Everything about Prosecco Wine

Prosecco, the beloved sparkling wine from northeastern Italy, is transforming the wine industry with its refreshing, fruity profile and accessible charm. In this blog, we explore how Prosecco's unique production method and flavor characteristics set it apart from other sparkling wines. At Uncork It Chicago, 393 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL - visit us in-store, call (312) 321-9400, or visit www.uncorkitchicago.com to elevate your sparkling wine experience.

Prosecco is a sparkling wine from the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of northeastern Italy, primarily made from the Glera grape. Known for its light, fruity, and floral profile, Prosecco often has notes of apple, pear, white peach, and citrus, making it a refreshing choice for casual sipping or celebrations. Prosecco is classified into two main categories: DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), which represents a broader production area, and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), a smaller, more prestigious area like Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, known for producing higher-quality wines.

Unlike Champagne, which undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, Prosecco is produced using the Charmat Method—where fermentation happens in stainless steel tanks. This process preserves the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Glera grape. Prosecco comes in different styles, including Spumante (fully sparkling), Frizzante (semi-sparkling), and Tranquillo (still), with Brut and Extra Dry being the most popular levels of sweetness. Its affordability and versatility have made it a staple for both casual and celebratory occasions.

The key difference between Prosecco and other sparkling wines lies in the production method. Prosecco is made using the Charmat Method, where the second fermentation happens in stainless steel tanks. This process preserves its light, fruity character, making it fresh and approachable, with flavors of apple, pear, and citrus. In contrast, sparkling wines like Champagne and Cava use the Traditional Method (bottle fermentation), which results in more complex flavors.

• Champagne: Produced in France's Champagne region using the Traditional Method, Champagne is often associated with toasty, yeasty notes, thanks to aging on the lees. Made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, its complexity and luxury status make it a drink reserved for special occasions. Champagne's higher price point reflects the labor-intensive production process and longer aging times.
• Cava: Spain's answer to sparkling wine, Cava is also made using the Traditional Method but tends to be more affordable than Champagne. Produced in the Penedès region using native Spanish grapes like Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo, Cava offers citrus and apple flavors, with a crisper finish. It's a versatile option for both casual drinking and celebrations.
• Crémant: Sparkling wines labeled Crémant are made outside of the Champagne region but still follow the Traditional Method. Produced in regions like Alsace and Loire, Crémant wines tend to be lighter and more fruit-forward than Champagne, often offering great value at a lower price point. Each region brings its unique grape varieties and characteristics, making Crémant a great alternative to pricier options.

Prosecco's affordability and its refreshing, easy-drinking nature make it stand out from these other types of sparkling wines. It's often enjoyed in cocktails like the Aperol Spritz, whereas Champagne and Crémant are more commonly served on their own or with delicate food pairings.

When it comes to Prosecco, there are a few standout brands that have earned international recognition for their quality, flavor, and heritage. Whether you’re looking for an everyday sparkling wine or something for special occasions, these brands offer excellent choices across various price ranges.

Founded in 1968, La Marca began as a cooperative of over 5,000 local winegrowers in the Veneto region of Italy. The name “La Marca” is a tribute to the ancient March of Treviso, a historical region known for its winemaking traditions. From its inception, La Marca has been dedicated to preserving local winemaking practices while embracing modern techniques to meet the evolving tastes of wine lovers around the world. Today, La Marca is a leading name in Prosecco and has become the most beloved sparkling wine brand in the United States.

La Marca’s production begins in the lush vineyards of Veneto, where they exclusively use 100% Glera grapes—the cornerstone of all high-quality Prosecco. What sets La Marca apart is their meticulous approach to consistency and quality, even on a large scale. They employ the Charmat method (tank fermentation), which preserves the fresh, fruity flavors of the Glera grape by fermenting the wine in large stainless-steel tanks rather than bottles. This method allows La Marca to create a sparkling wine that is crisp, light, and perfect for any occasion.

La Marca Prosecco is known for its vibrant, refreshing taste. With a pale golden straw color and lively bubbles, it immediately invites you in. The nose bursts with aromas of fresh-picked citrus and honeysuckle blossoms, which lead to a crisp palate of green apple, ripe peach, and a hint of lemon zest. Its balance of fruitiness and minerality makes it both refreshing and versatile, with a clean, light finish and just a touch of sweetness to keep you coming back for more.

La Marca sets itself apart not only with its signature blue label but also with its ability to maintain high quality across a large production volume. While many Prosecco producers focus on smaller, artisanal production, La Marca has mastered the art of creating a consistently excellent product that represents the Veneto region on a global scale. The brand's marketing success, especially in the U.S., further distinguishes it from competitors. While some Prosecco brands may focus on niche markets, La Marca has become a household name without sacrificing its roots or its commitment to tradition.

While specific awards may not always be front and center, La Marca’s real accolades come from its consumers. The brand is celebrated as "America's most loved sparkling wine," a testament to its popularity in one of the world’s largest wine markets. La Marca’s continued growth and expansion into offerings like Prosecco Rosé shows its ability to innovate while staying true to the quality and flavor that has made it a Prosecco powerhouse.

One of the keys to La Marca’s success has been its focus on creating an emotional connection with consumers. Brand ambassador Claudia Manetta, the company’s Export Manager, emphasizes the link between passion, tradition, and territory in La Marca’s marketing efforts. By promoting La Marca as more than just a wine—something to be enjoyed in moments of joy and celebration—the brand has secured a loyal fanbase of Prosecco lovers around the world.

Additional Facts

• Cooperative Structure: La Marca’s cooperative model supports over 5,000 local winegrowers, ensuring that small producers can thrive while contributing to the success of the region as a whole.
• Sustainability: La Marca is committed to sustainability, implementing water conservation measures and reducing carbon emissions in both vineyard and winery operations.
• Prosecco Rosé: In recent years, La Marca expanded its portfolio to include Prosecco Rosé, which follows strict DOC regulations and offers a delicate balance of fruit flavors and a pink-hued twist on the traditional Prosecco style.

La Marca is a masterclass in balancing large-scale production with quality. By leveraging its cooperative structure and combining traditional winemaking with modern innovation, La Marca has built a brand that resonates with both casual drinkers and Prosecco connoisseurs alike. Its distinctive blue label is a symbol of quality, heritage, and celebration. Whether you’re toasting to a special occasion or simply enjoying a bubbly moment of joy, La Marca stands out as a true ambassador of the Prosecco world.

Prosecco is a popular Italian sparkling wine from the Veneto region. It's known for its light, fruity flavors and various production methods. Understanding these aspects can help you make informed choices when selecting Prosecco.

For a wide selection of Prosecco brands, visit Uncork It Chicago at 393 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL. You can also shop online at www.uncorkitchicago.com or call (312) 321-9400 for assistance. We stock quality Prosecco options to suit different tastes and occasions.