Prosecco, the essential Italian sparkling wine

The key takeaway : With their light fizz and natural freshness, Proseccos are the perfect companions for festive moments and get-togethers. Prosecco Sutto Brut stands out for its fine, delicate bubbles and fruity aromas, offering a sparkling and elegant experience. Ideal for a festive aperitif or a moment of celebration, it embodies Italian joy and freshness.

Italian prosecco is a sparkling wine produced in the north-east of Italy. It is made from glera grapes, a native grape variety, and is generally cheaper than champagne. Prosecco is often enjoyed as an aperitif, but it also goes very well with light dishes.

🤓 Good to know : If you like prosecco, take a look at our selection:

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How do you drink prosecco?

As a rule, prosecco is served in a flute, which helps preserve its bubbles. Once you have poured your prosecco, take a moment to appreciate how it looks. Notice the bubbles rising to the surface and the delicate colour of the wine. Prosecco is meant to be savoured slowly, so take your time and sip it over the course of the day or evening. If you are enjoying it with food, pair it with light dishes such as salads or seafood. The wine's acidity will help cut through the richness of the food.

As for storage, prosecco should be enjoyed within a year of purchase, though it can be kept for up to three years if you want to age it. If you have an open bottle of prosecco, be sure to keep it in the fridge so it doesn't go flat.

Its sweet cousin from Piedmont, Moscato d'Asti, is usually served with dessert.

What is the alcohol content of prosecco?

The alcohol content of Prosecco can range from 9.5% to 11%. Prosecco is generally lower in alcohol than other sparkling wines such as Champagne, which usually has an alcohol content of 12 to 14%.

Is prosecco a champagne?

Unlike champagne, which is produced (using the traditional method) in the Champagne region of France, prosecco is made using the Charmat method. This means the wine undergoes its second fermentation in a pressurised tank rather than in the bottle. The result is a wine that is fruitier than champagne and lighter in body. Although prosecco is not as well known as champagne, it has become increasingly popular in recent years. Prosecco sales have now overtaken those of champagne in the United Kingdom.

How much does a Prosecco cost?

Prosecco is one of the most popular sparkling wines in the world, and it is produced in the Veneto region of Italy. The price of Prosecco varies according to quality, estate and production area, but it generally ranges from €8 to €20 a bottle

Which prosecco should you choose for a spritz?

There is so much choice of prosecco these days that it can be hard to know which one to pick for a spritz. But never fear, we are here to help!

First of all, let's define what a spritz is. A spritz is an Italian aperitif, traditionally made with prosecco, Aperol (or another bitter orange liqueur) and sparkling water. It is a refreshing, easy-drinking cocktail, perfect for hot summer days.

Now that we know what a spritz is, let's move on to choosing the right prosecco. When it comes to choosing a prosecco for a spritz, there are a few things to bear in mind.

First, consider the type of prosecco you want. There are three main types: Brut, Extra Dry and Dry. Brut is the driest and most common type of prosecco. Extra Dry is slightly sweeter than Brut, while Dry is the sweetest type of prosecco.

Next, think about the occasion. If you are making a spritz for a special occasion, you might choose a higher-quality prosecco. On the other hand, if you are making a spritz for a casual get-together, a more modest prosecco will do just fine.

We recommend opting for a Brut or Extra Dry prosecco, as the sugar level of a Dry prosecco can be a little too high once it is mixed with Aperol and sparkling water.

What is the difference between a brut prosecco and an extra dry prosecco?

When it comes to prosecco, there are two main dosage styles: brut and extra dry. But what is the difference between the two? 

A brut prosecco such as Sutto Prosecco DOC is the drier of the two and contains around 1 to 12 grams of sugar per litre, while an extra dry prosecco such as Calogera spumante contains 12 to 17 grams of sugar per litre, making it a little sweeter. In terms of taste, brut prosecco is generally described as fresh and crisp, while extra dry prosecco is often described as soft and creamy.

Of course, sugar content is not the only difference between these two types of prosecco. Alcohol content can also vary, with brut prosecco usually containing around 11% alcohol and extra dry prosecco around 12%.