We know the Prosecco craze has been strong for a while now and that a bottle or two of the refreshing fizz has been fuelling many a summer party, been an important part of a celebration, and also enjoyed as a Friday evening treat.
But, did you know that pink Prosecco officially launched less than a couple of years ago?
If you have not had it already, this new sparkling rosé is a must try!
Why is Prosecco Rosé such big news?
Prosecco Rosé has only been available in the UK since the end of 2020.
Prosecco has designation of controlled origin (DOC) status, which means that its production is bound to a specific area in Italy, just north of Venice. Since 2009, only sparkling wine from this area can be officially called Prosecco and its production and quality is tightly monitored. Every bottle that bears the Prosecco DOC label must have been produced within the 9 provinces of the regions Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia and must maintain common tasting characteristics and winemaking processes.
The strict regulations meant that until recently Prosecco could only be made from a selection of white grapes including Glera, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco. However, in 2020, a new addition to this blend of grapes was formally allowed, with the inclusion of up to 15% of the red grape Pinot Noir...meaning Prosecco Rosé could finally be produced.
After several years of development and consultation, led by the Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC alongside the 11,460 winegrowers, 1,192 wineries, 347 sparkling wine houses that run the complex system behind the success of a great Italian denomination of origin, the Italian government finally approved production of the Prosecco DOC Rosé wines in August 2020, and the new sparkling wines were approved by the European Union at the end of October 2020, with most only ready for export from early in 2021.
What to expect from Prosecco DOC Rosé
With a brilliant pink hue, the flavour of Prosecco DOC Rosé retains the freshness you would expect from traditional Prosecco DOC wines, with added floral, fruity and berry notes.
Prosecco DOC Rosé has its own set of rigorous standards all producers must maintain. The colour must be a “brilliant, more or less intense, rose hue” and the wines must have a lingering effervescence.
For those who like their fizz dry, you will be delighted to hear that the new Rosé will be available as brut nature, extra brut, brut and extra dry. No sweet version of the Rosé will be allowed...so best stick to Lambrusco if you like your fizz a little sweeter!
Enjoy a bottle of Prosecco Rosé in one of our new hampers
At the launch event in October 2020, (yes...there was a spectacular launch event, including an operatic performance, demonstrations and endorsements from leading chefs, Masters of Wine, sommeliers and influencers...all virtual, of course!), Chairman of the Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC, Stefano Zanette said:
“I congratulate those producers who have shown themselves to be very ready to seize this opportunity, committing themselves right away so as not to be caught unprepared”.
And we are delighted that one such producer, Il Greto, has chosen to offer their Prosecco Spumante Rosé exclusively to hampers.com.
The Il Greto vineyards extend to the DOC Fruili area, in north-east Italy, which yield outstanding quality Prosecco. Here, grapes with intense aromas grow, thanks to the unique nature of the land and the perfect climate.
To be found in both our Prosecco Rosé & Truffles Hamper and our Couples Sharing Hamper, Il Greto’s exquisite sparkling rosé is elegant, light and fresh, with a brilliant raspberry hue. It has aromas of apple, pear and white flowers, combined with fresh red strawberries. A delicate mousse tingles pleasingly on the palate.
When served between 6-8°c, the fruity fragrance will draw you in from the moment you pop the cork and is ideal as an apéritif, to complement a delicious charcuterie starter or a light seafood dish.
You can discover our full range of Champagne and Prosecco Gift Hampers available online at hampers.com.
