Region: Veneto

Zone:

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG

The beautiful harmony between the pretty Marca Trevigiana landscape, the ridges between the cities of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, and the inviting grape, Prosecco, is remarkable. This is Veneto’s best-known, sparkling wine from the areas of the same name, just north of the Piave River in the Treviso province. The wines can also carry the names, Cornegliano or Valbobbiadene.

The wines from Cornegliano-Valdobbiadene DOC have been known since the days of the Venetian Republic, and the area’s been know for its exceptional quality since the days of ancient Rome. This is ”Prosecco territory”, but the grape had only secondary importance for centuries, right up until the demand for sparkling wine increased.

The modern Prosecco’s father was Antonio Carpenè, and when he established the Carpenè Malvolti winery, he also introduced the champagne method to the Conegliano zone, thus laying the foundation for Prosecco’s stellar reputation. Due to his efforts, Carpenè further inspired the establishment of a viticultural center and a very famous wine school, which have made Cornegliano a standard within Italian wine.

The wine industry that then blossomed around Prosecco, developed methods for tank fermentation, which was more economical than the common and expensive Metodo Classico, or Metodo Tradizionale (champenoise) method. This new method was dubbed Metodo Martinotti or Charmat.

Production-wise, Cornegliano-Valdobbiadene DOC is second after Asti Spumante, and its increasing popularity in Italy has meant that very little of it is exported. Some feel, however, that this type doesn’t quite measure up to the best from Franciacorta DOCG in Lombardia. Perhaps it’s a subjective evaluation.

The label can carry either Cornegliano and/or Valdobbiadene. Local patriotism and pride in the two cities creates a friendly rivalry about which wine is best, but experts agree that there isn’t a huge difference between the two, if there’s a difference at all.

One thing both sides can certainly agree on: The best type is Superiore di Cartizze DOC (Cartizze DOC), which is grown in a demarcated triangle between San Pietro di Barbozza, San Stefano and Saccol. Thus, it is often referred to as a 'cru'.

Finally, the area collectively known as Colli Trevignani is definitely worth a visit. There is a well-marked wine route with many wine stores, wineries and a host of wine festivals. Italiens never miss an opportunity to celebrate their wine.