Is Prosecco Sparkling Wine? All Your Questions Answered

Prosecco (pronounced “pruh-seh-koh”) is the name for a white wine produced in Italy. Though still Proseccos are also produced, sparkling Proseccos are the norm. The name is most commonly associated with sparkling white wine outside of Italy. Prosecco can only be named as such if it’s produced in the nine provinces of the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions in Italy and made with the Prosecco grape variety.

Prosecco is often confused with Cava and Champagne, as a white sparkling wine associated with celebratory occasions. We explore key differences here, answering all your questions about Prosecco so you can make the most informed wine choice.

Is Prosecco the Same as Sparkling Wine?

Not exactly. But what is the difference between Prosecco and sparkling wine?

The term “sparkling wine” refers to any wine with additional carbon dioxide, which makes it noticeably fizzy. Champagne and Cava are both types of sparkling wine, while Prosecco can be both sparkling and still.

Prosecco made in the sparkling style is referred to as spumante, while Prosecco in the semi-sparkling style is called frizzante. Still Prosecco (without the bubbles), called tranquillo, is far less common.

So, while Prosecco made in the sparkling or semi-sparkling style is a type of sparkling wine, not all sparkling wines are Proseccos because of the rules about where they are made. The name specifically comes from the village of Prosecco in the Trieste province of Italy.

Is Prosecco Sparkling Wine a Champagne?

This is a very common question. While “sparkling wine” is the right categorisation of Champagne, the actual word “Champagne” is legally reserved for products produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France.

People are often confused about the difference between Prosecco and Champagne. Prosecco is not the same as Champagne, with the main differences being the region of production and the method.

Champagne is a wine made only in the Champagne region of France. It’s made using the traditional method, which is a more expensive (and generally more revered) production method that results in the highest-quality wine.

Prosecco’s method is less expensive than Champagne’s, which translates to a lower shelf price.

How and Where is Prosecco Made?

The main grape variety historically used for Prosecco is Glera. Rules from the DOC and DOCG (official bodies that control the classification and protection of Italian wine) stipulate that Prosecco can also be blended with other grape varieties:

• Verdiso
• Bianchetta
• Trevigiana
• Perera
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir
• Pinot Bianco
• Pinot Grigio

Usually, Prosecco is produced using the Charmat method (metodo Martinotti in Italian), also known as the tank method. In this method, the wine is mixed with sugar and yeast in a stainless-steel pressure tank.

The fizz comes from fermentation in a closed system, where carbon dioxide dissolves into the wine as it can’t escape. As fermentation proceeds, sugar is converted to alcohol and CO₂, and the yeast is filtered out. The CO₂-infused wine is transferred to bottles, and the Prosecco is corked.

The length of time allowed for fermentation affects the resulting quality of the Prosecco. Longer fermentation generally results in better aroma preservation and longer-lasting bubbles.

What Does Prosecco Taste Like?

Generally, Prosecco is known for being crisp and aromatic, with a light, refreshing aroma. Descriptions often describe notes of green apple, pear, apricot, and white peach.

Learn more about tasting wine in our article ‘How To Taste Wine Properly’.

Is Prosecco Sparkling Wine Sweet or Is It Dry?

Prosecco can be sweet or dry, depending on the amount of sugar added during production. The following terms are typically used to describe the sweetness or dryness of a bottle of Prosecco:

• Extra Brut – very dry, not sweet
• Brut – slightly sweeter than Extra Brut
• Extra Dry – sweeter than Brut and a reliable all-rounder
• Dry – the sweetest Prosecco style

How Is Prosecco Usually Drunk?

Like other sparkling white wines, Prosecco is best served chilled, between 6 and 8°C (43–46°F). It’s usually consumed unmixed as an apéritif. Common cocktails include Bellinis, Spritz cocktails, and Mimosas.

Are There English Equivalents to Prosecco?

Often, people don’t associate delicious sparkling wine with English production. But at Bolney Wine Estate, we’ve been making quality sparkling wine in our Sussex vineyards for over 50 years using the traditional method. We’ve earned a string of awards for our range of white, rosé, and unique red sparkling wines.

Visit An English Vineyard & Taste Sparkling Wine

Why not visit our English vineyard for a tour and tasting session to see how our sparkling wine is made? You’ll see 18 acres of Bolney Estate’s vineyards, our winery, and sample our delicious English wine with one of our winemaking experts.

Book A Tour