

Keywords: Prosecco styles, Prosecco sweetness levels, Spumante vs Frizzante.

Conclusion: The Complete Prosecco Reference

This guide covers:

✔️ Prosecco grapes
✔️ Production regions
✔️ DOC and DOCG rules
✔️ Martinotti/Charmat method
✔️ Cartizze CRU
✔️ How to identify authentic bottles
✔️ Style and sweetness categories

The Complete Prosecco Guide: Grapes, Regions, Styles, Regulations & Cartizze