Italian Prosecco: a little sparkle, plenty to discover

There is something wonderfully welcoming about a glass of Prosecco. The bubbles rise, the scent of fresh fruit follows, and suddenly a plate of antipasti feels like an occasion. From a relaxed lunch to a festive gathering, Italy’s famous fizz brings brightness to the table.

But choosing a bottle gets more interesting when you look beyond the familiar name. The grapes, the level of sparkle and the sweetness all help shape what you taste.

The grape behind the sparkle

Glera is the principal grape of Prosecco, grown in north-eastern Italy. Its delicate fruit and floral character is central to the wine’s appeal: think apple, pear, white peach and blossom, with the precise balance varying from bottle to bottle.

Most Prosecco gets its bubbles through the Martinotti method, also called Charmat. A second fermentation takes place in a pressurised tank, trapping the carbon dioxide that gives the wine its sparkle. This approach suits Glera’s fresh, fragrant character.

A few words worth knowing

Spumante means fully sparkling, while frizzante describes a gentler fizz. Both can make lovely aperitifs; the choice is partly about how much liveliness you enjoy in the glass.

Sweetness terms need a little decoding too. Brut is drier than Extra Dry, despite what the names might suggest. If you prefer a crisper impression, Brut is a useful starting point. Extra Dry can offer a rounder touch of sweetness, balanced by the wine’s freshness. Fruit aromas alone do not tell you how sweet a wine will taste.

And then there is pink. Prosecco DOC Rosé brings together Glera and Pinot Noir, adding another expression to explore alongside the familiar white style. You can read more about the different versions in the Prosecco DOC Consortium’s guide to styles.

Two bottles to explore

Lunetta Prosecco

Made from Glera and labelled Prosecco DOC, Lunetta Prosecco is a welcoming introduction. Apple and peach aromas lead into a fresh, softly sparkling palate with ripe stone-fruit character.

We would pair it with a few simple bites: crostini, mild cheese or crisp vegetable fritters. Keep the flavours delicate enough to let the fruit show through.

Lunetta Prosecco Rosé

For a different direction, Lunetta Prosecco Rosé combines Glera and Pinot Noir. Red berry, peach and floral notes meet a light body, crisp freshness and persistent bubbles.

Try it with prosciutto or a fresh salad. Its berry character makes it an appealing choice when you fancy a change from white Prosecco, while keeping that bright, refreshing feel.

Bring a little Italy to the table

Serve your Prosecco chilled and give it room in the glass for the aromas to open. A small white-wine glass works well if you want to explore the fruit as well as enjoy the bubbles.

Set out a few antipasti, pour a modest glass and take your time over the match. If you would like help choosing between white and rosé, or finding a style to suit your food, ask the team at The Wine Cellar. A favourite bottle often starts with a little curiosity.