Sparkling wines

Sparkling wines & semi-sparkling wines

Italian sparkling wines, also known as " Vino Frizzante ," are a popular category of wines prized for their light effervescence and refreshing quality. Here is some useful information about Italian sparkling wines.

Sparkling wines are produced through the fermentation of wine, which generates carbon dioxide that remains in the wine and forms fine carbon dioxide bubbles. This can occur naturally through the use of lightly fermented grapes or by adding carbon dioxide during the fermentation process.

Italy has a multitude of regions that produce sparkling wines. Each region has its own characteristic grape varieties and styles. For example, Prosecco is well-known from Veneto in northeastern Italy, while Lambrusco originates from Emilia-Romagna in the north of the country.

There are various styles of Italian sparkling wines, ranging from dry to sweet. Some popular Italian sparkling wines include Prosecco Frizzante, Asti Spumante, Lambrusco Frizzante, and Moscato d'Asti.

Italian sparkling wines are characterized by a wide variety of aromas and flavor profiles. From fruity notes such as green apples, citrus fruits, peaches, and pears to floral aromas of acacia and elderflower, sparkling wines can offer a broad range of taste experiences. They are well-suited as an aperitif or for enjoying with friends. They are also a popular choice for light appetizers, salads, fish dishes, and desserts.

Depending on quality and production method, Italian sparkling wines can have various quality designations. These range from simple table wines (Vino da Tavola) to country wines (IGT) and controlled designations of origin (DOC, DOCG).

What is the difference between Spumante, Prosecco, Lambrusco & Frizzante?

These four terms are often confused, even though they refer to different things. Here's some clarity:

Spumante – the Italian sparkling wine

Spumante is the generic term for Italian sparkling wine with high carbon dioxide pressure (over 3 bar). The name derives from the Italian "spuma" (= foam) – and that's precisely what defines it: fine, long-lasting bubbles, similar to those found in Champagne.

Spumante is a category – not every bottle of Spumante is automatically Prosecco, but every Prosecco Spumante falls under this category.

• Prosecco Spumante
• Franciacorta
• Asti Spumante

Prosecco – the king from Veneto

Prosecco is a protected designation of origin for sparkling and semi-sparkling wines from northern Italy – more precisely from the regions of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It is made from the Glera grape and is available in two varieties:

• Prosecco Spumante (full-bodied sparkling wine with fine bubbles)
• Prosecco Frizzante (light sparkling wine)

There are different quality levels, the highest being Prosecco Superiore DOCG from Asolo or Conegliano-Valdobbiadene.

Special features : The character is fruity, floral, fresh – an ideal aperitif wine.

Lambrusco – the lively red wine from Emilia-Romagna

Lambrusco is a red grape variety and also the name of the wine made from it. Unlike Prosecco, Lambrusco is usually a red or rosé sparkling wine, often with a slight residual sweetness.

He comes primarily from the Emilia-Romagna region and can perform in various styles:

• Secco (dry)
• Amabile (semi-dry)
• Dolce (sweet)

Special feature: A rare representative of red sparkling wines with fruity freshness and fine acidity – perfect with pizza, pasta or antipasti.

Frizzante – the light sparkling wine

Frizzante refers to a semi-sparkling wine with lower carbon dioxide pressure (between 1 and 2.5 bar). The bubbles are more subtle than in Spumante – this makes it lighter, more approachable, and often somewhat cheaper.

A Prosecco Frizzante is therefore no less high-quality – but more lively and uncomplicated in character.

In particular: Frizzante is rather “lightly sparkling”, Spumante is “finely foaming”.

Conclusion