Origin and culture
CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO can be available in four types: still, frizzante, spumante SUPERIORE, and spumante SUPERIORE DI CARTIZZE. Area for viticulture is limited to 15 municipalities, between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene; Superiore di Cartizze grapes can be cultivated only in one sub-municipality of Valdobbiadene called S. Pietro di Barbozza. On labelling, when it is written “Conegliano Valdobbiadene” it is not necessary to add “Prosecco” or “Superiore” terms. It is possible to mention the specific municipality of production of the grapes by adding the term “Rive” and by including the vintage of production. Geographic territory is characterized by hills adjacent to Dolomitic Alps with soils made of sandstone and marl, alternated with layers of morainic and alluvial origin. Climate is temperate with relevant day to night temperature range. History of viticulture in the area dates to tablets of roman colonies. References then come from the VI century writings of the bishop of Poitiers who was born in Valdobbiadene and recalls the wine production of his birthplace; then many documents from the XIII century called “Statutes of Conegliano” during the rule of Venetian Republic, mention the wine as being appreciated by the foreigners royal courts of England, Augsburg, and Poland. The first reference of term Prosecco in Conegliano is of 1772. Various vinicultural studies were then brought forward around Prosecco grape varieties and their identification and selection. Winemaking tradition of the territory and scientific culture led then to the establishment of the first school of viticulture and enology of Italy (and of the world), in Conegliano in 1876, which is still today the main centre of research on viticulture for the Italian ministry of agriculture. In 1962 winemakers of the area went together to create a consortium for protecting the name PROSECCO DEI COLLI DI CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE. 1966 has seen the birth in the area of the first Strada del Vino (wine trail) of Italy, which confirms the winemaking tradition alongside with the pleasantness of the environment. Since 2020 the area is UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wine characteristics
CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SPUMANTE SUPERIORE colour is straw-yellow with persistent foam; smell is pleasant, characteristic; taste is fresh, harmonious.