Sweetness Levels in Prosecco

Prosecco needs no introduction though when life presents us with an introduction involving a glass or two of Prosecco then we are very glad to partake. With an increasing global export market and some of the finest sparkling wine flavours in a bottle, Prosecco is a wine with plenty of character, quality and flavour. Not only is the wine itself a thing of beauty, but the region of Italy where Prosecco is officially produced is also probably one of the greatest wine tourism destinations I have ever visited.

When we pick up that bottle of Prosecco from the local supermarket or convenience store, maybe you are sitting at a bar and looking to order a glass, then you should also be aware that you can choose the sweetness level in your Prosecco. Some of us prefer a sweeter style of Prosecco, that apple / pear / floral character that we all love (thanks to the Glera grape) and yet some of us also prefer a much toned down sweetness level. So, what are the sweetness levels in Prosecco?

• Brut Nature – 0 to 3g/l of residual sugar
• Extra Brut – up to 6g/l of residual sugar
• Brut  – 0 to 12g/l of residual sugar
  Extra Dry –  12 to 17g/l of residual sugar
• Dry (Sec/Secco) – 17 to 32g/l of residual sugar
• Semi-Secco (Demi-Sec) – up to 50g/l residual sugar

The sweetness levels play a big part in how the Prosecco in your glass is presented to you. I often get asked how sweet is Prosecco and for this answer, I always ask people to check the label of the bottle. In amongst a lot of information and wording you will see mentioned one of the above sweetness levels, most times for Prosecco this will be Brut and Extra Dry. Prosecco remains one of the most popular sparkling wines purchased / served in the UK with more than 113 million bottles being sold in 2020.

 

“Prosecco production is requested to contain at least 85% of Glera grapes in order for it to be classified as ‘Prosecco’ officially.”

Let us take a look at two very different styles of Prosecco, both quality in being DOCG standard which is the superior product made from hand picked grapes in certain classified regions mostly with steep hills. These two producers have much respect within the industry for producing the finest of Prosecco examples:

Villa Sandi Rive Di San Pietro Di Barbozza EXTRA BRUT – “When quality is demanded from Prosecco then Villa Sandi will certainly be on the menu. For me it is my favoured label from this Prosecco producer, its finesse and elegance shows us the depth of quality that tank method can offer.  A Silver Medal winning Prosecco at the 2021 Glass of Bubbly Awards in the category of Light & Fruity.”

“The term ‘Rive’ indicates, in the local way of speaking, the slopes of the steep hills (banks) that are characteristic of the zone. ‘Riva’ means hills.” source Prosecco.it

Riva dei Frati Superiore di Cartizze DRY – “It’s powerful and alluring, I’m picturing a scene of James bond dancing with Sophia Loren. The magic in the bottle jumps out to entertain you masterfully delivering layers of fresh fruitiness and honeysuckle floral character though presenting all in a silky fashion that delights the palate. The winemaker wants you to be entertained and oh boy how this Cartizze does just that. A Gold Medal winning Prosecco at the 2021 Glass of Bubbly Awards in the category of Light & Fruity.”