Prosecco = 2 fermentations?

Question

I read a note somewhere (can't recall where) that implied that some Proseccos are made in what sounded like a single fermentation, under pressure, of course.

Note this would be different from the regular Charmat process which requires two separate fermentation steps. Will appreciate clarification (no pun intended).

-- ================================================Do you like wine? Do you live in South Florida? Visit the MIAMI WINE TASTERS group at

formatting link

================================================

Michael Pronay · Accepted Answer

No. Sparkling Prosecco - both slightly (frizzante) and fully (spumante) - is made with by charmat process (second fermentation in tanks under pressure), never by the traditional method, btw. There is an Italian sparkler however, that undergoes only one fermentation (in tanks), and this is stopped when the wine reaches

7%abv: Asti (Spumante).

Note that "prosecco" is the grape variety, not a synonym to "frizzante", as 99% of the consumers in Germany and Austria would believe.

M.

Leo Bueno · Answer

Oops, yes, I confused the two. It was Asti Spumante that the note indicated is the product of only one pressurized fermentation.

By the way, what technique do they use to st>Leo Bueno wrote:

-- ================================================Do you like wine? Do you live in South Florida? Visit the MIAMI WINE TASTERS group at

formatting link

================================================

Tom S · Answer

The normal method of arresting a fermentation midway is to chill the tank so that the yeast goes dormant, allow it all to settle to the bottom, then sterile filter the clear liquid. In the case of a sparkling wine this all has to be done under CO2 pressure so the fizz is not lost from the wine.

Tom S

Prosecco = 2 fermentations?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?