This guide was the most red post on Vino in Love in 2012! Therefore I decided to enhance it even more. The post was still written in the old wordpress.com style because I simply had no time to update it any sooner. But now the guide has gotten a complete overhaul! I hope you enjoy it as much as you did in 2012!
This guide is for those who do not know the difference between Vino Frizzante and Vino Spumante; it is also for those who want to learn more about the different production methods for sparkling wine. Last but not least this guide will also cover the myths of ‘Prosecco’
Frizzante, Spumante, and the myths of Prosecco
Have you ever ordered Prosecco at a restaurant? Of course you have. Who hasn’t! But was it Frizzante or Spumante or even Fermo?
There are significant differences between the three. Most likely you either drank a Frizzante or a Spumante. Fermo is quite uncommon. More on that later. First of all, we should make it crystal-clear that Prosecco is not a grape nor a specific wine -it is an appellation. Prosecco used to be the name of a grape which now is known as Glera. At the end of this guide we will focus our attention on Prosecco/Glera again.
Before we have a closer look at these sparkling wines we will examine the differences between the two most important production methods.
I. Metodo Champenoise and Metodo Martinotti
A. Metodo Champenoise
The Metodo Champenoise, also known as Metodo Classico (Champenoise Method; Classic Method) is the traditional way of producing sparkling wine. It was first used in the Champagne region of France for the manufacturing of Champagne. In Italy, only vino Spumante is produced after the Metodo Champenoise. I will explain why later.After a primary fermentation and bottling a second fermentation takes place. Vintners add yeas and sugar inside the bottle and then close the bottle with a crown-cap. Because of this, the carbon dioxide will stay in the wine. Most appellations require (at least) 18 months of aging. Sparkling wine that is produced from a single vintage is known as Millesimato. Millesimato can age up to 33 months. The pressure for Italian sparklers, which follow the Metodo Champenoise, can range from 3 bars to 6.5 bars.Depending on how much sugar the spumante has classifications vary from demi-sec (lots of sugar) to extra-brut (almost no sugar).
B. Metodo Martiontti
The Metodo Martinotti, also known as Metodo Charmat (Martinotti Method; Charmat Method) was invented in the 19th century by a Federico Martinotti, an Italian oenologist from Asti.Just like in the Metodo Champenoise, sparkling wine has to undergo two fermentations. The primary fermentation is exactly the same for both production processes.
However, the secondary fermentation does not take place in the bottle. Instead it takes place in large stainless steel tanks. The wine gets bottled under high pressure.
First of all, this results in a much cheaper manufacturing process. Secondly the Metodo Martinotti allows large-scale productions of Spumante.
It can be said without a doubt that Federico Martinotti revolutionized sparkling wine production.
Compared to sparklers manufactured after the Metodo Champenoise, the sparkling wines following the Metodo Martinotti process have an inferior perlage, tend to be less aromatic and are in general of lower quality.
II. Frizzante, Spumante or Fermo?
Now that we know the two major production methods for sparkling wine are we can finally take a look at the types of Italian Sparkling wine.
A. Vino Frizzante
Putting it simple, Vino Frizzante (ital. frizzante: bubbly) is a sparkling wine with a minimum pressure of 1.0 bar and maximum pressure of 2.5 bar. The carbon dioxide can either be natural or come from a gas injection. Natural carbon dioxide is always the result of the Metodo Martinotti.The Metodo Champenoise is never used for Vino Frizzante.A gas injection is very cheap and sparklers with it are of extremly low quality. A rule of thumb: If the Vino Frizzante costs less than 3€ then it has a gas injection. Do not buy it. They will not taste good.The two most well-known appellations for Vino Frizzante are Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG (Veneto) and Prosecco DOC (Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia). Both appellations also allow the manufacturing of Vino Spumante. Wine from these two appellations has to be made with at least 85% Glera grapes.Other examples for Vino Frizzante are: Pignoletto (Emilia-Romagna) and Lambrusco (Emilia Romagna). A large amount of Italy’s Barbera grapes is used for the production of a light red wine summer wineIn France Vino Frizzante is known as Vin Pétillan and in Germany as Perlwein.
B. Vino Spumante
Pressure is also an excellent indicator for Vino Spumante: At least 3.5 bar. Vino Spumante can be produced after the Metodo Champenoise and after the Metodo Martinotti.
The most-well known appellations include: Asti DOCG (Piedmont), Franciacorta DOCG (Lombardy), Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG (Veneto) and Trento DOC (Trentino-Alto Adige).
If you buy a Trento DOC then usually you get Metodo Champenoise sparkler, that is because Trento is the second appellation in the world, after Champagne in France to produce high-quality Champagne-like wine. Outstanding Trento DOCs can often beaten an outstanding Champagne.Franciacorta is still a relatively young wine region. It is specialized in vino spumante that follows the Metodo Champenoise process.
Spumante from the appellation Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG is in most cases a Metodo Martinotti. The German equivalent of Vino Spumante is Sekt. The French equivalents are Champagne and Crémant.
C. Prosecco Fermo
Prosecco Fermo is actually not a sparkling wine. If the bottle label indicates that the wine is fermo (ita:. still) then no matter what grapes are used there won’t be any bubbles. Vino Fermo is a still wine. Now you might wonder why a vintner would write that on his label since most wine is still. It is a good question.
In parts of the Veneto (the appellation Prosecco DOC covers large parts of the Veneto) the same Glera grapes which are used for sparkling wine are also used for the production of still wine. In order not to confuse customers wineries indicate that their wine is fermo whenever it is made with grapes that are usually found in sparkling wines.
Pignoletto would be another example for a grape that is used mostly for sparkling wine but sometimes also for still one.
III. Myths about Prosecco
Myth: Prosecco is a an Italian sparkling wine.
Fact: Prosecco is an appellation for wine. It can be still, sparkling, and frizzante. Therefore, always read the label.
Myth: Prosecco is a white grape.
Fact: Prosecco used to be the name for a white grape. This grape is now known as Glera. In the European Union the use of the name Prosecco in reference as a grape has been outlawed since 2009.
Myth: Prosecco is a synonym for Italian sparkling wine
Fact: Simply wrong. Who told you that?
IV. Wine Recommendations
All Vini Frizzanti that I recommend are produced after the Metodo Martinotti process!
The links will either bring you to a wine review or to wine-searcher.
Pignoletto (Vino Frizzante)
2011 Azienda Agricola Zuffa – Elegans ‘Pignoletto’ – Colle d’Imola DOC (<10€)
2011 Vigneto San Vito – Pignoletto Superiore – Colli Bolognesi DOC (11.50€)
Lambrusco (Vino Frizzante)
2011 Cavicchioli & Figli – Vigna del Cristo – Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC (< 10€)
Trento DOC (Vino Spumante)
Ferrari – Perlé Nero Trento DOC – Trento DOC (40-50€)
Ferrari – Rosé – Trento DOC (15-20€)
Franciacorta DOCG (Vino Spumante)
2005 Bellavista – Gran Cuvée Pas Opere – Franciacorta DOCG (35-45€)
Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG (Vino Spumante)
Perlage – Animae – Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG (15€)
I am not a big fan of sweet Asti DOCG sparklers. But if someone really wants a recommendation then just ask.
What you should take from this guide:
- Prosecco is not a wine nor a grape – it is an appellation.
- Vino Spumante ≠ Vino Frizzante.
- Gas injection = Low quality = Don’t buy!
If you have any questions about Italian sparkling wine then simply use the comment section below. Of course, feedback is highly appreciated : )
Follow this link for more guides and articles on Italian wine.
24 comments
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the winegetter
Twitter: thewinegetter
October 6, 2012 at 12:08 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
I really appreciate your “educational” postings. To the point, informative and easy to follow. Thanks!
vino in love
Twitter: vinoinlove
October 6, 2012 at 12:53 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thank you for the kind words! I’m glad you enjoy these type of articles!
the drunken cyclist
Twitter: masi3v
October 6, 2012 at 3:40 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
The Winegetter beat me to the punch, as usual! Between the two of you, I feel the need to go more German and Italian! Damn you!
vino in love
Twitter: vinoinlove
October 6, 2012 at 3:41 PM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Italy offers such a large variety of different wines so if you decide to try more Italian then I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll like
And Oliver can for sure recommend you some stunning German Rieslings 
wineking3
Twitter: wineking3
October 6, 2012 at 11:50 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Great guide! Keep up the good work
vino in love
Twitter: vinoinlove
October 6, 2012 at 3:41 PM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thanks wineking3!
theducksong
December 21, 2012 at 8:11 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Just saw the list includes Ferrari!! Since when do they sell wine? I thought they only produce sports cars!
vino in love
Twitter: vinoinlove
December 23, 2012 at 1:06 PM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Ferrari is a common last name. The car manufacturer has nothing to do with the winery Cantine Ferrari.
winetalks
January 13, 2013 at 8:15 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Sparkling wine is so good! I love the classic methods from Valdobiaddene in Lombardy!! Thanks for explaining the differnece between Frizzante and Spumante
vino in love
Twitter: vinoinlove
January 13, 2013 at 8:44 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Frank,
Thanks for commenting. I’m glad I could help you with this article
wpawinepirate
January 13, 2013 at 11:11 PM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Great post!!! There is so much useful info in it. I am glad you put it up again. Keep up the good work and we will be waiting to read and learn.
vino in love
Twitter: vinoinlove
January 14, 2013 at 3:00 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thank you so much for your kind words. It always makes me happy when my readers enjoy what I write
hannah-theis
January 14, 2013 at 2:26 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thanks a lot for this great article! I never knew the difference between frizante and spumante. Always thought that both are champagne-like wines but then often some were of much inferior quality (the frizantes). Finally, I understand why : -)
vino in love
Twitter: vinoinlove
January 14, 2013 at 3:05 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Hannah,
I’m happy that you enjoy my writings!
Italian sparklers can be quite confusing – that’s why I thought about reposting this article.
Stefano
January 14, 2013 at 4:00 PM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Very nice write-up, Julian!
Take care
vino in love
Twitter: vinoinlove
January 14, 2013 at 5:14 PM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thank you, Stefano! I appreciate it, that you like my writings.
The guide was probably not too informative for you though since you probably knew all that already
aFrankAngle
January 14, 2013 at 4:49 PM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thanks for the clarifications. Well done … and Prosecco is very easy to drink.
vino in love
Twitter: vinoinlove
January 14, 2013 at 5:18 PM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Hey Frank,
Thank you for stopping by! You’re right, many Prosecchi are quite easy to drink. They make good aperitifs! But personally when it comes to Italian sparkling wine I prefer a Trento Doc (preferably from Cantine Ferrari).
armchairsommelier
February 13, 2013 at 12:47 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Super post, vinoinlove! I’m so weak on Italian wine knowledge . . . this was just perfect! Salute!
vino in love
Twitter: vinoinlove
February 13, 2013 at 1:32 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thank you so much for your nice words
If you have a passion for them then you will learn very quickly.
I’m very happy that you like the article! Italian wine is not that complicated
vino in love recently posted…2010 Azienda Agricola Mutta Massimo – Merlot – IGT Veneto
thebestdressup
February 27, 2013 at 6:33 AM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
ciao! informative luvFAB post. franciacorta is an absolute favourite.
thebestdressup
vino in love
February 27, 2013 at 3:48 PM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Ciao
Thank you so much for your nice words! Franciacorta is a very good sparkler indeed.
vino in love recently posted…2009 Tenuta di Montecucco – Passonaia – Montecucco DOC
Wine and Wine
May 1, 2013 at 6:41 PM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thanks for this awesome write up! It helped me a lot understanding the key differences between italian Sparkling wines
vino in love
May 2, 2013 at 10:47 PM (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Wine and Wine,
Thanks for stopping by! I’m glad that my article was a help to you!