Wine Wednesday Wordologie: “P” is for “Prosecco”

WINE WEDNESDAY WORDOLOGIE

Just coming off of taking my WSET Level 2 course my mind is absolutely buzzing with information. In fact, even though the exam is over and done with, my mind is still is info-processing mode, so random facts and questions are still randomly popping into my mind.

Hopefully writing today’s Wine Wednesday Wordologie will serve as an opportunity to download some of the info I’ve been learning so my brain can shift from learning mode into “get ‘er done” gear. If you read my post from Monday, you know I’ve already got lots of exciting new projects on my plate that need to be moved forward!

Let’s dive right into some effervescent education, shall we?

“P” is for “Prosecco”

I'll be there in a Prosecco

Waaayyyyy back in May I did a Wine Wednesday Wordologie post on Cava where I talked about the origins and characteristics of the sparkler, and I even made a brief prophetic comparison to Prosecco. There’s been a lot of buzz about it lately, and by all indications it’s growth in popularity won’t be waning anytime soon. In fact, a lot of the talk in the wine industry has been about how Prosecco is, for the first time, actually outselling champagne.

What’s the big deal with that, you say? Well champagne has long been the king of sparkling wine, so folks are wondering if this “de-throning” indicates a change in the palates of consumers.

All bubblys are not alike. Different grape varieties; wine making techniques; and climates all contribute to different kinds of bubbly having different characteristics and flavor profiles–not to mention price tags.

A BUBBLY BREAKDOWN

So here’s a little run-down on the characteristics of Prosecco that will help you not only distinguish it between other sparkling wines but also assist in learning why you may {or may not!} like it:

  • Prosecco is made with Glera grapes {whereas champagne is made with Chardonnay grapes}
  • The grape variety gives the sparkler a dry or off-dry style with delicate stone fruit flavors , such as each and apricot
  • Prosecco will be lighter in style than champagne and often less complex in flavors, making easier to drink for those just delving into bubbly
  • Sometimes you may see the words “spumante” or “frizzante” on the label. Spumante means that is is a fully sparkling wine and frizzante means that it is lightly sparkling. For more on frizzante, check out a previous Wine Wednesday Wordologie post.

Is Prosecco one of your favorite sparkling wines to sip? Tell me what your favorite bottles of bubbly are in the comments–I’m love to try new finds.

Cheers!

 

 

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