What are the differences between sparkling wine, Prosecco and Franciacorta?

Have you ever sipped a sparkling wine, a Prosecco and a Franciacorta and wondered what the difference is between these delicious bubbles? Let's discover it together in a few lines, even though it could be written about for days and days!

Origins and Production

Let's start with the origins. Sparkling wine is a generic term that refers to fizzy wines, while Prosecco is a controlled designation of origin that comes from the Veneto region.

On the other hand, Franciacorta is an Italian excellence produced in Lombardy.

The differences in production also concern fermentation and aging methods, influencing the final taste.

The Grapes Involved

The differences continue with the grapes used.

While sparkling wine can be made from various grape varieties, Prosecco primarily uses the Glera grape.

In the case of Franciacorta, you will often find Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc, giving it a unique complexity and structure.

Territory and Terroir 

Each type of wine is linked to a specific territory.

Sparkling wine can come from various Italian regions, while Prosecco is closely related to the hills of Veneto.

Franciacorta, on the other hand, takes its name from the geographic area surrounding Lake Iseo, enriching the wine with the characteristics of its terroir.

Production Method

The difference in the production method is fundamental.

While sparkling wine can be obtained using various methods, both traditional and modern, Prosecco is often made using the Charmat method, characterized by fermentation in autoclaves.

Franciacorta, however, follows the traditional method with a second fermentation in the bottle, giving the wine elegance and complexity.

Tasting Characteristics

Finally, let's talk about taste.

Sparkling wine can be versatile, depending on the production region, with varieties ranging from dry to sweet.

Prosecco is known for its freshness, lightness, and fruity aromatic profile.

Franciacorta, on the other hand, stands out for its complex structure, balanced acidity, and persistence.

In short, if you love bubbles, exploring the differences between sparkling wine, Prosecco, and Franciacorta is an exciting journey into the world of Italian winemaking!

S&M