Defining Prosecco

Uncorking the Wonders of Prosecco from Frizzante to Spumante

Prosecco has become the best-selling sparkling wine in the world by volume. The Italian wine’s production eclipsed Champagne’s five years ago. The Prosecco DOC Consortium released promising data in July 2022 from a market research study carried out by Nomisma. They revealed that 25.5 million gallons – 127.5 million bottles – of Prosecco PDO were exported to the US in 2021 – an increase of 44.3 percent over the previous year and of 40.30 percent over 2019 – and today the country absorbs 17.4 percent of the total production of Prosecco. Prosecco is by far the most popular sparkling wine in the US. It is a top value sparkling wine for everything from casual gatherings, and happy hours after work, to special celebrations.

Frizzante vs. Spumante Prosecco

Both frizzante and spumante describe the level of effervescence (i.e. the strength of the bubbles) in a bottle of sparkling wine. Wines labeled ‘frizzante’ are gently sparkling, while wines labeled ‘spumante’ are more effervescent and fully sparkling. Both types of Prosecco are produced using the charmat method. Once primary fermentation has been completed, the winemaker induces a secondary fermentation with a mixture of yeast and sugar and seals the wine in a stainless steel tank to trap the CO2 inside (which makes the bubbles). How long the CO2 is trapped in the wine dictates how bubbly the final product will be. Frizzante takes around 30 days and Spumante around 40 days. Frizzante wines stay under 2.5 bars of atmosphere/pressure while Spumante wines are >3.5 bars and usually between 5 and 6 bars.

Frizzante Prosecco is a traditional Italian effervescent wine for everyday drinking. Many restaurants and family dinner tables in Italy will offer a carafe on the table at the beginning of the meal, as a way to cleanse the palate and entice the taste buds for the meal to come. Frizzante Prosecco also pairs well with a variety of foods including salads, seafood, and creamy soups. The Veneto Prosecco is often paired with Italian salumi and cheese, and truly reflects the essence of the region in which it’s created. The traditional Spago string closure is often used, along with a cork. Only frizzante Prosecco can be closed this way due to the lower level of CO2.

Spumante Prosecco is a fully sparkling wine, perfect for special occasions or anytime a more fully sparkling experience is desired. Spumante produces the characteristic foam when poured as they are more effervescent and complex. A “mushroom” cap and cage is compulsory with spumante, and adds an air of elegance to the overall presentation. Spumante Prosecco can be served as an aperitif, with meals or with sweets, standing up incredibly well to high-fat, rich meals and desserts.

The Tale of Two Proseccos – Pizzolato Fields Prosecco Frizzante and M*USE Prosecco Spumante

Our winery partner Cantina Pizzolato proudly produces Prosecco in both Frizzante and Spumante styles, both made with 100% organically grown grapes, certified Vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified. The popular Pizzolato Fields Prosecco Frizzante has received national recognition as one of the top-value sparkling wines. Wine Enthusiast named Pizzolato Fields Prosecco Frizzante as #2 on their Top 100 Best Buys of 2018, with 91 points (2016 vintage). Wine Enthusiast rated the 2018 vintage 90 points and Best Buy. The Best Buy list contains wines that are all under $15 retail, and Pizzolato Fields Prosecco Frizzante is a great value at under $14 SRP. Click here to find out more about Pizzolato Fields Prosecco and enjoy a great cocktail recipe.

Made entirely with organic grapes, this delicately sparkling wine boasts enticing scents of white spring flower, beeswax and pear. The vibrant, ethereal palate is loaded with finesse, offering Rennet apple, lemon and mineral alongside crisp acidity and a light, elegant perlage. Wine Enthusiast

We also have the Pizzolato M*USE Prosecco Spumante in our portfolio. This beautiful Brut Prosecco has 5.1 bars of atmosphere/pressure, creating vibrant and long-lasting bubbles. Aromas of jasmine, beeswax and Bosc pear. Juicy, elegant palate delivers green apple, lemon zest and hazelnut alongside bright acidity and refined, persistent bubbles. The diamond M*USE (Multi-Use) bottle makes the experience that much more glamorous, and can be repurposed for many things after enjoying.