THE ITALIAN TRADITION ABOUT SPARKLING WINE

Just like Champagne in France, Italian sparkling wine has become synonymous with Prosecco. From the “Metodo Classico” Champagne-like wines of Franciacorta, to the perfect pizza pairing sparkling reds of Lambrusco, to wines cellared in the sea in Ligura (yes it’s true!), Italy’s sparkling wines are as inimitable and diverse as the country’s cuisine.

The most famous are definetely from north of Italy area, because northern Italy is the heart of Italian sparkling wine, and the home to three different styles: Prosecco, Franciacorta and Asti Spumanti!

Prosecco is produced from the Glera grape, in the foothills of the Veneto region of Northern Italy. It is a light-bodied, vibrant, fresh, highly aromatic, easy-drinking style of sparkling wine made in the Charmat method. It is dry to off-dry, with medium to high acidity and large, frothy bubbles. Dominant flavours include apple, honeysuckle, peach, melon and pear. Prosecco is delicious on its own as an aperitif, pairs effortlessly with almost any dish, is fantastic in a cocktail!

Franciacorta is known as the “Champagne of Italy”. Franciacorta is produced from a blend or Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy (in the Franciacorta DOCG) just east of the city of Milan. Its much richer than Prosecco, with a medium to full body, creamy mouthfeel and a much finer perlage. Franciacorta is usually brut (dry) in style.

Asti Spumanti is a sparkling sweet wine made from the Moscato Bianco grape in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. It is different from the other two in that it doesn’t undergo a secondary fermentation. These wines are often much cheaper and considered lower-quality, although wines from the Moscato d’Asti DOCG have a better reputation and are often enjoyed at the end of a meal with creamy or fruity desserts.

Main others italian sparking wines from all over the country, even from the south, are “Lizzano doc”, “Donnafugata”, “Lambrusco”, “Brachetto”.

So there you have a brief presentation of our sparkling wines! Italy has long been known as the land of food and wine, and amazing sparkling wine can be found all across the country. Italy’s unique terroir and grape varieties make the options for enjoying Italian bubbly endless! So go pop a bottle of Italian bubbles, c’mon, you deserve it!