Until 2009 Prosecco was the name of a grape; since then it has been the name of a place. With the recognition of the DOC the variety was renamed Glera and the appellation was tied to a precise territory: the provinces of Treviso, Venice, Padua, Vicenza and Belluno in Veneto, and Gorizia, Pordenone, Trieste and Udine in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The village of Prosecco, on the edge of Trieste, is the spot that gives its name to the whole area.
The regulations require at least 85% Glera; the rest may come from Verdiso, Bianchetta, Perera, Glera Lunga or international white grapes. There are three styles: still, frizzante and spumante, the last by far the most common and made by secondary fermentation in tank. Since 2020 there has also been Prosecco Rosé, a sparkling wine with a share of Pinot Noir. The mentions Treviso and Trieste indicate grapes and bottling in those provinces.
It is a light, aromatic wine, with aromas of pear, green apple and white flowers, fine bubbles and low alcohol. It is drunk young, as an aperitif or with seafood starters, fried food and non-spicy Asian cuisine.
