Fresh, young and lively, Prosecco is Italy's answer to a deliciously refreshing sparkling wine at an affordable price
Fresh, young and lively, Prosecco is Italy's answer to a deliciously refreshing sparkling wine at an affordable price. Produced exclusively in the north-eastern region of Veneto, predominantly from the grape of the same name, Prosecco is usually made in two styles: spumante (sparkling) or frizzante (semi-sparkling).
A less complex, more fun alternative to champagne, it's slowly becoming the most popular sparkling wine abroad. Unlike champagne, however, the secondary fermentation (which produces the bubbles) in Prosecco takes place in steel tanks, which makes it cheaper to produce.
The difference in price is substantial, with Prosecco being almost five times cheaper than champagne. The range costs between Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000. Since Prosecco is not aged and usually bottled in the same year it has been harvested, it must be consumed young, preferably within three years of bottling.
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What to pair it with
Prosecco is a great aperitif to get the party rolling. Light and slightly sweet, it is also perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch when you want something fresh and zesty.
It pairs well with delicately flavoured appetisers, artisanal Italian meats like prosciutto or mortadella, batter-fried seafood especially squid and prawns, lightly dressed chicken, beef or crabmeat salads and sushi.
Great by itself, it can also be used in cocktails. Famous sparkling peach cocktail Bellini, which was invented at Harry's Bar in Venice, the capital of Veneto, was originally made with Prosecco.
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