For an industry built on history and tradition, it’s refreshing when something new comes along. The arrival of Prosecco Rosé is being met with great fanfare. But its debut is also leaving some drinkers sipping in confusion. For people in the industry, the anticipation over the new category has been building for a few years. But among general consumers, some may have assumed that it already existed.
The confusion is not without grounds as there’s a long history of rosé production in Prosecco DOC. However, it was only in the spring of 2020 when the Prosecco Consorzio announced it would be making Prosecco DOC Rosé an official designation. With this, producers have specific rules they must follow to sell and market their wine.
DOC Rules
Prosecco DOC Rosé must include mostly Glera, the flagship grape of Prosecco. The addition of up to 15% Pinot Nero (aka Pinot Noir) comes a wide range of colors. From pale blush to bright magenta, the color depends on the length of time the grape’s skin is in contact with the rest of the juice.
Sweetness levels follow the same regulated ranges as Prosecco DOC. From Brut Nature (with no residual sugar) to extra-dry, which (confusingly) includes some sweetness.
Here are the specific rules that producers must follow to label Prosecco DOC as Rosé:
- Grape varieties: Glera plus 10%-15% Pinot Noir
- Yields: 18 tons/hectare for Glera and 13.5 tons/hectare for Pinot Noir
- Second fermentation: Charmat Method (minimum of 60 days – twice as long as regular Prosecco)
- Sales: allowed from the 1st of January after the harvest
- Residual sugar: from Brut Nature to Extra Dry
- The label must state the word “Millesimato” and the vintage (minimum of 85% of the grapes from that year)
Given the relatively quick turnaround to make sparkling wine via the Charmat Method, bottles began showing up on wine lists and store shelves in the United States in February 2021.
These five picks from Matthew Kaner are worth seeking out for their approachable profiles and price tags.
Lunetta
2019 Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra-Dry
A “cheap and cheerful” rendition from Cavit, one of northern Italy’s largest Prosecco producers. The initial Glera vinification gives a fresh and enticing profile, while the small amount of Pinot Noir provides the color. Ripe cherry and raspberry fruit aromas with a kiss of rose petals.
La Gioiosa
2019 Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato Brut
This stunner is drenched in pomegranate fruit character that won’t stain your shirt. The super silky finish feels as perfect as clean bedsheets.
Bisol 1542
2019 Jeio Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato Brut
A Herculean wine for its category, Bisol 1542 make some of the most respected of all Proseccos. Red fruits, citrus, white flowers. Have this with smoked fish salad and peaches, and don’t get mad when you start dancing.
Ca’ di Rajo
2020 Prosecco DOC Treviso Rosé Millesimato
Freshly picked strawberries don’t taste this good. Wow, what a killer wine coming from Ca’ di Rajo. Maybe the top Prosecco Rosé I’ve ever poured into a glass!
Villa Sandi
202 Il Fresco Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato
Thought of as a leader in the area, Villa Sandi was one of the first producers to release Prosecco Rosé. This bottle features a salinity that unlocks a whole new pairing potential. Have it with fresh oysters, uni pasta, or mussels and watch the ear to ear grin that comes to your face.
