How the Prosecco Has Made Its Mark in Australia

17 Feb How the Prosecco Has Made Its Mark in Australia

While Australia is a comparatively new entrant on the global wine market, local winemakers & wine growers are quite versatile and experimental and there isn’t much they won’t try their hand at. To a certain extent, this is owed to settlers from different continents, that have brought with them knowledge of their rich, traditional grapes and vines. And so, when we talk about new wine arrivals that have made our country their home, Prosecco is one of the more notable ones that come to mind.

The Prosecco Label

The wine growers of the King Valley in North East Victoria adopted these as one of their premium grapes when the ‘Prosecco Road’ concept was created by them. While it is a popular themed wine trail, it has proved to be a successful promotional initiative for the region.

Today, the Prosecco has become quite a popular alternative to conventional sparkling wines such as Chardonnay. In fact, this wine has made its mark in the UK and the USA as well. In Italy, the grape goes by the varietal Glera. The wine that’s referred to as Prosecco in Australia and in many other countries, comes from the Northern regions in Italy, where it’s used as the base of sparkling style wine of that same name.

There is a lot of debate around how the wineries in Australia label their wines “Prosecco”. From the time the name was officially changed, it has become a protected label just like Cheddar and Champagne are. However, since this particular grape varietal is called Prosecco in Australia, the wineries here that use this term, continue to hold the right to label it thus.

Different Types of Prosecco

Prosecco most often has the crsipyness of green apple and a citrusy zing; at times it may have traces of stonefruit ripeness as well. Sometimes, it has a very distinctive nuttiness and its higher acidity levels make it the ideal accompaniment for various Italian-styled appetisers. However, it also has a fizz that makes it an ideal aperitif. Some of the notable Prosecco wines you should try are:

Fili Prosecco Extra Dry DOC

This is the best aperitif for any occasion or weather. It has subtle cashew, pear fruit and apple notes that balance the sweetness of the wine very well. Its offdry-style is offset very well with a sherberty acid flavour.

Mionetto Prosecco Cartizze DOCG Extra Dry

This wine is made in an extra dry style from Glera grapes using the Charmat method. The stronger floral and pear fruit flavours have lasting undertones of nutty almond and mineral; its refreshing finish refreshing makes it a wine that’s very hard to put down.

Bortolomiol Ius Naturae Brut

This is a softly-rounded vintage offering with a firm finish. This feisty and fresh, dry style Prosecco has flavours of nut, apple ad lemon rind.

Australian Versions of Prosecco

While these are the Italian versions, there are certain Australian varietals that are excellent in their own way. Here are some you may want to try:

Christmont La Zona Prosecco

This wine has a light toast & nutty complexity, without compromising on the classic Prosecco characteristics such as almond, pear and lemon.

Pizzini Prosecco

This variety is made in the dry style and is intense and fresh with a racy mineraly finish. It’s floral, panettone and lemon balm flavours make it the perfect accompaniment for seafood.

Brown Brothers NV Prosecco

The wine has very generous notes of apple, lemon/lime and floral scents and is amazing when served chilled.

For more information on wines and custom-designed wine cellars in Australia, you can call Signature Cellars on 02 9340 7515 or use this contact form to get in touch with us. We’ll be pleased to assist you.

Thanks for reading,
Neil Smallman
Signature Cellars
1300 570 636