Come to Conegliano Valdobbiadene in Prosecco, Italy with me and find out what makes DOCG wine so special.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene is a tiny area in North East Italy, just 40 minutes from Venice.
With steep mosaic hills that run west to east and benefit from being south-facing for long days of sunshine. The day-to-night temperatures vary with cooler nights helping the grapes maintain acidity. The heart region of Prosecco is the ideal climate/environment for Glera grapes to grow.
This is why Conegliano Valdobbiadene is so special and why you should look out for 'DOCG' on the label and either of these names 'Conegliano Valdobbiadene' printed on the label when shopping for Prosecco in the supermarket.
So, should you buy DOC or DOCG?
What makes DOCG the go-to choice of the two?
Here are some of my favourite facts about this beautiful region in Prosecco called Conegliano Valdobbiadene, where DOCG wine is from:
1. DOCG Prosecco superior is all about tradition and quality winemaking dating back to the 1930s.
2. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of stunning hills just 40 minutes from Venice.
3. Conegliano Valdobbiadene is home to the oldest wine school in Europe.
4. The wine made in this area is managed/monitored by hand. Including the pruning of the vines, harvesting of the grapes, cutting the grass and making the wine. As a result, there is an extra 600 hours of manpower that goes into each hectare.
5. The grape used to make Prosecco is called Glera but was called 'Prosecco' until 2009.
6. Rosé Prosecco cannot come from this region.
7. The south-facing environment and the diurnal range of the area (difference between day and night temperatures) are the perfect conditions to keep the Glera grapes fresh.
Will you be picking up a bottle of DOCG Prosecco when you’re next in the supermarket?
Elizabeth x