Any producers making Prosecco outside of the DOC and new DOCG region in Veneto will be forced to use the new grape name Glera on their labels instead of Prosecco. Apparently, Glera is an ancestor of the Prosecco grape but I think it sounds as naff as ‘Topaque’ – the new name for Aussie Tokay.
In a press release, Franco Adami, president of the Consorzio per la Tutela del Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene explained: “In 1969, when we obtained the DOC, the grape variety was grown exclusively in the 15 communes lying between the small towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. However in the last few decades, due to the quality of the wine and the winemaking skill of the producers its cultivation has gradually spread. Given this situation, we had to take action to protect the name Prosecco and to preserve the value created by this area and implement clear regulations that could guarantee a minimum level of quality.â€
From the 2009 vintage the name of the new DOCG will be Conegliano-Valdobbiadene and the sparkling wines will be labeled DOCG Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore.
Adami added: “The term Superiore helps the consumer to understand right away that this is an example of the original and best quality Prosecco from the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG.â€
The DOCG will not change the production rules and the production per hectare will remain the same. Director of the Consorzio, Giancarlo Vettorello said: “I would like to reassure both producers and UK importers that as production rules in our region will not be affected by the new DOCG status, the total number of bottles produced will not be reduced and consequently prices will not increase.â€
Right that’s enough from me, two posts in a day makes me need a cuppa. Ah well, the weekend is upon us.
