 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
Please come back later for English or German language versions of this site
Navigate the italian version or read this page for information about the Prosecco wine
Prosecco Zone
If a wine has the colour of topaz, an intoxicating bouquet, a mischievous sapidity and is already unforgettable after the first taste, one is most surely talking about the Prosecco of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene.
The production zone extends through the band of hills of the Province of Treviso and encompasses the area between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.
The zone encompasses a series of hill chains - running from east to west - which follow one after the other from the lowlands to the Pre-Alps, lying equidistant between the sheltering Dolomites to the north and the Adriatic, which has a positive effect on the climate and countryside.
While Conegliano plays host to famous wine institutes, Valdobbiadene is surely the zone’s productive heart.
Venice is only 50 kilometres away and is easily reached by either train or car in a little over half an hour.
The production zone comprises the territory of 15 communities and covers an area of approximately 18,000 hectares (approx. 45,000 acres) of cultivated land. Vines, however, are grown only on the south-facing slopes of the hills at an altitude of 50 - 500 metres (approx. 165 - 1650 ft.) above sea level, while the north-facing slopes are often covered with woods.
There are currently more than 4,300 hectares (approx. 9,750 acres) entered in the DOC Register which are worked by 5,000 producers. Of these hectares, 106 belong to Superiore di Cartizze which, every year, produces more than a million bottles of the finest sparkling wine.
The steep slopes of the hills make it difficult to mechanize the work and consequently managing the vineyards has almost always been left in the hands of small growers.
Only towards Conegliano does one find a few of the larger producers.
As to the number of wineries, however, there has been a steady growth: numerous new entrepreneurs have gradually joined the ranks of producers which already counted among them four cooperatives and 15 large sparkling wine houses.
It is truly thanks to this large peaceful army of men and the love they have for their land that it has been possible to conserve these hills.
The many embankments, ramps and terraces have slowly moulded the sunny faces of the hills over the centuries, indelibly modifying their profiles.
Cartizze Zone
A particularly prestigious type of Prosecco is that made in the zone of ‘Cartizze’, a small delimited area described in the Disciplinary Rules as the 104 hectares (approx. 262 acres) of vineyards lying between the steepest hills of San Pietro di Barbozza, Santo Stefano and Saccol in the community of Valdobbiadene.
This zone is a real and true ‘cru’ (vineyard or area of vineyards of a single vine variety) born of the perfect combination of a gentle microclimate and quite various soil, with moraines, sandstones and clays, which allows for rapid drainage of rainwater and, at the same time, maintains a constant reserve of water so that the vines can grow and develop in a balanced way.
The vine
Viticulture in the hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene dates back to ancient times evidenced by the work of man who has, over the centuries, sculpted the sunniest slopes. The Prosecco vine has been cultivated on these hills for over two hundred years.
Since the beginning of the XIX century, with the foundation of The School of Viticulture and Oenology and The Experimental Centre for Viticulture, both in Conegliano, research into this vine variety has greatly increased and the Prosecco has spread throughout the area.
The exact origins of this variety are somewhat of a mystery, but some would have it that it was, in fact, already known as the ‘Pucino’ in the time of the Roman Empire. The Empress Livia Augusta was particularly fond of the wine from this grape.
It is certain, however, that for at least two centuries the hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene have provided an ideal environment for the cultivation of Prosecco where a whole series of biotypes became widespread. One of these, the Prosecco Balbi, was the result of clonal selection carried out by Count Balbi Valier in the second half of the last century and is in fact still cultivated today.
This first documented case of selection has been followed up, over the last twenty years, by a tremendous amount of work on clonal selection done by The Experimental Institute for Viticulture. This research is aimed at safeguarding the typicity of the product while at the same time adapting the variety to the differing growing conditions found in the hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene.
The Prosecco is a vigorous and hardy vine, with nut-coloured shoots and quite large, loosely-packed winged clusters of beautiful golden yellow berries nestled amongst large bright green leaves.
The Prosecco is the vine which guarantees the base structure of the wine of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, but Verdiso, Perera and Bianchetta, vine varieties which are considered to be of lesser stature, can be used up to a maximum of 15%. In some years and in certain zones, they can contribute, on account of their specificity, to the organolectic balance of Prosecco.
The Verdiso is documented as having been present in the Conegliano zone as early as 1700; by the XIX century it was already widely grown with its production exceeding that of every other variety in the zone.
Used in the vinification of Prosecco to increase its acidity and sapidity, Verdiso plays an important role in balancing its acid component in hot years.
The Perera, a variety cited as already being grown in the Treviso province in the last century, was used in small quantities in the vinification of Prosecco, above all in the Valdobbiadene zone, to enhance its perfume and aroma.
Some say that its ‘strange’ name comes from the very particular taste of its pulp (that is to say the taste of ‘pera’, the Italian word for ‘pear’) although it more likely owes its name to the shape of the berry, which resembles that of an upturned pear.
The Bianchetta, a vine mentioned by name as early as the XVI century and claimed by some authers to be indigenous to the Treviso area, was used, on account of its early maturation, to ‘refine and polish’ the Prosecco, especially in cold years. This is why it was often grown, together with Verdiso, in the higher and less accessible zones.
This is how the production of Prosecco DOC happens:
The harvest: An important moment closely followed by the Tutelary Consortium which checks the maturity of the grapes, gives the latest advice to the producers and, during a public meeting attended by the growers, gives the go-ahead for the harvest to begin in the various zones.
The pressing: this takes place when the grapes, harvested by hand and gathered from the various vineyards, are transported to the winery, where the work of vinification begins.
The pressing is accomplished by highly sophisticated equipment which presses the grapes very gently so that only the free-run juice from the heart of the berry is extracted. The Disciplinary Rules dictate that a maximum of 70 litres (approx. 15.4 imp. gal.) of wine may be obtained from 100 kg. (about 220 lb.) of grapes. From the still damp pomace (skins), the perfumed and light Prosecco grappa is distilled.
The decantation: after the pressing, the turbid must (juice) is left to rest in stainless steel tanks chilled to a temperature of 5-10° C (41-50° F).
After approximately 10-12 hours, the limpid part of the must has separated from the deposits and fermentation begins.
The vinification: this comes about thanks to yeasts which provoke alcoholic fermentation. Vinification takes about 15-20 days and is completed in stainless steel vats kept at a constant temperature of 18-20° C (65-68° F).
Grapes coming from a single vineyard are usually vinified together and the wineries keep the different lots separate.
The foaming: this takes place after the base wine has become limpid.
Only then can the process of becoming a sparkling wine begin, an operation in which style, taste and the experience of the oenologist play a decisive role.
After a careful tasting of the various lots of base wine, the different vattings are assembled: the wines, which have until this point been kept separately due to their different origins, moments of harvesting and organolectic characteristics are now carefully assembled in precise proportions, so as to achieve a perfect balance of all the components.
Only a few rare lots made from grapes from particular crus (single vineyards), which while still in the vineyard appeared to be endowed with a distinct style or a perfect balance, are made into sparkling wines purely on their own.
The bottling: different types of bottles are used according to the type of wine being bottled, the ‘Renana’ (Rhenish) or the ‘Borgognona’ (Burgundian) bottle for the ‘Tranquillo’ (still wine), the ‘Champagnotta’ (Champagne) bottle for ‘Frizzante’ (semi-sparkling wine) and the classic Prosecco bottle for ‘Spumante’ (sparkling wine). All of the bottles are green in colour to ensure that the wine is not damaged by light. After 30-40 days, the wine is ready to be released to market.
The various types
The Prosecco of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene was thus borne of few, but precise rules that guarantee its uniqueness and authenticity and from a tradition that, while adapting to change, has managed to retain a distinct and unmistakable indentity over the years.
Whether still, semi-sparkling or fully sparkling, the Prosecco DOC of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene is recognizable by its pale straw-yellow colour, its moderate body and its exclusively fruity and floral aroma. Follows a brief description of the characteristics of the various types of wine produced.
Sparkling Prosecco DOC of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene
The Sparkling Prosecco gives full expression to its character, which is at once, both agile and energetic and is produced principally in two versions, the Extra Dry and the Brut. In the former, refermentation is interrupted while a small percentage of sugars (12-20 gr/l) still remains; in the latter, however, refermentation is almost complete (max. 15 gr/l), leaving the wine bone dry.
Brut
This is the most modern of the Prosecco wines and it has had great international success. It is characterized by richer aromas of citrus fruit and fresh vegetation with pleasant hints of bread crust showing through, coming together on the palate with an exquisite gustative energy.
Its fine perlage ensures a persistent taste which is clean on the palate, making this the sparkling wine par excellence for the table.
It should be served at 7-9° C (44-46° F) and goes well with simple or elaborate fish and vegetables hors d’oeuvres, first courses of sea foods and baked fish, or, as is the custom in its production zone, enjoyed throughout the entire meal.
Extra dry
This is a ‘classic’ Prosecco, the version which combines the vine variety’s aromatic quality with the exalted sapidity of its fine bubbles.
The colour is a brilliant straw-yellow enlivened by its perlage (strands of tiny bubbles). Its aromatic quality is fresh and rich in fruity aromas of apple and pear with a hint of citrus fruit which fades into the floral bouquet.
In the mouth it is soft, yet at the same time dry, thanks to its good acidity.
It makes the perfect aperitif, ideally served at 8-10° C (45-50° F), and is a good compliment to vegetable soups, sea foods, pasta dishes with a light meat sauce, fresh cheeses and white meats.
The Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze
This is truly the inimitable embodiment of life’s beautiful moments.The intensity of its colour signals the complexity of the ample and inviting aromas that are to follow: from apple to pear, from apricot to citrus fruit, to rose, with a pleasant note of glazed almonds on the aftertaste. Produced almost exclusively in its Dry version (residual sugar of 17-35 grammes per litre), this sparkling wine makes a good companion to traditional desserts, from short pastries to fruit tarts, to sweetened ‘focaccia’ (type of flat soft bread). Cartizze is not only the perfect conclusion to an important dinner, but also adds to every well-wishing toast and makes every ceremony more festive.
Semi-sparkling Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene
This is the most forthcoming and therefore the easiest Prosecco to taste: it was first made with the young and less expert consumer in mind.
The version which has been refermented in the bottle on the lees (sur lie), is the true ambassdor of the wine maker’s traditions, assertive, dry, light and easily digestible.
Semi-sparkling Prosecco, usually fermented in autoclaves, harmonizes the fragrance of the grape’s varietal aromas, with a delicate hint of carbon dioxide in a union characterized by its freshness. Its colour is the signature pale straw-yellow. On the nose, it has rich floral and fruit aromas, with green apple and lemon coming to the fore. It is perfect served at 8-10° C (45-50° F) as an aperitif and as an accompaniment to hors d’oeuvres and simple first courses.
Still Prosecco of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene
This is the least known version of Prosecco outside the production zone.
It is made from well-matured grapes coming from the more densely planted and less productive vineyards.
Vinification involves a brief cold maceration of the grape-skins to enrich the bouquet and structure of the wine. It is delicate straw-yellow in colour, with a bouquet of apple, pear, almond and wild-flower honey.
The Still Prosecco has a smooth and persistent structure, and an aftertaste sometimes characterized by pleasantly bitter almond undertones, which give the wine greater expression and complexity. Even though this is not a wine to be aged, it can still be appreciated in its second year of life.
It should be served at 10-12° C (50-53° F) with light fish and vegetable-based hors d’oeuvres and is also an excellent accompaniment to the marinated morsels traditional to the Veneto.
The Tutelary Consortium and the guarantee of quality
In 1962 a group of eleven producers, set up the Tutelary Consortium of Prosecco and proposed a discipline to govern production.Their efforts were rewarded seven years later, when, on April 2.nd, 1969, the Minister of Agriculture officially recognized Conegliano and Valdobbiadene as the only D.O.C. (Controlled Denomination of Origin) production zone for ‘Prosecco’ and ‘Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze’.
The Consortium is a private body serving the public interest and unites the various categories of producers to promote the development of viticultural and oenological techniques and guarantee and improve the quality of Prosecco in order to spread the knowledge of the wine and safeguard its image both in Italy and abroad.
It also guarantees adherence to the established rules of production set out in the Discipline. The Consortium does not operate alone in carr ying out these wide-ranging and complex tasks: as a guarantee of the quality of each and every bottle, the local Chamber of Commerce checks the grapes and issues a ‘production receipt’ for each batch.This receipt attests to the provenance of the grapes from vineyards listed in the official register. Before the wines are released for market, they are analysed and tasted by special ministerial commissions who then issue a pass certificate which confers the right to display the designation of the Denomination.
Utilizing its own technical facilities and in collaboration with various research institutes, the Consortium carries out the important job of improving on existing techniques and introducing new ones for both the vineyard and the winery.
The Consortium closely follows all of the different phases of production, from the planting of the vineyards, to the pruning, to choosing the right moment for harvesting the grapes. Then, in the wineries, it works hand in hand with the wine makers, who themselves have the accumulated experience of centuries, from the pressing, to the fermentation, to the bottling.
the Disciplinary Rules
The Prosecco of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene was born of an ancient tradition which, through advances in technology, has changed and adapted itself over the centuries to finally produce the wine as we know it today.
It is a story culminating in the Disciplinary Rules that we have today, which regulate the production of both the grape and the wine, establishing the basic principles by virtue of which a wine may qualify for and be conferred the denomination of ‘Conegliano-Valdobbiadene’.
Five fundamental rules
Grapes: must come from vineyards of the area delimited by law, which must be entered in the register of the Chamber of Commerce of Treviso, in which all cadastal data identifying the tracts of land are recorded.
Varieties: only Prosecco grapes (minimum 85%) and Verdiso, Perera, Bianchetta and Prosecco long grapes (maximum of 15%) are currently allowed;
Vinification: must be carried out according to the norms provided for in the Disciplinary Rules and can only take place in the communities within the DOC zone. The vinification of Cartizze is only allowed within the community of Valdobbiadene;
Bottling & Sparkling Wine Processes: may be carried out only in wineries within the Province of Treviso, and in Venice authorization;
Marketing: before bottling, each batch of wine must pass an organolectic examination carried out by commissions of oenologists from the Chamber of Commerce.
Five simple, but very precise rules, which every producer must respect if he wishes to avail himself of the ‘Conegliano-Valdobbiadene’ denomination, established to guarantee consumers a certified origin and excellent quality.
Visit to the production zone:
dining in the land of Prosecco DOC
The inhabitants of the band of hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene have, in spite of the passage of time, managed to retain the best of their gastronomic traditions, so that we too can enjoy the aromas and tastes of a legacy of local specialities left by past generations. There are still some who consider this ‘poor-man’s fare’, as it is made with basic local ingredients, but in truth, this is splendid ‘niche’ cuisine, far removed from the corruption of modernity, which expresses the country folk’s accumulated wisdom in creating both dietary and gustative balance. Here, culinary traditon has ancient roots. Wild game has always been cooked on the spit, oven roasted or cooked into delicous succulent stews accompanied by steaming ‘polenta’ (traditional Italian dish made from corn meal). To further enrich the tables of autumn and winter, there is a rich range of woodland mushrooms: the ‘royal agaric’, the ‘porcino’, the ‘chiodino’ or ‘honey mushroom’, various members of the ‘Chanterelle’ family and others.
These mushrooms are used to prepare a wide variety of popular dishes, rich in taste and only to be found in this area. The chestnuts of these parts have also been rediscovered and are used to make goose stuffing for end-of year feasts and, combined with these mushrooms, to make moulded custards and soups of great gastronomic interest.
Spring welcomes back to the table dishes calling for handfuls of the herbs growing wild in the fields and woods. These are used to make hot soups, both fortifying and cleansing, delicious spring risottos which are the pride of Trevisian cooking, delicate ‘tortelli’ (kind of fritters) to serve at Lent, sunny omelettes and numerous other local dishes. Not to go unmentioned, is the local pork, used to make inimitable sausages, and a range of cheeses bearing very particular names, from the ‘Bastardo’ to the ‘Morlacco’ from the mountain huts of the Alps, from the ‘Casatella’ to the ‘Caciotta’, from the ‘Montasio’ to the ‘Pressato’.
Here, simple traditional dishes are the order of the day; the bread is baked in wood ovens and ‘polenta’ is still the ‘queen’ of the table. While exploring the various routes that lead from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene, you may note the pleasant aromas of home-cooking wafting through the air. These mouth-watering smells also permeate the old out-of-the-way trattorias, the modern restaurants cited in all the guide books and the inns and taverns where together with a glass of fine Prosecco DOC, one can sample dishes that are simple, but representative of the hospitality of these places, fortunately still filled with that welcoming human touch.
Wherever you stop off to taste any of the many gastronomic offerings from this ancient tradition, you should always start with a glass of sparkling and festive Prosecco DOC to heighten your enjoyment of a cuisine which is among the richest and most flavourful in our beloved Veneto.
Useful addresses
Treviso DOC:
Consorzio per la Promozione e la Valorizzazione dei vini DOC e dei prodotti IGP e DOP di Treviso
Enoteca permanente
Via Municipio, 1 31100 Treviso
tel e fax 0422 583519
Tourist Promotion Association “Marca Treviso”
Via Turazza 7, 31100 Treviso
tel 0422 50071 410296 fax 0422 546695 540366
www.marcatreviso.it
National Expo of the Sparkling wine of Valdobbiadene
Altamarca
Villa dei Cedri, 31049 Valdobbiadene TV
tel 0423 972372 fax 0423 975510
Local Tourist Office of Pieve di Soligo
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 31053 Pieve di Soligo TV
tel 0438 980699 - 960056
Tourist Information Centre
Via Colombo 45, 31015 Conegliano TV
tel e fax 0438 21230
Piazza del Popolo 18, 31029 Vittorio Veneto TV
tel 0438 57243 fax 0438 53629
Ufficio Informazione Turistica di Valdobbiadene
Piazza Marconi 1, 31049 Valdobbiadene (TV)
tel 0423 976975
Ufficio Informazioni Turistiche Sportello Leader
Via Convento 1, 31051 Follina (TV)
tel 0438 971666 fax 0438 974245
Gruppo di Azione Locale n° 4
Via Patrioti 64/b, 31010 Farra di Soligo (TV)
tel 0438 900012 fax 0438 902070
More information:
Association for the regulation of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco wine
via Roma, 7 - 31059 Solighetto TV
Tel 0438 83028 – Fax 0438 842700 – info@prosecco.it
P.R.: Gheusis Comunicazione – Silvia Baratta – info@gheusis.com