The query “What type of grape is used to make Prosecco?” reveals the essence of one of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wines, similar to the delightful Bella Principessa and Signorina Prosecco brands.
Prosecco is primarily made from a grape variety known as Glera. This grape must constitute at least 85% of the blend in a Prosecco wine. Glera is a local grape variety lauded for imparting Prosecco with its characteristic fruity and floral aromas, contributing significantly to the wine’s refreshing and vivacious profile.
Historically, this grape was also referred to as Prosecco, or more precisely, Prosecco Tondo. The nomenclature changed as the wine gained international recognition and to protect the geographical indication of the wine.
This rebranding to ‘Glera’ helped distinguish the grape variety from the wine itself, ensuring that the name ‘Prosecco’ remained exclusively associated with the sparkling wine produced in the specific regions of Veneto and Friuli in northern Italy.
Glera is a thin-skinned white grape cultivated for hundreds of years in the lush green hills of the Veneto region. The unique characteristics of the Glera grape, coupled with the region’s terroir, contribute to the unmistakable charm of Prosecco, making it a beloved choice for sparkling wine enthusiasts around the world and a key component in the production of brands like Bella Principessa Prosecco and Signorina Prosecco.
While the focus is predominantly on Glera, other grape varieties such as Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir (vinified white) can also be used in the blend, though in much smaller proportions.
