Prosecco has been living in the shadow of its famous and more expensive cousin, the Champagne, by being served in the same type of glass — the champagne flute. Even though both are sparkling wines, a large wine glass or a champagne tulip glass does wonders to maintain the Prosecco’s taste and fizz.
Learn more about Italy's most refined and modest wine and why we shouldn't just serve it in any type of sparkling wine glass.
What is the Right Glass to Serve Prosecco?
The champagne flute may preserve the bubbles of the white wine, but Prosecco should be able to breathe and release its perfume-like scent. Due to its dry nature, a large wine glass will aerate this drink and not sully its flavor.
Tulip Sparkling Wine Glass
If you're worried about the bubbles dissipating too fast, there’s no need to fret! The champagne tulip glass is perfect for serving Prosecco.
Compared to the champagne flute, the tulip’s wider shape helps release the wine's fragrance, while its tapered rim prevents the bubbles from escaping too much. Tulip glasses are designed to have the wine near the surface for the bubbles to be on full display while letting the air evaporate the wine’s alcohol.
You can also serve Prosecco using a coupe glass as it does aerate the wine, but the wider rim causes the bubbles to dissipate quickly, which can turn your drink flat.
Wine Tumblers
You can use wine tumblers to serve Prosseco. They also have a wide body for the wine to breathe and a tapered rim for the bubbles to stay just a bit longer. Although this stemless container may warm up your drink, the best thing you can do is leave your wine tumbler on the table and only hold it when it's time to drink.
How to Drink Prosecco?
1. Serve the Wine Chilled
First and foremost, always chill your bottle of Prosecco before drinking. Remember that wines are generally not served with ice because it'll water down the drink's flavor.
Have an ice bucket or wine bucket prepared, and place your bottle of Prosecco inside. With the bottle submerged in ice, wait for it to chill for 15- 20 mins. If you feel like that's too long, distract your guests with friendly conversation and banter.
2. Tilt the Prosecco Bottle at 45-degrees
When opening a bottle of Prosecco, tilt the bottle at 45-degrees. Doing this will help let the fizz inside last longer.
Loosen the cage around the cork by turning the wire six times, then remove it from the bottle with your thumb on top of the cork to avoid pre-popping. Hold the wine cork when you're about to open the bottle, and instead of twisting the cork, turn the bottle for a controlled pop. If you pull the cork first, the pressure will release and overflow out of the bottle.
When pouring the drink, angle your wine glass at 45 degrees and pour slowly. Doing this will ensure the bubbles will not immediately disappear, as the sparkling wine bubbles are also a huge part of the wine-drinking experience.
3. Sniff and Enjoy the Aromas
After serving the wine in a tulip wine glass, let it aerate for a bit. The alcohol from the wine will evaporate, and this will release a strong sweet aroma. Make sure you sniff your wine by placing the glass just below your nose. Enjoy the rich scent and let the bubbles tickle your face as you do.
The sensations will elevate your palate, and you'll be able to taste every flavor Prosecco has to offer. Don't forget that taste relies heavily on smell. One of the many reasons why using a champagne tulip glass is advantageous.
Try Some Prosecco Recipes
Since Prosecco is an affordable wine, you can enjoy it at any time. You can use it for co*cktails like a morning Sangria or an afternoon Bellini.
You can also use Prosecco to make delicious desserts such as Zabaglione (Italian custard) or Sabayon (French custard). If you prefer it in its purest form, you can enjoy a wine and cheese night with your friends and family or pair this clear bubbly with a savory dinner.
Conclusion
While there are differences between Champagne and Prosecco, we can all agree that their countries of origin are among the most romantic and poetic places. It's no wonder Italy and France produced excellent sparkling wines.
So next time you serve Prosecco, use a champagne tulip glass instead of a flute to unleash this drink’s wonderful smell and flavor.
We hope you enjoyed this article and as they say in Italy, "Buon vino fa buon sangue" (Good wine makes good cheer).
Tags
I am an enthusiast with a profound understanding of the intricacies surrounding the world of wines and spirits, particularly the art of serving and appreciating sparkling wines like Prosecco. My extensive experience and knowledge in the field allow me to delve into the nuances of glassware selection, serving techniques, and the sensory aspects that enhance the overall drinking experience.
In the provided article from February 3, 2021, the author discusses the often-overlooked Prosecco, shedding light on the importance of choosing the right glassware to fully appreciate its taste and fizz. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
-
Glassware Selection:
- The article emphasizes that Prosecco should not be served in the traditional champagne flute, which is often used for Champagne. Instead, it suggests using a large wine glass or a champagne tulip glass to allow Prosecco to breathe and release its perfume-like scent.
-
Tulip Sparkling Wine Glass:
- The tulip glass is recommended for serving Prosecco. Its wider shape helps release the wine's fragrance, while the tapered rim prevents bubbles from escaping too quickly. This design is aimed at showcasing the bubbles while allowing the wine to aerate and maintain its flavor.
-
Coupe Glass:
- The article briefly mentions the use of a coupe glass for serving Prosecco. Although it does aerate the wine, the wider rim can cause the bubbles to dissipate quickly, potentially making the drink flat.
-
Wine Tumblers:
- Wine tumblers are suggested as an alternative, featuring a wide body for the wine to breathe and a tapered rim to retain bubbles. However, the article notes that holding the stemless container may warm up the drink, so it's recommended to leave it on the table until it's time to drink.
-
How to Drink Prosecco:
- The article provides a guide on how to enjoy Prosecco properly, including chilling the bottle, opening it at a 45-degree angle to preserve fizz, and pouring it slowly into the glass at a similar angle to maintain bubbles. The importance of letting the wine aerate and enjoying its aromas is also highlighted.
-
Prosecco Recipes:
- The versatility of Prosecco is explored, suggesting its use in co*cktails like Sangria or Bellini, as well as in dessert recipes such as Zabaglione and Sabayon. Additionally, the article recommends pairing Prosecco with a wine and cheese night or enjoying it with a savory dinner.
-
Conclusion:
- The article concludes by emphasizing the cultural significance of sparkling wines from Italy and France, particularly Prosecco. It encourages using a champagne tulip glass instead of a flute to enhance the drink's aroma and flavor.
In summary, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for Prosecco enthusiasts, covering glassware choices, serving techniques, and creative ways to enjoy this sparkling wine.
