Prosecco is a sparkling wine originating in northeastern Italy, produced primarily from the Glera grape across designated areas of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Unlike Champagne and other traditional-method sparkling wines, most Prosecco undergoes secondary fermentation in pressurised tanks. Known as the Martinotti or Charmat method, this approach preserves the fresh fruit and floral character of the wine, producing the bright, aromatic style for which Prosecco is known.
From widely produced DOC wines to the hillside vineyards of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, the category encompasses considerably more variation than its easy-drinking reputation might suggest.
Understanding Prosecco
Prosecco DOC & DOCG
Prosecco DOC covers a large designated production area across Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia and represents the broadest expression of the category.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG comes from a smaller, historic growing area in the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Its steep vineyard sites, individual communes and more specific production requirements provide a closer look at Prosecco through the lens of place.
Within the DOCG area, further distinctions include Rive, identifying wines from particular communes or vineyard areas, and Cartizze, a small and historically recognised hillside area within Valdobbiadene.
Brut, Extra Dry & Dry Prosecco
Prosecco labels can initially be confusing because Extra Dry is actually sweeter than Brut.
Brut styles contain less residual sugar and generally present as drier and more linear. Extra Dry has slightly more sweetness, which can emphasise Prosecco's characteristic pear, apple and floral notes.
You'll also encounter Extra Brut and Brut Nature at the drier end of the spectrum, alongside Dry styles with greater residual sugar.
Prosecco Rosé
Prosecco Rosé DOC combines Glera with a smaller proportion of Pinot Noir, introducing colour and red-fruit character while retaining the freshness associated with Prosecco.
The category was formally introduced relatively recently and has become a recognised extension of the traditional white Prosecco style.
Italian Prosecco
Italy remains the reference point for Prosecco, with producers working across the broader DOC region and the more specific DOCG zones of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.
Producers including Santa Margherita, La Gioiosa, Ponte and Bottega offer expressions ranging from classic Brut and Extra Dry through to Rosé and presentation-led bottlings.
Cipriani brings its own connection to Venetian aperitivo culture, particularly through the Bellini, which originated at Harry's Bar in Venice.
Australian Prosecco
Prosecco also has an established history in Australia, particularly in Victoria's King Valley.
Italian migrant families played an important role in the region's food and wine culture, with producers including Dal Zotto and Pizzini helping establish the style locally. Australian examples tend to retain the fresh, aromatic character associated with the Glera grape while reflecting their own regional origins and winemaking approaches.
Today, Australian Prosecco extends beyond the King Valley, although the region remains particularly closely associated with the style.
How to Serve Prosecco
Prosecco is best served well chilled. A tulip-shaped sparkling glass or white wine glass provides enough room for its fruit and floral aromas while retaining the wine's freshness.
Its acidity and aromatic character work particularly well with antipasti, seafood, cured meats, soft cheeses and lighter dishes.
Prosecco is also closely associated with Italian aperitivo culture. It forms the sparkling component of the Bellini, traditionally combined with white peach purée, and is widely used in the Spritz alongside bitter aperitifs and soda.
Shop Prosecco at Kent Street Cellars
Our Prosecco collection brings together Italian DOC and DOCG wines alongside Australian expressions, spanning Brut, Extra Dry, Rosé and a range of bottle sizes and presentation styles.
Explore Prosecco from Santa Margherita, La Gioiosa, Bottega, Ponte, Dal Zotto, Pizzini and more, with Australia-wide delivery and same-day delivery available across Sydney.
