The DOC Prosecco Consortium is planning to introduce a new Riserva category, as President Stefano Zanette and Director Luca Giavi explained at ProWein. During the consortium's recent general assembly, product regulations were adjusted. However, the timeframe for official confirmation is challenging to predict, with a minimum of one year unfortunately being more likely.
Once the criteria are met, producers can market their Prosecco as Riserva immediately after confirmation. The consortium remains committed to the Méthode Martinotti (or Méthode Charmat). The permitted grape varieties are the same as for classic Prosecco DOC and Rosé Prosecco, which will also be allowed as Riserva. Proseccos in the Riserva category must be aged for at least one year, with at least six months of aging on lees in pressure tanks and the remainder in bottles.
While the Riserva category is limited to Spumante, the entire spectrum of flavors from Extra Dry to Brut Nature is permitted. “We aim to introduce the Riserva category to provide new incentives for producers and customers,” explained Zanette to the German trade magazine Weinwirtschaft. A longer aging period enhances the quality of Prosecco, as demonstrated by examples already meeting the future Riserva criteria. CG
