As a wine category Prosecco has really blown up in popularity over the last 8 to 10 years, and it’s widely regarded as a fun approachable sparkler perfect for casual, sipping and great sparkling cocktail making.
However, there’s a new class of Prosecco producers bubbling up who are causing a stir in the effervescent landscape and creating the kind of sparklers that true bubbly devotees everywhere should be seeking out.
Here are 8 reasons why Prosecco Superiore DOCG from the Conegliano Valdobiaddene region of Veneto, Italy definitely needs to be on your wine sipping radar.
Reason no. 1: IT’S THAT NEW-NEW / DOING A NEW THING
Prosecco Superiore DOCG is a new classification that only got sanctioned and approved in 2009, making it one of the newest quality designations for Prosecco. In addition, in the last 4 years Prosecco Superiore DOCG has also created a new style of Prosecco that—unlike traditional Prosecco—involves a second fermentation in the bottle. More on that though further down in this article!
Reason no. 2: YOU HAVE A “SUPERIORITY COMPLEX”
No, not a narcissistic complex but rather a personal understanding where you know your palate is worthy of regularity drinking complex and elevated wines.
That said, DOCG stand for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita,” which translates to “Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin.” In other words, the “G” in DOCG is an assurance of excellent quality. DOCG Prosecco undergoes rigorous analysis, including a required approval by a government committee who analyses, evaluates, and tastes the wines before giving their stamp of approval to qualify the wine as DOCG.
Reason no. 3: WINES OF A CERTAIN “STATUS” > STATUS QUO
The area of the Prosecco region that Prosecco Superiore DOCG comes from is Conegliano Valdobbiadene, which As of July 7, 2019 was officially designated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage site—a major feat and accomplishment.
In order for swap sites to qualify, they must be identified as a cultural and natural example of heritage with an “outstanding value to humanity.”
There are just 13 wine regions in the world that have been classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, and the vineyards of Le Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene is one of them. Who wouldn’t want to drink wine with this kind of pedigree?
Reason no. 4: “IT’S COMPLICATED” IS YOUR PREFERRED WINE RELATIONSHIP STATUS
Unlike standard Prosecco that’s made to be light, delicate, and refreshing, the Superiore DOCG winemaking style is designed to produce wines with delightful complexity and wildly interesting flavor profiles that aren’t easily found in non-DOCG Prosecco.
Reason no. 5: CHAMPAGNE TASTES ON A PROSECCO BUDGET
If you love champagnes that have extended lees contact or aging, then you’ll absolutely adore a new Prosecco style created in 2019 known as Sui Lieviti (also known as Col Fondo) DOCG
Sui Lieviti Prosecco debunks the idea that all Prosecco is meant to be consumed young. These are wines are well made for aging and possess fine, pinpoint bubbles, similar to those coveted in champagne, in contrast to the quickly dissipating larger bubbles often found in typical Prosecco.
While Champagne and Prosecco Superiore DOCG share UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the price point for a great Prosecco Superiore DOCG is about $25-$30 (or more) lower than a bottle of champagne.
Reason no. 6: DEEP LOVE FOR YOUR MOTHER (EARTH)
With its focus on renewable energy, ecologically, sustainable, vine treatments, a reduction of pollution in the Vineyards, and forming system projects designed to promote and safeguard biodiversity, Conegliano-Valdobbiadene is arguably one of the demonstrated global leaders with making an impact with employing organic and biodiversity measures in wine.
Producers demonstrate their ever-increasing commitment to the environment and employee ecologically sustainable vine treatments via strategically employing methods such as raising farm animals to integrate a rural cultivation environment with the natural landscape of the vineyards.
Reason no. 7: THEY MAKE A PERFECT PAIR(ING)
Standard Proseccos are ideal for aperitifs and mimosa-making, however the DOCG bottles—while also beautiful to sip alone—absolutely love to be paired with food and are made for partnering with a wide range of gastronomic pleasures.
Think beyond just charcuterie—these wines pair incredibly well with varied dishes from sushi to beef carpaccio to fried catfish to seared duck breasts to buttery, garlicky escargot and everything in between.
Reason no. 8: BE “STILL” MY (WINE) HEART
If you’re not in the mood for vino with bubbles, the wines of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco have got you covered just the same with a niche category Prosecco known as “Tranquillo” which translates to “still” or no effervescence.
Prosecco Tranquillo is made from grapes that have fully ripened, producing highly aromatic wines with notes of apples, pears, almonds, and honey.
Now that you’re sold on drinking it, let’s help you figure out how to get your hands on some. While there aren’t a ton of Prosecco Superiore DOCG options currently being imported to the US just yet (only about 3 million bottles annually), the interest and import numbers are starting to slowly increase, so these wines are well worth the hunt. A few producers to look for here in the states include:
Sorelle Branca
SommaRiva
Adriano Adami
Bisol Cartizze