The birth of Prosecco

Prosecco DOC is undoubtedly one of the most renowned and beloved Italian wines in the world. With its fine perlage and elegant aromas, it has become a symbol of Italian sparkling winemaking and a proud ambassador of Italy’s wine heritage around the globe.

But how was Prosecco born? And where does its name come from?
The origins of the wine we now know as Prosecco date back to the late 16th century, when the name was first used to refer to the wine “Pucinum,” produced in what is today the town of Prosecco, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, near Trieste. According to historical sources, “Pucinum” (or “Puccino”) was already highly appreciated during Roman times—so much so that Pliny the Elder mentioned it in his Naturalis Historia. It was even said to be the favorite wine of Empress Livia, wife of Emperor Augustus.

Prosecco’s written legacy also includes a crucial document from 1715, when the Minor Council of Trieste ruled that a “Magistrate” should provide “public certification that these are the true Proseccos,” in order to protect merchants from Germany, Venice, and Friuli, and to preserve the reputation of authentic and genuine Prosecco. This text can be considered an early form of wine regulation—not mentioning grape varieties but clearly identifying the wine, by that name, as tied to a specific and already prestigious territory.

Over time, between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Prosecco grape cultivation gradually expanded from Friuli into the Veneto region.

The Prosecco DOC we know today owes much to the Martinotti Method, also known as the Italian or Charmat Method. Developed in the 19th century by Italian oenologist Federico Martinotti, this technique revolutionized sparkling wine production. The key innovation was conducting the second fermentation—which naturally produces the bubbles—in large, sealed tanks called autoclaves.

This method allowed for quicker production while preserving the grapes’ primary aromas, resulting in a lively, fresh-tasting wine.

Prosecco DOC is made from Glera grapes, a native varietal that gives the wine its signature semi-aromatic character. The second fermentation in autoclave ensures a delicate perlage and a bouquet that ranges from fresh fruit to white flowers, always remaining light and approachable.

Prosecco DOC is a perfect example of tradition acting as a cornerstone for innovation. With its global success in the 21st century, the need for protection became even more crucial. In 2009, the Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC) for Prosecco was officially established, along with its Consortium, uniting growers and wineries across nine provinces in Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia—securing Prosecco’s place as a symbol of Italian winemaking excellence.

Today, Prosecco DOC stands for quality and conviviality—one of the most celebrated examples of Italian excellence in the world.