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Prosecco is a sparkling wine that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Originating from the Veneto region of Italy, Prosecco is a light and refreshing wine that is enjoyed by many. However, despite its popularity, many people are still unsure about the grape variety used to make Prosecco. In this article, we will explore the grape behind Prosecco and give you a better understanding of what makes this wine so special.
The origins of Prosecco
Prosecco has been produced in the Veneto region of Italy for centuries. The area has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the Roman Empire. However, the origins of Prosecco as we know it today can be traced back to the 18th century, when the wine was first produced in the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. The region’s unique terroir, characterised by steep hillsides and a cool climate, provided the perfect conditions for the production of Prosecco. Over time, the wine grew in popularity and eventually became one of Italy’s most famous exports. Today, Prosecco is enjoyed around the world and has become a symbol of Italian culture and hospitality.
Understanding the Prosecco grape
To understand the Prosecco grape, it’s important to understand the wine itself. Prosecco is a sparkling wine made using the Charmat method, which involves a second fermentation in stainless steel tanks. This method differs from the traditional method used to make Champagne, where a second fermentation takes place in the bottle.
The grape variety used to make Prosecco is called Glera. Glera is a white grape known for its high acidity and fruity flavours. It is a relatively neutral grape, which allows it to absorb the flavours of the terroir and the winemaking process. Glera is also known for its ability to produce a lot of bubbles, which makes it perfect for making sparkling wines.
While Glera is the main grape variety used in Prosecco, other varieties are sometimes used. For example, Prosecco DOC allows the use of up to 15% of other varieties such as Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera and Glera Lunga. However, Glera remains the most important grape variety used in the production of Prosecco.
Glera: The primary vine of Prosecco
Glera is the main grape variety used to make Prosecco. It is a white grape native to the Veneto region of Italy, known for its high acidity and fruity flavours. Glera grapes are typically harvested in September and October, and the grapes must be ripe to produce a quality wine.
The Glera grape is characterised by its pale yellow-green colour and medium-sized bunches. The grape is known for its resistance to diseases and pests, making it a reliable variety for winemakers. Glera is also known for its ability to produce wine with a lot of bubbles, making it the perfect grape for Prosecco.
In order to produce high quality Prosecco, winemakers must carefully select and handle the Glera grapes. The grapes are usually harvested by hand and carefully sorted to ensure that only the best grapes are used in the winemaking process. The grapes are then gently pressed and the juice fermented in stainless steel tanks using the Charmat method. The resulting wine is light, fruity and refreshing, with a delicate balance of acidity and sweetness.
The characteristics of the Glera grape
The Glera grape has several characteristics that make it ideal for the production of Prosecco. One of the most important characteristics of Glera is its high acidity. This acidity gives Prosecco its crisp and refreshing taste and also helps to balance the sweetness of the wine.
Another important characteristic of Glera is its fruity flavour profile. The grape is known for its aromatic notes of green apple, pear and citrus, as well as its subtle floral and herbal notes. This flavour profile is a key component of Prosecco’s unique taste and is one of the reasons why the wine has become so popular around the world.
Glera grapes are also characterised by their thick skins, which help to protect the grape from disease and pests. The skins are also rich in phenolic compounds, which give the wine its characteristic aroma and flavour. In addition, Glera grapes are known for their high productivity, making them an efficient and cost-effective grape variety for winemakers.
Other grape varieties used in Prosecco
While Glera is the main grape variety used in the production of Prosecco, other varieties are sometimes used. Prosecco DOC allows up to 15% of other grape varieties to be used in the production of Prosecco.
One of the grape varieties sometimes used in the production of Prosecco is Verdiso. Verdiso is a white grape variety native to the Veneto region of Italy. It is known for its high acidity and ability to produce wine with a delicate floral aroma. Verdiso is typically used in small quantities in Prosecco production to add complexity to the wine.
Another grape variety sometimes used in Prosecco production is Bianchetta Trevigiana. Bianchetta Trevigiana is a white grape variety that is also native to the Veneto region. It is known for its delicate aroma and its ability to produce a wine with a good balance between acidity and sweetness.
Perera is another grape variety sometimes used in the production of Prosecco. Perera is a white grape variety native to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. It is known for its high acidity and its ability to produce a wine with a complex and intense aroma.
While Glera remains the main grape variety used in Prosecco production, the use of these other varieties can add complexity and depth to the wine. Ultimately, the choice of grape varieties used in the production of Prosecco depends on the winemaker and the specific style of Prosecco he or she is trying to achieve.
The role of the Glera grape in Prosecco production
Glera is the most important grape variety used in the production of Prosecco. This is because Glera is a neutral grape, able to absorb the flavours of the terroir and the winemaking process. This allows winemakers to create a wide range of Prosecco styles, from the light and fruity Prosecco DOC to the more complex and structured Prosecco Superiore.
Glera is also important in Prosecco production because of its ability to produce a lot of bubbles. The grape’s thick skins and high acidity help to create the carbonation that is characteristic of Prosecco. Glera is also a reliable and productive variety, making it an ideal choice for winemakers.
The importance of Glera in the production of Prosecco is reflected in the regulations of the Prosecco DOC Consortium. These regulations stipulate that Prosecco DOC must be made from at least 85% Glera grapes, with the remaining 15% made up of other authorised grape varieties. This ensures that the unique characteristics of Glera are present in all Prosecco DOC wines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the grape behind Prosecco is the Glera grape. This white grape variety is native to the Veneto region of Italy and is known for its high acidity and fruity flavour profile. Glera is the primary grape variety used in the production of Prosecco and is responsible for the wine’s unique taste and character.
Although other grape varieties are used in the production of Prosecco, Glera remains the star of the show. Its ability to absorb the flavours of the terroir and the winemaking process, as well as its ability to produce lots of bubbles, make it the perfect grape for Prosecco.
Whether you’re sipping a light and refreshing Prosecco DOC or enjoying a more complex and structured Prosecco Superiore, the Glera grape is at the heart of this popular Italian sparkling wine. So the next time you raise a glass of Prosecco, take a moment to appreciate the grape that makes it all possible.
FAQs
What is the primary grape variety used in Prosecco production?
The primary grape variety used in Prosecco production is the Glera grape. It is a white grape that is native to the Veneto region of Italy and is known for its high acidity and fruity flavor profile.
What other grape varieties are sometimes used in Prosecco production?
Prosecco DOC allows for the use of up to 15% of other grape varieties, such as Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, and Glera Lunga. However, Glera remains the most important grape variety used in Prosecco production.
What are some characteristics of the Glera grape?
The Glera grape is characterized by its high acidity, fruity flavor profile, thick skins, and high productivity. These characteristics make it an ideal grape variety for the production of Prosecco.
Why is the Glera grape important in Prosecco production?
The Glera grape is important in Prosecco production because of its neutral flavor profile, which allows it to take on the flavors of the terroir and the winemaking process. Additionally, the grape’s thick skins and high acidity help to create the carbonation that is characteristic of Prosecco.
What is theminimum percentage of Glera grapes required in Prosecco DOC?
The Prosecco DOC regulations stipulate that Prosecco DOC must be made with at least 85% Glera grapes, with the remaining 15% comprised of other grape varieties that are approved for use.