Winderland Ep.6: The Prosecco Phenomenon, why this sparkling wine is taking over the world

Welcome wine lovers! In this episode of Winderland, your host Giuseppe takes you on an exciting journey into the world of sparkling wines, focusing on the remarkable rise of Prosecco. We'll delve into why this Italian sparkling wine is experiencing such a surge in popularity, potentially even surpassing champagne as the go-to choice for many around the globe.

Prosecco's meteoric rise began around 2011 and has shown consistent growth ever since. The UK, along with Italy, leads in Prosecco consumption, and its appeal is spreading rapidly across Europe and beyond. But what exactly is driving this trend?

Giuseppe explores several key factors that set Prosecco apart. Firstly, its unique production method using the Glera grape and the charmat process, which involves secondary fermentation in stainless steel tanks, gives Prosecco its distinct, easy-to-drink character. The wine's fruity flavors, such as green apple, honeydew melon, pear, and honeysuckle, contribute to its approachable sweetness.

Another significant factor is Prosecco's affordability. With a production cost of around 3 euros and 70 cents per bottle, it is accessible for casual gatherings or as an everyday indulgence. This price point makes it a popular choice among both new and seasoned wine enthusiasts.

Versatility is another strong suit of Prosecco. It pairs well with a wide range of dishes from different cuisines, making it suitable for any occasion. Whether served as an aperitif or alongside a main course, its sweet aromatics and bubbles complement spicy dishes and Asian cuisine perfectly.

Lastly, Giuseppe touches on the surprising health benefits of Prosecco. Studies suggest that moderate consumption can improve memory and enhance blood vessel function, potentially lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of clots. However, he advises to always drink responsibly.

As Giuseppe concludes, the rise of Prosecco is more than a fleeting trend; it represents a significant shift in the wine landscape. With sales continuing to grow, it seems the Prosecco craze is here to stay.

Thank you for tuning in to episode six of Winderland. Join Giuseppe next time for more wine exploration. Ciao!

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Music.

(00:17):
Welcome wine lovers i'm your host Giuseppe and today we're popping the cork
on a fascinating trend what is making sparkling wine upsurge particularly the well-known Prosecco.
Music.

(00:42):
Lately, we all noticed the uptrend of what we call a phenomenon that over the
past few years we experienced, the popularity of Prosecco.
For more than 10 years till now, it is believed that Prosecco is well on its
way to overtaking champagne as the most popular choice of sparkling wine.

(01:03):
And the sparkling Italian drink has become the best-selling sparkling wine in
many countries around the world.
And while Italians still wonder how this Prosecco craze exactly started,
the same started rapidly rising in 2011.
And consumption doubled the most in a few countries around Europe,

(01:28):
like the UK and the east of Europe, from 2013 to 2014.
Since then, the growth has been consistent and it seems like the Prosecco bubble
is still far from flying open.
According to the International Wine and Spirit Research, the UK is the biggest

(01:50):
consumer of Prosecco next to its home, Italy.
Generally speaking, it's not just the affordable price point for the celebratory
nature of sparkling wine that brought this huge change of trend,
but most likely the unique Prosecco versatility and quality which have imported significantly.

(02:12):
Making it a stampole in many wine drinkers' fridge.
Music.

(02:34):
Now, let's list down the essential factor why Prosecco is winning.
So, factor number one that sets Prosecco apart from other sparkling wine,
like Champagne or Cava, is the easy drinking way to be drank.
Indeed, Prosecco wine are made with different grapes, so we don't see the use

(02:54):
of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, which are usually used in the Champagne or Franciacorta.
But Galera grape, and an entirely different winemaking method called charmat,
which means that wine is fermented for the second time in the stainless steel claves.
This Italian drink is produced in a dry-brewed style, but its fruit flavors, such as green apple,

(03:21):
honeydew melon, pear, and honeysuckle, gives it a sweeter flavor that makes it an easier drink.
However, number two is to consider closely its price.
Indeed, what made Prosecco one of the new go-to drinks for new and older drinkers,

(03:42):
a wine appassionado, is the affordable price point.
With an average production cost of 3 euro and 70 cents per bottle,
it can be easily purchased for casual get-togethers or as an after-work drink.
However, thanks to its simple production method, Prosecco has a lower price

(04:05):
point comparing to other drinks.
Music.
Factor number three, it's called versatility. Indeed, when it comes to food

(04:28):
pairing, Prosecco is versatile and tastes well with a wide range of dishes from different cuisines.
Not many wines can be served before and also work well with the main course,
but Prosecco does that perfectly.
Because of its sweet aromatics and the bubbles, the drink matches well with

(04:49):
the spicy dishes and the Asian cuisine.
Then, factor number four, last but not the least, health benefits.
Indeed, there are many surprising health benefits that come with drinking Prosecco.
A recent study found that drinking Prosecco can improve your memory.

(05:10):
In that said study, drinkers were surprisingly able to clearly remember information
better they started drinking compared to those who did not drink.
But of course drink responsibly aside
from its benefit for your memory prosecco can also improve the function of your

(05:31):
blood vessels according to scientists the increased blood flows caused by drinking
prosecco can decrease blood pressure and the possibility of clots for me.
Music.

(05:55):
Oh Lord,
I've been waiting for this moment There we go.
The rise of Prosecco is not just passing trend, but a shifting in the wine landscape.
So with its number of cells growing every year, it seems like the Prosecco craze is here to stay.

(06:17):
To conclude, I want to thank you for tuning in to this episode six of Winderland.
Join me next time for more wine exploration. Ciao!

(06:40):
Oh, my God.
Thank you.