Sparkling Lightness

This straw-coloured wine shimmers and fizzes as it fills the glass, leaving a rich and creamy froth on top. Notes of green apple, lemon and lychee can be found in the fresh, slightly mineral or even mildly salty flavour. You’ve just tasted Prosecco, an Italian white wine that is slowly but surely becoming popular all over the world.

Prosecco is made from an ancient grape variety called Glera, originally grown in Slovenia. In 2009 a new regulation limited the use of the name Prosecco to indicate a geographical location rather than a grape. And just as champagne must come from the Champagne region, prosecco is linked solely to vineyards in two parts of Northern Italy: Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The best prosecco is traditionally from the Cartizze Valley – a vineyard of 107 hectares on a steep hill composed of hard bedrock and rocky soil. The grapes ripen slowly, lending this wine a full, balanced, harmonious taste. The prosecco created from Cartizze’s grapes is the ‘Grand Cru’ of the family, labelled Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze DOCG.

Prosecco’s popularity has grown markedly in recent years. Between 2014 and 2016, production increased by 45 percent, three quarters of that volume being exported to the UK and the US. Last year, an astronomical 500 million bottles were produced (as a comparison: annual production of champagne is 320 million). Wine growers strive to meet the increased demand worldwide. We hope they can keep up! Prosecco is a light, refreshing drink that lifts your spirits without giving you too much of a hangover the next day. Cheers!

In Czechia, prosecco is sold and distributed by Prosekárna, which exclusively represents some 40 carefully selected wineries. The company has three brick-and-mortar shops in Prague and one store in Pardubice. Wines can be ordered online at www.prosekarna.cz.

Prosecco does not age well, growing stale with time – it should be drunk as young as possible. Best served chilled, ideally at 8°C and in small flutes, prosecco is a lovely apéritif to enjoy throughout the year, pairing well with nibbles, starters or salads. For a great summer refreshment, pour some of this bubbly over a fruit sorbet.

text: Hana Janišová

photos: Company Archive

article partner: Prosekárna